These stories are incredible on their own, I can't help but also stress the wonderful "prequel", The Silmarillion (1977), summarized in the "Myth-History of Middle-earth", which explains how the Elves, Hobbits and Men came to be (as well as the evil Sauron himself).
The Hobbit
The Lord of the Rings
A Selected History of Tolkien's Works
The Hobbit
by J. R. R. Tolkien1. An Unexpected Party
A Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is visited by the mysterious wizard Gandalf and invited to be on an adventure. Despite Bilbo's obvious disinterest, the next day thirteen Dwarves arrive with Gandalf, and they eventually explain that they want to break into the Lonely Mountain to recover their hereditary gold and get revenge on Smaug, the dragon who had forced their ancestors to flee their mining complex in the old days. Bilbo is reluctant, but his more adventurous maternal (Took) side tempts him to agree to be the party's "burglar".
2. Roast Mutton
In the morning Bilbo has second thoughts, but Gandalf convinces him to catch up to the Dwarves (who have already departed). After a journey of some days, the party pass beyond the Hobbit lands. Later, Gandalf quietly slips away and the party are caught in bad weather. They lose their food supplies in an accident. Drawn to a campfire, they are captured by trolls, who decide to eat them. Gandalf reappears and uses some vocal trickery (ventriloquism) to stall the trolls. When daylight comes, the trolls are turned to stone. The party appropriates Elvish swords and food from the trolls' hidden loot.
3. A Short Rest
The Company reach the base of the Misty Mountains and Gandalf finds the entrance to Rivendell, the Elves' Last Homely House. After they rest for a couple weeks, the Elvish warrior-philosopher Elrond translates the runes on their newly-acquired swords, as well as hidden moonlight-activated runes found on Thorin's map. The runes reveal more secrets to the hidden back entrance of the Lonely Mountain.
4. Over Hill and Under Hill
Further up the Misty Mountains the Company encounter thunderstorms and a pair of stone giants hurling boulders at each other. They find refuge in a cave, but after falling asleep are captured by Goblins (except for Gandalf). The Great Goblin interrogates Thorin and becomes angry, but Gandalf appears, killing the Great Goblin and directing Bilbo and the Dwarves to flee. Most of the party escape but Bilbo is knocked out and left behind in the darkness.
5. Riddles in the Dark
Bilbo finds a ring in the darkness and pockets it. Wandering to the shore of an underground lake, he encounters the pathetic Gollum. They engage in a riddle contest, which Bilbo wins by accident. Annoyed, Gollum plans to eat Bilbo with the help of his "precious" invisibility ring but cannot find it. Bilbo evades Gollum when he uses Gollum's ring to turn himself invisible. Heading towards signs of daylight, he dodges the Goblin guards and makes his way out of the mountain's bowels.
6. Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire
Bilbo reunites with Gandalf and the Dwarves, but they are soon chased by Wargs (wolves) and forced up into the pine trees. Gandalf lights pine cones on fire and uses them to harass the Wargs below. Goblins arrive for a meeting with the Wargs (to discuss an attack on the woodsmen of the south). They set fire to the trees protecting the Company, but the Lord of Eagles sees their plight from up high in the Misty Mountains. Having no love for Goblins, he and his clan swoop down and carry Gandalf's party away to their Eyrie.
7. Queer Lodgings
After the Dwarves recover, the Eagles drop the party off at the Carrock (east of the Misty Mountains, but south of their originally intended path). Gandalf leads them to the home of Beorn, who they learn is a form of were-bear. Beorn, being no friend of Goblins or Wargs, helps the Company recuperate and directs them to a path heading north towards the entrance to the Elf path through Mirkwood Forest. As the Dwarves enter the strange forest, Gandalf departs once more, heading south to take care of other business.
8. Flies and Spiders
As the journey in Mirkwood drags on, the party begin running out of food. Drawn off the forest pathway by isolated campfires (revealed to be Elvish feasts in the forest), they are eventually captured by giant spiders. Bilbo uses his Elvish sword and invisibility ring to free the Dwarves and they escape. Thorin however, is captured by the feasting Wood Elves and held prisoner by the Elvenking when he refuses to answer what they are doing in Mirkwood Forest.
9. Barrels Out of Bound
The rest of the Dwarves are all captured by the Wood Elves and brought into the Elvenking's underground hill complex (but followed by an invisible Bilbo). After a couple weeks of imprisonment, Bilbo finally helps them all escape by hiding the Dwarves in barrels, which are floated down the Forest River to the towns of Men.
10. A Warm Welcome
When the barrels arrive at their final destination, Bilbo and the Dwarves reveal themselves and announce their intentions to the Men of Lake-Town (Esgaroth). The Men recall the prophesied return of the King Under the Mountain and help them to recuperate. Eventually rested and resupplied, the Company departs north for the Lonely Mountain.
11. On the Doorstep
The party travel up Long Lake into the River Running, eventually landing at the approach to the Lonely Mountain. Heading northwest, they pass Ravenhill and the ruins of Dale, and eventually find the secret door on the west side of the mountain. With a clue from a thrush and the help of a beam of light from the setting sun, the keyhole is revealed and they open the door to a secret tunnel into the mountain.
12. Inside Information
Bilbo is elected to descend into the passage. Reaching the bottom he comes across the dragon Smaug and his treasure hoard. He quietly returns to the waiting Dwarves with a gold cup from the hoard. Smaug wakes and notices that a cup is missing, and begins searching for the thief. The Dwarves are forced to hide inside the passageway. Bilbo later returns to see what Smaug is up to and, despite Smaug's trickery, escapes with the knowledge of a small chink in Smaug's armor. Unable to locate the outer end of the secret tunnel, Smaug batters the west side of the mountain with fire, and then heads towards Lake-Town to punish the Men for aiding the Dwarves.
13. At Home
With no sign of Smaug, the party reach the treasure hoard, and Bilbo surreptitiously pockets the famous Arkenstone. Carrying as much loot as they can, the party make their way out the Front Gate of the Lonely Mountain and find a resting place in an abandoned watchtower.
14. Fire and Water
Smaug attacks Esgaroth. Bard, a descendant from the line of destroyed Dale, is told the secret of the chink in Smaug's armor by the thrush who had pointed out the secret door to Bilbo. Bard's arrow kills Smaug and he crashes into the town, destroying it. Bard sends a message to the Wood Elves for aid and the Elvenking arrives with supplies to help build a new town further inland than Esgaroth had been. However, the Men begin blaming the Dwarves for their misfortune.
15. The Gathering of the Clouds
The Dwarves receive news from the ravens that Smaug is dead. When Thorin is informed that Men and Elves are converging to plunder the Dwarves' treasure hoard, he sends the raven to get aid from Dáin, the nearest Dwarf clan. The Dwarves fortify the Front Gate before the arrival of the men from Esgaroth and the Wood-Elves. When Bard confronts Thorin at the gate, Thorin refuses to part with the gold. Bard and the Wood-Elves lay siege to the Dwarves' mountain fortress.
