Frodo's Quest to Destroy the Ring

Frodo Baggins undertakes the perilous journey to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.

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The Ring's Inheritance

The Ring's Inheritance The Party and the Disappearance Bilbo Baggins vanishes at his 111th birthday party, leaving the Ring to his nephew Frodo. The event shocks the Shire and sets the stage for Frodo's transformation from a simple hobbit into the Ring-bearer. Gandalf's Revelation Gandalf tests the Ring in the fire, revealing the fiery inscription of the One Ring. He warns Frodo that the Ring is the Master-ring of Sauron, and that the Dark Lord is seeking it. The Weight of Destiny Frodo is initially reluctant but accepts the burden. He decides to leave the Shire to protect it, marking the beginning of his quest.

Flight from the Shire

Flight from the Shire The Black Riders' Pursuit Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin flee Hobbiton, pursued by the Nazgûl. They encounter Elves, the Old Forest, Tom Bombadil, and the Barrow-downs, each step growing more dangerous. The Escape to Bree At the Prancing Pony in Bree, Frodo accidentally puts on the Ring, attracting the Riders. They meet Aragorn, who becomes their guide. The Attack on Weathertop On Weathertop, the Nazgûl attack Frodo, wounding him with a Morgul-knife. Aragorn drives them off, but Frodo's condition worsens. The flight to Rivendell becomes a race against time.

The Council of Elrond

The Council of Elrond The Gathering of the Free Peoples Elrond convenes a council of Elves, Dwarves, and Men to decide the fate of the Ring. Frodo learns the full history of the Ring and the threat of Sauron. The Decision to Destroy the Ring It is decided that the Ring must be destroyed in Mount Doom. Frodo volunteers to take the Ring, despite his fear. The Fellowship of the Ring is formed to aid him. The Formation of the Fellowship Nine companions are chosen to represent the free peoples: the hobbits Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin; the wizard Gandalf; the men Aragorn and Boromir; the elf Legolas; and the dwarf Gimli.

The Journey Through Moria

The Journey Through Moria The Snowstorm on Caradhras The Fellowship attempts to cross the Misty Mountains via the Redhorn Pass but is turned back by a fierce snowstorm. They are forced to take the dangerous path through the Mines of Moria. The Fall of Gandalf In Moria, the Fellowship is attacked by Orcs and a Balrog. Gandalf confronts the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, sacrificing himself so the others can escape. He falls into the abyss, leaving the Company in grief and without a leader. The Escape from Moria Aragorn leads the surviving members out of the Mines, grieving Gandalf's loss. They emerge into the Dimrill Dale, but their hope is diminished.

The Breaking of the Fellowship

The Breaking of the Fellowship Boromir's Temptation At Parth Galen, Boromir, succumbing to the Ring's lure, tries to take it from Frodo. Frodo escapes by putting on the Ring and decides to go alone to Mordor. Frodo's Departure Frodo leaves the Fellowship, believing he must continue alone. Sam, however, catches up and insists on coming with him. They take a boat and cross the Anduin. The Fall of Boromir Boromir, realizing his error, defends Merry and Pippin from Orcs and is killed. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli find him dying, and he repents. The Fellowship is scattered, setting the stage for separate quests.

The Journey to Mordor

The Journey to Mordor The Taming of Gollum Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum, who becomes their guide through the Dead Marshes and into Mordor. Gollum's duplicity and obsession with the Ring create constant tension. The Encounter with Faramir In Ithilien, the hobbits meet Faramir, who resists the temptation of the Ring and helps them. He learns of Frodo's quest and lets them go. The Cleft of Cirith Ungol Guided by Gollum, they enter the pass of Cirith Ungol. Gollum betrays them to Shelob, but Frodo is captured by Orcs. Sam rescues Frodo from the tower, and they continue into Mordor. The Final March Exhausted and starving, Frodo and Sam cross the plains of Gorgoroth. At Mount Doom, Frodo succumbs to the Ring's power and claims it for himself. Gollum attacks him, biting off his finger, and falls into the fire with the Ring, destroying it.

Bilbo's Farewell Party, September 22, S.R. 1401

September 23–October 20, T.A. 3018

October 25, T.A. 3018

January 13–15, T.A. 3019

February 26, T.A. 3019

February 26–March 25, T.A. 3019