The Fellowship of the Ring: This briefly recalls the events that occurred following the end of the narrative in The Hobbit, and continues on to tell of how Gandalf the Grey discovers the true identity of Bilbo’s Ring; it is in fact the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron, ruler of all the Rings of Power. It tells of the flight of Frodo and his chosen companions, as they make a desperate attempt to get the ring to safety. Pursued by Black Riders, and with the unlikely aid of a strange, weather-beaten man, they face many dangerous perils on the road to Rivendell and the House of Elrond. Here they seek council and guidance, as well as rest and healing; and they find both. Elrond summons representatives of all the free people of Middle Earth, as he knows that this is an issue for all races to decide upon. It is decided that the Ring must be destroyed, and that Frodo Baggins will bear it in its quest. With him are to go a number of companions, giving aid to him in the quest. Gandalf guided them secretly southwards, heading for the high pass of Caradhras over the Misty Mountains. However, unable to pass, Gandalf steered for the hidden gate into the vast mines of Moria. However, whilst doing battle with a daemon of the underworld, Gandalf falls into a deep abyss. With the loss of Gandalf, Aragorn takes over leadership of the company. Under his care, they pass through the Elven land of Lothelorien, and pass down the River Anduin to the falls of Rauros. Here, they must make the decision: to turn east to Mordor, or to go on with Boromir, to the aid of Minas Tirith. The Ringbearer is resolved to continue his hopeless journey, and Boromir, out of lust for the Ring, tries to take it from him. Frodo flees with his faithful servant, Sam. However, the others are attacked by a strong band of Uruk-hai. Merry and Pippin are taken captive, and Boromir slain.
The Two Towers: This second volume (Books Three and Four) tells of the deeds of all of the company after the breaking of the Fellowship. Book Three tells of how Merry and Pippin are carried towards Isengard, the strong hold of Saruman; and of their pursuit by Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. However, the company is surrounded by Riders of Rohan, and, on the border of the Fangorn Forest destroyed. Merry and Pippin both managed to escape, straight into Fangorn. Here they encountered Treebeard the Ent, and are witness to the rousing of the wrath of the Ents, and of their march on Isengard. As the Riders return from the battle, they encounter Aragorn and his companions. Provided with horses, they continue the seemingly impossible task of finding the hobbits alive. While searching the forest edge for the Hobbits, they find Gandalf: returned from the dead, and now robed in white. With them, they ride to the halls of King Theoden in Rohan and are in time to rescue the king from the poisonous whisperings of Saruman’s servant, Wormtongue. With the king and his host, they ride against the forces of Isengard and take part in the desperate defence of Helm’s Deep. Eventually victorious, the King and Gandalf ride on to Isengard. In the parley before his door, Saruman refused to repent and so was cast from the White Council; and his staff was broken. After picking up a Palantir, they leave Isengard. And so the story went back to the dealings of Frodo. Frodo and Samwise descend from the hills of Emyn Muil, and are overtaken by Gollum. They capture him, and for a time, force the evil out of him. He leads them towards Mordor, straight to Morannon, the Black Gate. However, Gollum soon tells of another way into Mordor – a secret way. As they journey south, they are captured by a scouting force of Men, under the command of Faramir, brother of Boromir. He managed to discover the true nature of their quest, and where his brother was tempted, he resisted. He let them continue onwards towards Cirith Ungol, the pass of which Gollum spoke. This is the point at which the books and the films differ most. Anyone familiar with the books will know that there is a lot that was moved to the third film. And as I’ve stated above, I will not ruin the plot by saying more. |