16. A Thief in the Night
Bilbo uses the ring to sneak over to the encampment of Bard and the Elves. He gives them the Arkenstone (which Thorin had been obsessively searching for) and tells them to use it as a bargaining chip with Thorin in order to avoid bloodshed. After a brief reunion with Gandalf in the camp, he returns to the Dwarves' mountain stronghold.
17. The Clouds Burst
After learning of Bilbo's betrayal, Thorin orders Bilbo to leave. He tells Bard that he agrees to give up Bilbo's share of the treasure to the Men and Elves in exchange for the Arkenstone, and that he will make the trade the next day. The next day Dáin's army of Dwarves arrives and they prepare to attack the Men and Elves. Gandalf warns them all that a Goblin army under Bolg from the north is nearing, along with a Warg army. Bard, the Elvenking and Dáin quickly form an alliance to bottle up the arriving Goblins and Wargs between the mountainous arms of the Front Gate of the Lonely Mountain. The Men, Elves and Dwarves appear to have the upper hand until a reserve Goblin army appears from the north side of the mountain. Things look bleak for the defenders but the Front Gates open and Thorin's party joins the fray, briefly turning the tide once again. When the Goblins appear to be able to retain the upper hand, Bilbo despairs. Suddenly he sees the Eagles approach, coming to their aid, but before seeing what happens next, he is knocked out by a stone.
18. The Return Journey
Bilbo wakes up unharmed and visits Thorin on his deathbed. He learns that while he was out, the Eagles had picked off the Goblins attacking from the north side of the mountain. With still more Goblins arriving, the final victory had only come with Beorn's sudden appearance. Thorin is buried beneath the mountain with the Arkenstone and Orcrist, his Elvish sword. Gandalf and Beorn take Bilbo home by way of Beorn's compound.
19. The Last Stage
Stopping at the Last Homely House of Elrond, Gandalf reveals that during his own travels (in Mirkwood) he had helped a great council of white wizards drive the evil Necromancer (Sauron) out of the southern region of the forest. Eventually, Bilbo makes it back to Hobbiton and Bag End where he discovers that his home is being auctioned off (his long absence had led his neighbors to believe that Bilbo had died). Years later, while Bilbo is writing his memoirs, he is visited by Gandalf and Balin, who inform him of the peace and restoration of the lands around the Lonely Mountain.
The Lord of the Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Fellowship Of The Ring (1954)
BOOK ONE
I
A Long-Expected Party
Gaffer Gamgee, Bilbo's gardener, reflects on the odd company with which old Bilbo Baggins has been keeping since he returned from his trip to the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo arranges a birthday party for himself and his nephew Frodo. Gandalf arrives and provides a fireworks display for the occasion. Bilbo makes a speech and then uses the Ring to suddenly vanish at its climax. Back at his house Bag End, he reluctantly leaves the Ring for Frodo and then departs with three Dwarves, with Gandalf alone sending him off. Frodo arrives and Gandalf tells him that he is concerned about the Ring's true nature and will return when he finds out more.
II
The Shadow of the Past
Years pass and an unusual number of Elves, Dwarves and other races migrate west to the Grey Havens, fleeing from dark forces building in Mordor in the southeast. Gandalf finally returns after a long absence and tells Frodo the story of how Gollum obtained the One Ring, and how he was later captured by Sauron after he had lost it to Bilbo. He reveals the secret inscription on the Ring’s underside, and explains that the existence of the One Ring and Hobbits has now reached Sauron. Frodo realizes that he must flee with it in order to spare the Shire from invasion. Frodo's gardener Sam (son of Gaffer Gamgee) is caught listening, and Gandalf orders Sam to accompany Frodo on his journey.
III
Three Is Company
Frodo and Sam sell off Bag End to Bilbo’s relations and prepare to depart the Shire for Rivendell (under the guise of a move to a new house in Crickhollow). Their friend Pippin joins them to help Frodo in his move. When the date of the move arrives, Gandalf is strangely not present. On the road they are forced to hide from a hooded, horsed Black Rider, who they somehow know is to be feared. Later, they are nearly caught by the Black Rider but they run into a group of Elves. Recognizing Frodo as Bilbo's nephew, the Elves escort the Hobbits to their camp in the woods. Their leader Gildorn warns Frodo about the Black Riders.
IV
A Short Cut to Mushrooms
The next morning the Hobbits continue east, glimpsing the Black Rider in the distance searching for them. They cut through some woods and end up at Maggot’s farm, where Frodo had once long ago been caught stealing mushrooms. Farmer Maggot tells the Hobbits that the Black Rider has been looking for them, and helps them out by taking them to the Brandywine ferry in his wagon. There, they meet up with their friend Merry.
V
A Conspiracy Unmasked
After crossing the Brandywine River on the ferry, the three Hobbits arrive at Frodo’s new house in Crickhollow. As Frodo prepares to tell his friends that he must leave on a dangerous quest, his friends inform him that they have already figured out the truth and intend to stay with him to the end. They make plans to cut through the Old Forest to avoid attention from the Black Rider. That night, Frodo has a dream of a white tower, but is woken by the sound of thunder.
VI
The Old Forest
Frodo’s friend Fatty Bolger stays behind at Crickhollow to maintain appearances, as Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin depart into the foreboding Old Forest. The path leads them towards the Withywindle river. There, a giant willow tree (Old Man Willow) tries to lull the Hobbits to sleep and then swallow them up in its trunk. A singing traveler named Tom Bombadil comes across them and sings to the willow, freeing the Hobbits. The Hobbits are then led to Tom’s house for refreshment.
VII
In the House of Tom Bombadil
At Tom’s house, the Hobbits are greeted by a blonde woman named Goldberry, the daughter of the River. Tom and Goldberry provide refreshment and beds, and the Hobbits have strange dreams (Frodo dreams of a man on a tower being borne away by an eagle). Tom tells the Hobbits many stories, and claims that his presence in Middle-earth precedes Men, Hobbits and even the Dark Lord. He asks Frodo about the Ring and tries it on, but does not turn invisible. Frodo puts on the Ring but Tom is somehow still able to see him. Tom says they can leave the next morning when the weather clears.
VIII
Fog on the Barrow-downs
The Hobbits leave Tom’s house and eventually leave the Old Forest and enter the hilly Barrow-downs. After becoming lost in a strange fog they are captured by Barrow-wights and imprisoned. In desperation Frodo recites a song which Tom had taught him earlier, after which Tom himself suddenly appears and rescues the Hobbits. Tom then leads the Hobbits safely out of the Barrows and back onto the Road. He gives each of them a Westernesse sword (made by ancient enemies of Sauron) from the Barrow-wights' loot and tells them to find rest at the Prancing Pony in Bree.
IX
At the Sign of The Prancing Pony
The Hobbits arrive in Bree and join the merriment at the Prancing Pony. Frodo meets a mysterious Ranger named Strider, who seems to know about Frodo’s mission. Frodo accidentally puts the Ring on during a dance and disappears in front of the crowd, which causes suspicion and resentment.
