When Frodo begins his journey, he does not consider himself particularly heroic, but the job must be done and he is the only person available. Many times along the way, especially before he and Sam separate from the rest of the Fellowship, either he or one of the powerful individuals […]

Read more Character Analysis Frodo Baggins

Summary Tolkien provides readers six appendices to the text of The Lord of the Rings. Although the information is not necessary to understand the main story, they add details to the history and describe the fates of many of the characters. Appendix A recounts the history of various rulers of […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Return of the King Appendices

Summary Eventually, Frodo and his companions decide to return home. Arwen gives Frodo her place on the ships that carry the elves to the Undying Lands beyond Middle-earth, should he find the memory of his journey unbearable. Accompanied by all their friends and the elves of Lothlorien and Rivendell, the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Return of the King Book 6, Chapters 6–10 – Journey Home and the Scouring of the Shire

Summary Sam awakens outside the underground gates of the Tower of Cirith Ungol, makes his way back out of the tunnel, and puts the Ring on again. The lure of power tempts him, but his love for Frodo and his own common sense outweigh the visions of the Ring. He […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Return of the King Book 6, Chapters 1–5 – Cirith Ungol to the Return of the King

Summary The Witchking of the Nazgul vanishes from the city gates to meet Theoden’s attack. When Theoden’s horse panics and falls on his rider, only Dernhelm and Merry stay. The Witchking laughs, convinced that no man can kill him, but Dernhelm reveals himself as Eowyn, a woman. Merry strikes at […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Return of the King Book 5, Chapters 6–10 – The Battle of Pelennor Fields to the Black Gate

Summary Gandalf and Pippin ride Shadowfax through the night, pausing only briefly to rest. They are now heading for Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor, and three days have passed since Pippin looked into the palantir. As they ride, warning beacons call Rohan to aid the city. They enter the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Return of the King Book 5, Chapters 1–5 – Minas Tirith and the Siege of Gondor

Summary Although still fearful, Faramir does his best to help Frodo and Sam. He gives them food for the journey, as well as good walking staves, and he advises them that the water of Morgul Vale is poisonous. While they continue along the southern road, a stifling brown cloud spreads […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Two Towers Book 4, Chapters 7–10 – Henneth Annûn to Cirith Ungol

Summary Frodo and Sam find themselves lost in the rocky hills west of the river. They know Gollum is following, and the hobbits barely manage to capture and bind the wiry creature. Surprisingly, Frodo pities Gollum. Gollum agrees to guide Frodo and Sam to the Black Gate, and he swears […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Two Towers Book 4, Chapters 1–6 – Emyn Muil to Henneth Annûn

Summary The Riders of Rohan depart for the Fords of Isen, while a great heaviness grows in the air. As they ride, Legolas perceives a cloud rising from Isengard but cannot explain it. Before they reach the ford, a messenger warns of a vast army on the way, so they […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Two Towers Book 3, Chapters 7–11 – Helm’s Deep to Isengard

Summary Although Aragorn finds tracks that show Frodo headed downhill, he decides to go to the Seeing Seat rather than follow. Before he can see anything significant, he hears Boromir’s horn and the sound of orcs. Aragorn finds Boromir dying from the wounds of many orc-arrows. Boromir confesses that he […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: The Two Towers Book 3, Chapters 1–6 – The Falls of Rauros to Edoras