The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Book 1) Book Summary
TL;DR
The Fellowship of the Ring begins J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy, chronicling Frodo Baggins' journey to destroy the One Ring, assembling a diverse group of companions and facing numerous dangers along the way.
What is The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Book 1) about
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first book in J.R.R. Tolkien's monumental trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. The story centers on Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits a seemingly harmless ring from his cousin, Bilbo. Unbeknownst to him, the ring is the One Ring, an artifact of immense power created by the Dark Lord Sauron. Guided by Gandalf the Grey and joined by an eclectic fellowship, Frodo sets out on a perilous quest to destroy the ring in the fires of Mount Doom. The book explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the struggle between good and evil. Written with rich detail and an expansive world, it has captivated readers for generations.
The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Book 1) 5 Key Takeaways
Bilbo's Departure and Frodo's Inheritance
Bilbo Baggins leaves the Shire, bequeathing his magical ring to his cousin Frodo. Gandalf the Grey later reveals that the ring is the One Ring, the ultimate weapon of the Dark Lord Sauron.
Formation of the Fellowship
A council in Rivendell decides that the only way to destroy the One Ring is to cast it into the fires of Mount Doom. Frodo is joined by eight companions: Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Sam, Merry, and Pippin.
Journey Through Moria
The Fellowship's path takes them through the perilous mines of Moria. They encounter orcs and the fearsome Balrog, resulting in Gandalf's fall into the abyss, presumed dead.
Lothlórien Sanctuary
The group finds respite in the elven realm of Lothlórien, where they are aided by the Lady Galadriel and her gifts, which later prove crucial to their quest.
Breaking of the Fellowship
The Fellowship faces attacks from orcs, leading to Boromir’s death and Frodo deciding to continue the journey to Mordor with Sam alone, while the rest of the Fellowship plans to rescue the captured Merry and Pippin.
Top The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Book 1) Quotes
- 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'
- 'Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.'
Who should read The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Book 1)?
This book is ideal for readers of high fantasy and those who enjoy epic tales of adventure and heroism. Fans of richly detailed worlds, complex characters, and classic battles between good and evil will find it particularly engaging.
The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Book 1) Best Reviews
- 'A most remarkable feat' - Guardian
- 'The Lord Of The Rings may be the greatest novel of the '50s. This tale is action-packed and full of great writing.' - Reader's Digest
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The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Book 1) FAQs
Why is Fellowship of the Ring two books?
For publication, the work was divided into three volumes to minimize any potential financial loss due to the high cost of type-setting and modest anticipated sales.
How long is Lord of the Rings 1 book?
The Lord of the Rings is actually one book, and it is about 1200 pages, depending on the edition.
Is The Fellowship of the Ring a good read?
The Lord Of The Rings may be the greatest novel of the '50s. It is action-packed and full of great writing, captivating readers of all ages.