X
Strider
The Hobbits retreat to their lodgings at the inn where they are surprised to find Strider. Strider tells them that they are in danger and offers to escort them out of Bree safely. The innkeeper, Butterbur, arrives and gives Frodo a letter from Gandalf (which he had forgotten to send to him months earlier). In the letter Gandalf says to trust Aragorn if Gandalf is late to Frodo’s departure from Bag End. Merry arrives later in the evening and reports that he was nearly captured by two Black Riders. The Hobbits make decoys in their beds and sleep in a different room.
XI
A Knife in the Dark
Back in Buckland, three Black Riders raid Frodo’s newly-bought house in Crickhollow looking for the Hobbits. They find nothing and head further east. The next morning the Hobbits find that their decoy bodies have been torn apart and all of their ponies gone. Departing on foot, they pass through the Midgewater Marshes to arrive at Weathertop Hill. There, they discover signs of a sorcerous battle and suspect that Gandalf must have fought the Black Riders there beforehand. They make camp nearby and Strider tells them the story of Beren and Tinúviel, a man and his Elvish wife who had fought Sauron’s master the Great Enemy (Morgoth) in ancient days, and recovered one of the stolen Silmarils. When the moon comes out, they sense Black Riders approaching, and Frodo in desperation puts on the Ring. He and the Riders clearly see each other and Frodo is stung by one of their swords (a Morgul-knife). Frodo calls out some strange names and the Riders flee as Strider drives them off with torches.
XII
Flight to the Ford
Strider believes that the Riders must have paused in their attack in order to wait for Frodo’s poisoned wound to take effect. They continue on and cross Last Bridge, eventually reaching the same area where Bilbo had defeated the three trolls on his quest to the Lonely Mountain. Later, they run into Glorfindel, an Elf from Rivendell who had been sent to look for them. Days later, they reach the Ford of Bruinen bordering Rivendell. The Black Riders try a final attack but they end up being caught and swept away by a massive wave (conjured by Elrond and Gandalf) rushing down the Ford.
BOOK TWO
I
Many Meetings
Frodo recovers from his Morgul-knife wound at Rivendell and reunites with Gandalf and Bilbo. Strider (now revealed as Aragorn) also reunites with Elrond and Arwen (Elrond’s daughter to whom he is devoted to).
II
The Council of Elrond
At a Council meeting called by Elrond, the dwarf Glóin (one of Bilbo’s old companions) reports that Balin and some other Dwarves had years ago returned to Moria in the Misty Mountains in search of lost riches. Afterwards, Dáin (new King of the Lonely Mountain) received a messenger from Sauron, offering him the Dwarves’ Rings of Power and the Mines of Moria in return for news of Hobbits and the One Ring. Both Dáin and the king of Dale then became worried about an invasion from Mordor.
Elrond describes the genesis of the Ring of Power and how during the Great War Isildur had cut the Ring off of Sauron’s finger, leading to the Dark Lord’s defeat. Boromir, a Man from Gondor and son of Denethor, Lord Steward of Minas Tirith, reports that their borders have lately been pushed back by forces growing out of Mordor. He explains that he has had a dream instructing him to seek out Elrond and that a broken sword will deliver them from danger. Aragorn is revealed as the descendant of Isildur, making him the rightful King of Gondor and Arnor. Aragorn assures Boromir that he prefers to remain a protector of the north.
Gandalf then describes his actions in decades past during Bilbo’s journey to the Lonely Mountain. At that time he and the White Council under Saruman had driven Sauron’s evil out of Mirkwood Forest. Sauron at that point then retreated to the Dark Tower in Mordor. Later, after Frodo had inherited the Ring from Bilbo, Gandalf and Aragorn had then gone in search of Gollum. Gandalf also stopped in Gondor and obtained permission from Denethor to study the old scrolls, from which he learned of the secret inscription on the Ring. Aragorn eventually captured Gollum and brought him to Thranduil’s Elves in Mirkwood where Gandalf interrogated him, learning of Bilbo’s riddles, etc. He also learned that Gollum had been a prisoner of Sauron and that Sauron now knew about the rediscovery of the One Ring. The Wood Elf Legolas reports that Gollum has escaped with the aid of Orcs.
Gandalf then relates his more recent adventures: South of the Shire he had run into a fellow wizard named Radagast the Brown (living on the border of Mirkwood), who had informed him that the Nazgûl were abroad in the guise of Black Riders. He also told Gandalf that Saruman had summoned him. Gandalf then traveled south to Orthanc, Saruman’s citadel in Isengard, where he learned that Saruman has betrayed the White Council and seeks to ally with Sauron. Gandalf was imprisoned, while Saruman gathered an army for himself, possibly as another force against Sauron for himself. Gandalf was eventually rescued by the Great Eagle Gwaihir, and taken to Rohan where, despite its compromised King Théoden, obtained a fast horse, Shadowfax. Later he reached Weathertop where he fought the nine Nazgûl and was forced to escape, hoping to lead the Dark Riders away from the Hobbits. Eventually he arrived in Rivendell and sent out Elves to look for Frodo’s party.
The council debates on their next step, and Frodo volunteers to take the Ring to Mount Doom where it can be destroyed.
III
The Ring Goes South
A group made up of the four Hobbits, Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas and Gimli (son of Glóin) are formed to help Frodo destroy the Ring in Mount Doom (with Aragorn and Boromir intending to journey further south to Gondor to rally the Men). After Aragorn’s sword Andúril is restored, the Company heads south, although they are spied upon by ravens. They try to head towards the Redhorn Gate beyond Caradhras, one of the three Mountains of Moria, but are caught in an unseasonable snowstorm, forcing Gandalf to use magic to light a fire. Ultimately, the deep snow and falling rocks prevent them from continuing on and they retreat back down the mountain.
IV
A Journey in the Dark
Gandalf suggests that the only path to take now is through the Mines of Moria, where Balin had disappeared. The group is reluctant, but signs of a pack of wolves force their hand. In the night, the wolves attack but are repelled by the Men’s steel and Gandalf’s fire magic. They reach the Gate of Moria and Gandalf eventually puzzles out that the magic word to open the door is “friend” (“Speak, friend and enter”). Just as they are about to enter, tentacles from the nearby lake (home to the Watcher in the Water) attack Frodo, but he escapes. As they travel in the darkness, Frodo thinks he hears soft footsteps following them. Pippin impulsively knocks some stones down a well, causing a clamor. They come across a tomb, apparently a memorial to Balin.
V
The Bridge of Khazad-dum
Gandalf reads from an old book, describing the death of Balin and the other Dwarves after being decimated by Orcs and other monsters. The Company are attacked by an army of Orcs and barely escape towards the east exit. They reach the Bridge of Khazad-dûm and are pursued by Orcs, Trolls and finally a Balrog (Durin's Bane). Gandalf makes a stand to allow the Company to cross the Bridge. Gandalf defeats the Balrog and the bridge shatters, but the Balrog’s whip takes Gandalf down with him. The Company escape outside to Dimrill Dale.
VI
Lothlórien
After a brief rest at the lake of Mirrormere, the Company treks to the river Nimrodel and then on towards the Golden Wood of Lothlórien, home of the Silvan Elves. They encounter a few Elves who give the Company shelter in the trees while a party of Orcs passes them in the night. The next morning they cross the Silverlode river on a makeshift rope bridge. After a couple days’ journey they reach the magical heart of the forest and the home of the Silvan Elves of Lothlórien.
