2015 Reading Challenge: A Trilogy.Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
340 pages (not including the appendices at the end)
Characters:
Frodo
Sam
Gandalf
Merry
Pippin
Aragorn
Legolas
Gimli
... And many, many others
The final chapter of the trilogy brought part of the fellowship (everyone but Frodo and Sam) fighting against the armies of Sauron. They fight a good fight against the forces of evil at the cost of many good men. Aragorn is finally ready to step forward and fulfill his duty/right as King of Gondor. It's finally time.
Sam and Frodo travel the barren waste that is Mordor. It is only because of Sam that Frodo even makes it to the mountain to destroy the ring. They are nearly out of food and have to scavenge for drinkable water. It is now that Sam realizes that he probably will not be making a return trip to the Shire. He becomes grim but determined to help Frodo on his journey.
The ring ends up in Mount Doom with Gollum in the lava. The Sauron's tower collapses and his forces are left leaderless, thus making it possible for the army of men (and hobbits, elves, and dwarves) to push back the evil army. Soon there is peace in all the land of middle earth. Aragorn married Eowan and takes the throne. Frodo and his companions make their way back to the Shire, first stopping in Rivendell to visit old Bilbo.
The Shire is not how the hobbits left it a year earlier. They still have to fight a few more battles before they will finally find some peace and rest after their adventure. Soon, all the evil is flushed out of the Shire and the hobbits can finally settle in peace. [This isn't ever mentioned in the movies- although it does allude to the fact that Saurmon/Sauron have some sort of power even in the Shire.]
I really enjoyed this book even though it took me longer than it should have for me to read it. I have to say that my favorite part was Sam. He is the true hero of the story. No offense meant toward Frodo, who is still pretty awesome. Also, seeing how strong and wise Merry and Pippin become was very rewarding for me. I enjoyed reading and finding differences from the books and the movies. I enjoyed both and I don't think I can formulate a true argument as to which is better. I feel like both have their own strengths and weaknesses.
I'm glad I chose to read The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I feel like I can finally say that I belong to the club. I'm official!
... And they lived happily ever after until the end of their days.
Also, watch this awesome song that sums up how I feel now that I've finished reading the trilogy...