VII
The Mirror of Galadriel
In the forest refuge of Galadhrim, the Company climb up to a giant structure in the trees, where they meet Celeborn and Galadriel, the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien. They recuperate for several days while mourning Gandalf’s apparent death. Galadriel mentally tests the determination of each member of the Company to complete their mission. Later, Galadriel lets Frodo look into a magic pool where he sees, among other things, the Eye of Sauron looking for him. Frodo offers Galadriel the Ring, but she declines, even though if the Ring is destroyed, the power of the Elves (as derived from her own Ring of Power) would fade and they would be forced to retreat out of Middle-earth beyond the Western Sea. She passes her own test of temptation and turns down ownership of the Ring.
VIII
Farewell to Lothlórien
The Elves furnish the Company with Elvish boats with which they can use to navigate south, down the Great River Anduil. Before their final parting, they have a feast and Galadriel gives each member a gift. She gives Aragorn the Elfstone of the house of Elendil (meant as a blessing for Aragorn to pursue her granddaughter Arwen). Sam receives a box of Elvish earth with which he will be able to grow a magnificent garden. Frodo receives a glowing Phial of liquid (the light of Eärendil's star) from the mirror pool. The Company heads downstream towards Minas Tirith.
IX
The Great River
Sam and Frodo notice what looks to be Gollum following them on the river. The Company fend off a nighttime visit by the creature. Continuing downstream they encounter Orc arrow attacks from the shore. A cold dark winged shape flies towards them and Legolas drives it away with an arrow. They pass the gigantic statues of Isildur and Anarion and Aragorn salutes his ancestors. Before reaching the Falls of Rauros they land at the base of Tol Brandir (the lawn of Parth Galen), an ancient throne of Men.
X
The Breaking of the Fellowship
Frodo goes off by himself to try and decide whether to go to Minas Tirith to join the Men of Gondor, or continue eastwards towards Mount Doom in the hope of destroying the Ring in the Cracks of Doom. When Boromir suddenly appears and tries to take the Ring for himself, Frodo evades him with the help of the Ring. Reaching the ancient stone throne of Amon Hen, he sees turmoil all across Middle-earth and also sees the Eye of Sauron reach out towards him. A voice (later revealed to be Gandalf) tells him to remove the Ring and he evades Sauron’s direct gaze. He decides to go east by himself. The Company searches for Frodo but only Sam guesses that Frodo has decided to go off on his own. He intercepts Frodo at the boats and they cross the Anduin river to the eastern shore.
BOOK THREE
I
The Departure of Boromir
Aragorn hears the horn of Boromir and finds him dying from wounds gained from fighting Orcs. He learns that Orcs have kidnapped Merry and Pippin and that Boromir was unable to save them. After sending Boromir’s body down the Falls of Rauros, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli decide to follow the Orcs westward, which seem to be made up of both Sauron’s Orcs and evolved “white hand” Orcs (Uruk-hai) under Saruman’s rule.
II
The Riders of Rohan
The trio pass the highlands of Emyn Muil and head northwards to encounter the Riders of Rohan, led by Éomer, who serves King Théoden of Rohan. Éomer relates that his patrol have destroyed the Orcs which Aragorn has been pursuing. Éomer gives the trio some horses so that they can continue looking for Pippin and Merry. The trio are led to the border of Fangorn forest, where they catch a brief glimpse of an old bent man (later revealed to be Saruman). However their horses are now missing.
III
The Uruk-hai
Pippin wakes up bound, and recalls how he and Merry had run into a pack of Orcs and were captured, despite Boromir’s valiant efforts to save them. He overhears Saruman’s Isengard (Uruk-hai) Orcs arguing and fighting over the Hobbits. The Orc party continues west but Pippin secretly leaves a trail for Aragorn to follow. The Riders of Rohan begin picking off members of the Orc party and the Hobbits eventually evade their Orc guardian. South of Fangorn Forest the Orcs are destroyed by the Riders of Rohan and the Hobbits escape into the Forest, following the Entwash stream.
IV
Treebeard
Merry and Pippin meet Treebeard, an ancient Ent (“treeherd”). He carries them to his home and they exchange stories. Treebeard theorizes that the Isengard Orcs are Saruman’s hybrid of Orc and Man, explaining why they can travel by daylight. Treebeard resolves to fight Saruman for the evil wizard’s burning of many trees to fuel Orthanc. Treebeard gathers a council of Ents (an Entmoot), and the March of the Ents to Isengard begins, although they know this may be their last march.
V
The White Rider
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli reunite with Gandalf, who explains that Saruman will soon be attacked, although his treacherous interference has already prevented the forces of Rohan from going to the aid of Minas Tirith in Gondor. He explains that Saruman has committed a double betrayal, both of the forces of Light and Sauron himself, since he is trying to gain the Ring's power for himself. He also proposes that Sauron expects his enemies to go to Minas Tirith to mount an attack with the One Ring, not dreaming that his enemies might actually try to destroy it. For this reason, Sauron has been forced to commit his armed forces prematurely against Minas Tirith, hopefully leaving Mount Doom loosely guarded.
He relates that, after falling into the chasm below the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, the Balrog’s flame was put out by the waters at the bottom of the chasm. Familiar with the subterranean territory, it had then climbed its way back up to Durin’s Tower. There, it was able to reignite its flame and face Gandalf again, who had followed the monster back to the surface. After a huge battle the Balrog was destroyed and the Great Eagle Gwaihur flew Gandalf to Lothlórien where he spent some time recovering.
The quartet of heroes then depart south for Edoras, hoping to gain aid from King Théoden to help the Ents take Isengard.
VI
The King of the Golden Hall
The quartet arrive at Théoden’s castle in Edoras. Saruman’s spy Gríma Wormtongue tries to steer the King awry, but Gandalf strikes him down with a bolt of light. King Théoden regains his wisdom and vitality, and Éomer and other knights pledge their swords to him. Théoden leads his forces (including Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli) towards Isengard, while his niece Éowyn is tasked with taking the citizens of Edoras to shelter at Dunharrow.
VII
Helm's Deep
Théoden’s forces reach the Fords of Isen (where his son Théodred had earlier fallen to Saruman’s forces). Théoden learns that Saruman has gathered many tribes together and has already scattered Théoden’s north-western Riders (under Erkenbrand of Westfold’s command), with some stragglers sent to the gorge at Helm’s Deep. Gandalf departs on a secret mission alone (to search for Erkenbrand) while Théoden leads his army towards the survivors at Helm’s Deep. They pass through the trench of Helm’s Dike to the defensive structure the Hornburg and the Deeping Wall. Théoden tries to rally his men in the gorge, as Saruman’s army begins arriving.
When Saruman’s Orcs attack, Théoden’s forces defend the main gate with arrows and stones, and Aragorn and Éomer lead a raiding party to surprise the attackers from the side. The Orcs mount repeated surges against the gate and a group of Orcs sneak in through a gap during a frontal raid. Gimli leads a party to destroy them and seal the gap with rocks. Nonetheless, the Orcs gain ground with explosives and press the heroes further back into the gorge. As dawn arrives, King Théoden leads his remaining men in a final desperate charge against the Orc army.
Suddenly Helm’s Horn is sounded, and aid arrives in the form of Gandalf, leading the reorganized forces of Erkenbrand. The surprised Orc army is scattered and destroyed.
VIII
The Road to Isengard
Gandalf leads Théoden and his friends north towards Isengard to investigate what has happened there with the Ents. The soldiers notice that the trees have seemingly moved across the land. One night a dark mist rolls across the fields and consumes all of the dead Orc bodies. At Isengard, they discover signs of destruction, and the tower of Orthanc surrounded by water. They are greeted by Merry and Pippin, who report that Saruman is trapped inside (Gandalf and Théoden depart to speak with Treebeard).
IX
Flotsam and Jetsam
The Hobbits tell their old companions what had happened to them since their last meeting. The Ents had gathered and marched on Isengard, enlisting the help of the young and wild Huorns (who apparently can travel as a dark mist when they want). At Isengard, they witnessed Saruman’s army depart for Helm’s Deep. The Huorns began following them in pursuit.
The Ents then attacked and destroyed Isengard’s sparsely-defended outer wall, but the tower of Orthanc was apparently impervious to their attempts to tear it down. Saruman then used flame-explosions from his underground caves to injure the Ents. Treebeard then had his tree-folk digging trenches to divert the flow of the Isen river towards Isengard. Gandalf then arrived and took more of the Huorns with him towards Helm’s Deep (where they later consumed the Orcs). Meanwhile, the Isen river poured down into Saruman’s lair and put out all of his cave-flames, and flooding the area around Orthanc. Finally, Wormtongue arrived from Edoras, and Treebeard had forced him to join Saruman in Orthanc.
X
The Voice of Saruman
With the floodwaters now subsided, the troupe approach Orthanc. Saruman tries to seduce his enemies with his evil charm. Gandalf shatters Saruman’s staff with a spell. Wormtongue throws a red globe at them from a window, which is then given to Gandalf. Saruman seems apparently upset at Wormtongue’s impulsive action. Before departing Isengard, Gandalf tasks Treebeard to keep watch over Orthanc to prevent Saruman’s escape.
XI
The Palantír
The party head back towards Helm’s Deep. In the night, Pippin looks into the red-glowing globe (a palantír) and is brought into mental contact with Sauron, but escapes from the Shadow’s influence before any real harm can be done. Aragorn takes rightful charge of the palantír as a descendent of King Isildur. A Nazgûl rider is seen in the sky (probably provoked by Pippin’s use of the palantír) and Gandalf immediately departs for Minas Tirith carrying Pippin with him. On the way, Gandalf muses that Saruman must have become seduced by the Shadow while attempting to use the palantír. However, with Pippin’s impulsive action, Gandalf hopes that Sauron will now realize that his servant Saruman has betrayed him.
BOOK FOUR
I
The Taming of Smeagol
Frodo and Sam descend from the rocks of Emyn Muil. They see Gollum following them and trap him. After overpowering him, they make Gollum swear on the Ring to serve them and show them how to penetrate Mordor. He leads them towards the Dead Marshes.
II
The Passage of the Marshes
They enter the Dead Marshes and when lights appear they see the faces of rotting dead (dead soldiers from the ancient final battle at the Black Gate of Morannon) under the water. They evade the winged patrol of a Nazgûl rider in the sky. One night Sam overhears Gollum debating with himself on how to retake the Ring from Frodo. He/they decide to wait and let “she” (Shelob) take care of him. Feigning ignorance, the Hobbits continue on towards the Black Gate.
III
The Black Gate Is Closed
The trio head towards Cirith Gorgor, the Haunted Pass between Ephel Dùath, the north-south Mountains of Shadow, and the upper border range of Ered Lithui. The pass is topped by the Teeth of Mordor, two towers originally built by Gondor to keep watch over Mordor after the Great War. Between the towers is the Black Gate, manned by hundreds of Orcs, leading to the interior of Barad-dûr and the Dark Tower. Frodo sees armies of men assembling to form a great army to do Sauron’s bidding. Gollum advises that they sneak into Mordor by going south to pass through Cirith Ungol, a tower near Minas Morgul (a former fortress of Isildur, once called the Tower of the Moon). Although dangerous, entry from this path would be less expected. More men arrive at the Black Gate from the south and Sam is reminded of elephants. They eventually decide to try Gollum’s idea.
IV
Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
On Sam’s command Gollum gathers wild game and herbs, from which Sam makes rabbit stew (to Gollum’s disgust). The Hobbits run into Boromir's brother Faramir, who leads soldiers from Gondor attempting to intercept armies of Sauron coming from the south (the Southrons). An Oliphaunt (mammoth) crashes through the brush and Sam is amazed.
V
The Window on the West
Faramir interrogates Frodo and reveals that he had earlier found his brother Boromir floating down the Great River Anduin. Faramir and his men take the Hobbits to a hideout hidden behind a waterfall (the Window of the Sunset, Henneth Annûn). There, the truth of their quest is revealed to Faramir. Faramir resists the temptation to take ownership of the Ring.
VI
The Forbidden Pool
Faramir takes Frodo to a platform where he points out Gollum, fishing in the pool outside the secret waterfall. Frodo helps Faramir’s men capture Gollum, and Faramir has Gollum swear to keep the hideout's location secret. Frodo tells Faramir that Gollum is leading them to the Mountain of Doom through Minas Morgul and Cirith Ungol. Faramir warns Frodo that that used to be the home of the Ringwraiths, and to beware of an ancient evil still dwelling there.
VII
Journey to the Cross-roads
Frodo, Sam and Gollum travel south and then cross east to a plain to reach the Cross-roads. Heading into a ring of trees, they find a headless statue of a king on his throne, with the King’s head nearby.
VIII
The Stairs of Cirith Ungol
As they near the valley of Minas Morgul, Frodo seems entranced by the light at the top of Minas Morgul (formerly the Tower of the Moon). A massive Orc army comes out of the front gates, led by the King of the Ringwraiths. The Ringwraith seems to sense the Ring but then moves on. The Hobbits continue on and eventually climb up the stairs of Cirith Ungol (built into a twisting mountain leading high into the sky). While the Hobbits take a nap, Gollum disappears on a secret errand of his own.
IX
Shelob's Lair
While passing through a passage of dark caves, Gollum disappears. Shelob the Great, a giant spidery creature, stalks the Hobbits, but Frodo fends her off with the glowing Phial of Galadriel and his Elvish sword Sting. Frodo gives Sam the glowing Phial while he uses Sting to slash through Shelob’s webbed barriers. They emerge from Shelob's lair but Shelob suddenly comes out of a side entrance, separating Sam from Frodo. Gollum reappears and attacks Sam from behind, but Sam is eventually able to repel him.
X
The Choices of Master Samwise
Sam rushes to Frodo’s aid, but finds Frodo has already been wrapped in a web by Shelob. Sam uses the lighted Phial of Galadriel and Frodo’s Elvish sword Sting to injure Shelob, driving her off. Thinking Frodo dead, Sam takes the Ring from Frodo’s unmoving body and resolves to finish the mission alone. When Orcs arrive, he hides by donning the Ring, becoming unseen. The Orc patrol finds and carries Frodo’s unconscious body back into the tunnels, off to an underground passage leading back to their lair in the adjoining Tower of Cirith Ungol. Sam overhears the Orc captains talking and realizes that Frodo is not dead, only drugged. He tries to follow the Orcs inside but is too late and is locked out.
The Return Of The King (1955)
BOOK FIVE
I
Minas Tirith
Gandalf and Pippin arrive at the fortress of Gondor, Minas Tirith. Lord Denethor (Steward of Gondor) interrogates Pippin about his son Boromir and ultimately makes him a soldier of Gondor. Pippin is given a tour of the fortress by a soldier named Beregond and later befriends Beregond’s son Bergil. Allies of Gondor arrive from neighboring regions (including Prince Imrahil and his men from Dol Amroth, a southern peninsula of Gondor), although they are much smaller in number than hoped for. A darkness falls over the land, preventing a sunrise.
II
The Passing of the Grey Company
On the way back to Helm’s Deep, Théoden’s party is joined by the grey-clad Rangers, Dúnedain compatriots of Aragorn, sent by Galadriel to meet them (Elladan and Elrohir, Elrond’s sons, are also with them). After Merry is made a squire to Théoden the Riders of Rohan soon depart for the hold at Dunharrow (to check on Éowyn’s charges on the way back to Edoras).
While Théoden leads his army south, Aragorn, the Rangers, Legolas and Gimli briefly remain at the Hornburg in Helm’s Deep. Aragorn reveals that he has used the palantír to goad Sauron, and has also learned that evil forces from the south are gathering to attack Minas Tirith. For this reason he has decided to ride the Paths of the Dead to the Hill of Erech, where he will try to summon the Men of the Mountains (Oathbreakers who had once betrayed Isildur by not fighting Sauron in the Great War, despite their pledge of loyalty). Aragorn’s “Grey Company” races south.
Éowyn tries to join the Grey Company at Dunharrow but Aragorn recommends that she stay and protect her people. After climbing the winding path behind Dunharrow, the Grey Company pass through the Dark Door, and as they navigate a lightless ravine (the Paths of the Dead) they draw to them an army of undead men and horses. Eventually they pass through to the Morthond Vale and then reach the Hill of Erech. There, Aragorn rallies the undead Oathbreakers to fulfill their obligation. The Dead Men of Dunharrow follow the Grey Company northwards towards the River Anduin on the way to join Théoden and Denethor’s forces at Minas Tirith.
III
The Muster of Rohan
Théoden’s army finally arrives at Dunharrow and they are distressed to hear that Aragorn has gone to the Paths of the Dead. A rider from Minas Tirith arrives, asking for Rohan’s aid before it is too late. The next day a dark cloud covers the sky from Mordor to Dunharrow (preventing the sunrise). Théoden musters his Riders from around Rohan and heads towards Minas Tirith. He orders Merry and Éowyn to remain behind, but they defy him and ride with Théoden’s host in disguise.
IV
The Siege of Gondor
At Minas Tirith, Denethor makes Pippin his squire. Faramir and a few other riders approach in the distance and are intercepted by five airborne Nazgûl. Gandalf drives the Ringwraiths away with a bolt of light. Inside Minas Tirith’s Citadel, Faramir reports to his father (Denethor) that he has sent his forces to reinforce Gondor’s eastern border station at Osgiliath. He also describes his encounter with Frodo and that Frodo has taken the path through Cirith Ungol. Gandalf hopes that Sauron will be distracted by the siege on Gondor and not notice the Hobbits’ mission.
Denethor sends Faramir to defend Osgiliath where Sauron’s eastern army will likely cross the Great River Anduin. A couple days later, news comes that Faramir has lost Osgiliath and his forces have begun retreating back towards the Pelennor fields surrounding Minas Tirith. Gandalf departs to help Faramir. The next day the Causeway Forts of Pelennor are seen to be breached by explosives. Gandalf returns, leading the most-severely wounded Osgiliath survivors back to Minas Tirith, reporting that Faramir has remained behind to organize the retreat of his main force. Gandalf also warns that Cair Andros has fallen due to another enemy host approaching from the north-east.
The next day Faramir’s army is finally seen approaching. Sauron’s forces rush the retreating army from behind and cause a rout. Denethor’s elite horsemen (allies from Dol Amroth) go out and (with Gandalf’s help) force the enemy army back temporarily. Gondor’s retreating forces make it back to the relative safety Minas Tirith but Faramir is sorely injured.
Now, with the Pelennor fields lost and the city surrounded, more bad news arrives: Sauron’s northeastern army will arrive before Théoden’s Rohirrim. Sauron’s siege forces build fire-filled trenches to protect the catapults being built behind them. The catapults fling burning bombs into the city’s 1st circle wall defense, as well as the decapitated heads of defeated Gondorians. The Black Riders swoop above the city and terrorize the inhabitants. When the Orcs’ siege engines are completed, they are used to harry the 1st circle’s now-sparsely-manned outer walls.
The despairing Denethor makes plans to immolate himself and his dying son Faramir in the crypts (the Hall of Kings). Pippin searches for Gandalf in the 1st circle. Using the massive wolf-headed battering ram Grond, the Orcs breach the Great Gate of Gondor. Gandalf rushes forward to engage the Black Captain coming through the Gate. Suddenly horns sound, announcing the arrival of Théoden and the Rohirrim.
V
The Ride of the Rohirrim
On the way south to Minas Tirith, Théoden is met by Ghân, the leader of the Wild Men of the Woods (the Woses), who informs them that they are outnumbered by another force approaching from the east. Ghân makes an alliance with Théoden and offers to show them a secret path towards Minas Tirith past Sauron’s blockade. As they approach, they see the outer wall in flames but the rear out-wall largely unguarded. Approaching Minas Tirith’s main gate the clouds briefly part and they see a flash of light. Théoden sounds a charge.
VI
The Battle of the Pelennor Fields
Surprised by the sudden dispersal of the black clouds, the Black Captain retreats from Minas Tirith’s 1st Circle. Théoden’s advance forces surprise and decimate the northern half of Sauron’s forces amassed just beyond Minas Tirith's Great Gate. Sauron’s Southron Haradrim forces make for a direct assault on King Théoden, but Théoden’s fury prevails.
The Black Captain suddenly arrives and causes Théoden’s horse to fall and mortally wound him. Only Éowyn (still disguised) remains to defend Théoden, and she bravely beheads the Nazgûl’s dragon mount. While the Nazgûl attacks Éowyn, Merry strikes the Ringwraith from behind with his Westernesse blade. Merry’s arm becomes numb and the blade soon melts, but the blade is extremely effective due to its genesis as a weapon expressly designed against the Black Captain by his former foes. Éowyn beheads the weakened Nazgûl and falls unconscious. Théoden dies from his wounds, making Éomer the new King of Rohan. Éomer’s force continues on to attack the remaining southern half of Sauron’s army, and soldiers from the fortress emerge to help.
Éomer’s forces are ineffective against the Southron mûmakil (giant mammoths) and a second wave of Sauron’s army arrives from Osgiliath. Even worse, black-sailed ships of the Corsairs of Umbar (allies of Sauron) are seen sailing up the Anduin. Fortunately, the ships are soon revealed to be carrying Aragorn and reinforcements from the south. Aragorn and his host (with Legolas and Gimli) swiftly land and between his and Éomer’s forces the Orc armies are all destroyed.
VII
The Pyre of Denethor
When the Black Captain retreats from the Great Gate, Pippin tells Gandalf of Denethor’s self-immolation plan. Gandalf arrives at the House of the Stewards’ entrance to find a confrontation between Beregond and Denethor’s followers. Gandalf is able to retrieve Faramir from the fuel-soaked pyre despite Denethor’s ravings. Denethor then reveals that he has been using a palantír, and that there is no hope against Sauron. He leaps onto the pyre and sets himself on fire. The crypt collapses as Faramir is taken to the Houses of Healing. Shortly thereafter the scream of the dying Black Captain is heard and Gandalf sees that Théoden has fallen. Gandalf heads towards the field with Pippin.
VIII
The Houses of Healing
Pippin finds a weak Merry (still reeling from his stab of the Black Captain) inside the Gates and they head towards the Houses of Healing where Merry is laid with Faramir and Éowyn. It is reported that those who have come into contact with the Nazgûl have a strange Black Shadow disease eating at them (and now afflicting Merry and Éowyn). With Battle of the Pelennor Fields over and the Orcs defeated, Aragorn prefers to remain camped outside the castle walls, fearing that his sudden arrival as the returned King will be disruptive. However, a prophecy is revealed in which it is said that only the hands of the King can save lives in darkness. Aragorn comes to the Houses of Healing and uses herbal knowledge and soft words to coax Éowyn, Faramir and Merry back to consciousness and on the road to recovery. He and the sons of Elrond then spend many hours healing the rest of the afflicted, after which Aragorn returns to his camp outside the gates.
IX
The Last Debate
Legolas and Gimli reveal to the Hobbits that after rallying the army of the dead Oathbreakers at Erech, Aragorn had led them all to the coastal town of Pelargir, where the appearance of the macabre undead army had struck fear into Sauron’s sailing forces, scattering them, after which Aragorn’s Grey Company were able to commandeer the black-sailed ships for themselves. Aragorn had then released the Oathbreakers from their obligation, allowing them to disperse back into the hills. Aragorn’s Rangers then took the ships north on the Anduil to come to Minas Tirith’s aid.
Gandalf warns that the bulk of Sauron’s forces have not yet begun to march. He recommends that the outnumbered forces of Gondor march to the Black Gate to deceive Sauron into assuming that the Ring is being wielded by an impulsive new King. This will hopefully draw all of his forces out of Mordor and give Frodo a better chance at reaching Mount Doom. Prince Imrahil recommends that a force still remain in Gondor to defend against the enemy army approaching from the northeast. Aragorn promises that more men from the south, called to Gondor’s aid during his march to Pelargir, will soon be arriving. Once they do arrive, a few thousand riders are sent to intercept Sauron’s remaining army approaching from the northeast, while the majority (under Aragorn) prepare to set out for Mordor.
X
The Black Gate Opens
After Sauron’s northern invasion force are driven beyond Anórienis by the Riders of Rohan, enough soldiers are made available to remain and guard Minas Tirith, allowing Aragorn’s army of over six thousand (including Pippin) to depart on their “drawing out” tactic. Days later, Aragorn’s army reaches the Cross-roads in the ring of trees (repairing the headless king statue) and destroy the bridge near Morgul Vale. Heading north they foil an ambush and sense Ringwraiths observing them from above. Eventually, when they reach the Black Gate, they are greeted by a creature calling itself the Mouth of Sauron, who produces Frodo's coat of mithril, Sam's sword, and a grey Elven cloak, and demands that Gondor surrender to Sauron or their Hobbit friend will be tortured. Gandalf retrieves the garments and drives the evil creature away. Sauron’s forces then pour out from the Black Gate, as well as from hiding places in the surrounding hills, overwhelming Aragorn’s force. In the frontline, Pippin saves Beregond from a hill troll. Just before blacking out from being crushed, he imagines he hears that “the Eagles are coming”.
BOOK SIX
I
The Tower of Cirith Ungol
Sam emerges from the tunnel to Shelob’s Lair beneath Cirith Ungol and resolves to sneak in through the front gate of a tower embedded against the mountain complex (the Tower of Cirith Ungol). He hears fighting noises above and realizes that the Orcs are fighting over Frodo’s belongings. Sam uses the Phial of Galadriel to defy the stone guardians of the tower and ascends up the stairs. When he reaches the top platform he drives off the few remaining Orcs with his fury, although one Orc captain escapes with a bundle under his arms (Frodo’s belongings). Finding Frodo in a hidden attic, he returns the Ring to him and they escape from the Tower of Cirith Ungol, disguised as Orcs.
II
The Land of Shadow
The Hobbits make their way north through the tortured land, intending to approach Mount Doom from the north. They narrowly avoid two Orcs who argue with each other (one eventually kills the other). Gollum reappears but Sam scares him off. Crossing an open causeway, they are caught up by an Orc party coming from behind them. Pretending to be wayward soldiers, they fall in line with the Orc party. As the marching Orcs near a gate to the assembly in the east (the Isenmouthe), they run into another Orc party heading towards the same gate. During the scuffling struggle between the Orc parties, Sam and Frodo sneak away and head southeast towards Mount Doom.
III
Mount Doom
The Hobbits travel east along the north road towards the Dark Tower. They encounter no Orcs, since Sauron’s armies have all already departed to engage Aragorn’s approaching coalition. They soon head south through the volcanic fields, and Sam ends up having to carry Frodo on the last leg. They reach the base of Mount Doom and begin climbing. Soon they run into a spiral path leading up the volcano’s side. On the way up, Gollum reappears and Frodo threatens him. Frodo then continues up the path while Sam drives Gollum back down. At the top of the path, Frodo enters the tunnel entrance into the heart of Mount Doom (the Crack of Doom). Sam follows and at the end of a tunnel he sees Frodo, but Frodo is unable to destroy the Ring, and puts it on his finger. In the Dark Tower of Barad-dûr, Sauron suddenly senses his real danger, realizing his enemies’ true plan. He sends the Nazgûl racing back south to intercept the Hobbits at Mount Doom. Gollum suddenly reappears again and pushes Sam aside in the tunnel. He rushes in and wrestles with the now-invisible Frodo. He manages to bite off Frodo’s ring finger, but then slips and falls into the volcanic depths, destroying himself and the Ring. The volcano erupts as the Hobbits crawl back to the outer path.
IV
The Field of Cormallen
At the Black Gate, the Great Eagles arrive and begin attacking the Nazgûl. However, almost immediately the Nazgûl turn southwards towards Mount Doom to heed Sauron’s call to try and stop the Hobbits on Mount Doom. The armies of Sauron are suddenly frozen and confused, as Sauron’s influence on them is diverted to Mount Doom. Aragorn’s army presses forward but Gandalf orders them to wait. When the Ring is destroyed, the Black Gate collapses as well as the surrounding towers. To the south, a shadow rises from Mordor and fades away. Gandalf has the Great Eagles take him to Mount Doom and they rescue Sam and Frodo at the last minute before the Hobbits are swallowed in lava.
Sam next wakes next to Frodo in Ithilien in the Field of Cormallen. They are honored by Aragorn before his men and then reunited with their friends. Soon, everyone heads back towards Minas Tirith.
V
The Steward and the King
While Aragorn’s forces head towards the final confrontation outside Mordor, Faramir and Éowyn grow close in Minas Tirith. Faramir guesses that Éowyn had jumped into battle in response to her rejection by Aragorn, but with Faramir’s love she is healed. Aragorn’s forces return and Faramir participates in a ceremony which makes Aragorn King Elessar. Aragorn replants the great White Tree - symbol of ancient Elendil, and the kingdom of Gondor. Eventually, the Elves from Rivendell and Lorien arrive and King Elessar weds Arwen, daughter of Elrond.
VI
Many Partings
Frodo feels that it is time to go home, but before they depart Queen Arwen gives Frodo her place on the boat to the West beyond the Great Sea, as she will remain with Aragorn. King Théoden’s body is brought back to Rohan and Faramir is announced as Éowyn’s new betrothed, uniting Rohan with Gondor in marriage. Éowyn gifts Merry with a horn from Rohan’s past. The Fellowship ride to Isengard where they discover that Treebeard has allowed the now-pathetic Saruman to go free. From there, Gimli and Legolas depart for the north, while Aragorn turns back towards Gondor. The remaining Companions continue west. On the way they pass Saruman (and Wormtongue), still bitter and with foreboding words of the Hobbits’ hometown. At Rivendell they greet a now-elderly Bilbo, who asks Frodo to organize his notes for him.
VII
Homeward Bound
Reaching Bree, they encounter bad weather and receive a suspicious welcome. At the Prancing Pony, the innkeeper Butterbur reports that crime has risen with the appearance of ruffians. When the companions reach the Barrows, Gandalf departs for Tom Bombadil’s home, leaving the four Hobbits to continue on towards their home in Hobbiton.
VIII
The Scouring of the Shire
Reaching the Shire, the Hobbits discover a state of martial law, with ruffians enforcing the rules of a man named Sharkey. Merry sounds his new horn to galvanize the Hobbits to rebel against their oppressors. Sam meets up with Farmer Cotton to visit his adored Rosie. Sharkey’s ruffians arrive and the Hobbits have the townspeople subdue them by surrounding them and threatening them with archers. In the ensuing Battle of Bywater, more ruffians are killed as well as many Hobbits. Eventually, Frodo and his friends reach Bag End and discover that Sharkey is actually Saruman. Frodo knows that Saruman is now powerless and orders him to leave. Saruman tries to stab Frodo but his knife breaks on Frodo’s mail undershirt. While departing, Saruman browbeats Wormtongue and Wormtongue slits his abusive master's throat. The Hobbits shoot Wormtongue with arrows.
IX
The Grey Havens
The damage to the Shire from Saruman’s rule is eventually repaired. Sam uses seedlings gifted to him by Galadriel in Lorien to regrow the cut down trees. Sam and Rosie Cotton wed and move in with Frodo, who sometimes has periods of strange illness. Years later, Frodo gives Sam the Red Book, his compilation of Bilbo’s notes and his own added accounts of the War of the Ring. One day, Elrond, Galadriel, Bilbo and a party of Elves arrive, and they all head towards the Grey Havens and the Great Sea. Frodo says farewell to Sam, Merry and Pippin and then sails off to the west with Gandalf, Bilbo and the Elves. The remaining Hobbits go home.
A Selected History of Tolkien's Works
1915: The Story of Kullervo (see 2015)
1925: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (see 2006)
1925: Roverandom (see Tales from the Perilous Realm 2008)
1926: Beowulf (translation, see 2014)
1930: The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun (see 2016)
1930s: The Fall of Arthur (see 2013)
1930s: The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun (see 2009)
1936: Beowulf: The Monsters and The Critics (lecture, see 2016)
1937: The Hobbit
1937: Farmer Giles of Ham (see Tales from the Perilous Realm 2008)
1939: Leaf by Niggle (see Tales from the Perilous Realm 2008)
1939: On Fairy-Stories (see Tales from the Perilous Realm 2008)
1920-42: Letters from Father Christmas (see 1976)
1944: Sir Orfeo (see 2006 Sir Gawain)
1953: The Homecoming of Beortnoth Beorthelm's Son (see 1966 The Tolkien Reader)
1954-1955: The Lord of the Rings
1962: The Adventures of Tom Bombadil (see Tales from the Perilous Realm 2008)
1964: Tree and Leaf (On Fairy-stories, Leaf by Niggle, see 2006, Tales from the Perilous Realm 2008)
1966: The Tolkien Reader: The Homecoming of Beortnoth Beorthelm's Son (1953)
1967: The Road Goes Ever On (song cycle, words from LotR, etc, music by Donald Swann)
1967: Smith of Wootton Major (see Tales from the Perilous Realm 2008)
1974: Bilbo’s Last Song (poem to secretary 1966)
1976 (1920-42): The Father Christmas Letters (Letters from Father Christmas)
1977: The Silmarillion
1979: Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien
1980: Poems and Stories (see Tales from the Perilous Realm 2008)
1980: Unfinished Tales
1981: Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
1982: Mr. Bliss (1930s)
1982: Finn and Hengest (Essays)
1983-1996: The History of Middle-Earth (Christopher Tolkien, Ed.)
- The Book of Lost Tales, Part I (1983)
- The Book of Lost Tales, Part II (1984)
- The Lays of Beleriand (1985)
- The Shaping of Middle-earth (1986)
- The Lost Road and Other Writings (1987)
- The Return of the Shadow (The History of The Lord of the Rings Volume 1) (1988)
- The Treason of Isengard (The History of The Lord of the Rings Volume 2) (1989)
- The War of the Ring (The History of The Lord of the Rings Volume 3) (1990)
- Sauron Defeated (includes The History of The Lord of the Rings Volume 4) (1992)
- Morgoth's Ring (The Later Silmarillion Volume 1) (1993)
- The War of the Jewels (The Later Silmarillion Volume 2) (1994)
- The Peoples of Middle-earth (1996)
2006 (1983): The Monsters and the Critics (7 Essays)
2007: The History of The Hobbit (John D. Rateliff, Ed.)
2007: The Children of Hurin
2008 (1997): Tales from the Perilous Realm
- Roverandom
- Farmer Giles of Ham
- The Adventures of Tom Bombadil
- Leaf by Niggle
- Smith of Wootton Major
- On Fairy-Stories
2013: The Children of Húrin
2013: The Fall of Arthur (orig. 1930s)
2014: Beowulf (Translation from 1920-26, Lectures)
2015: The Story of Kullervo (orig. 1915)
2016: The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun (from 1930)
2017: Beren and Lúthien
2018: The Fall of Gondolin
