Argument

I’ve choose this subject because it is a fascinating story and it is about war and
friendship. It’s an amazing story with great characters and a lot of imaginary
creatures.

I liked very much this story and I think this is one of the greatest movie ever.
 About J.R.R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, a very talented writer, is famous for having created such
a literary genre as fantasy. All his books are real masterpieces, and many having read
them once, want to read them again and again. Warm-hearted and exciting adventure
stories, involving people, elves, dwarves, orcs, goblins, wizards, and, of course,
hobbits are in Tolkien’s accounts. But not only fantastic beings were concocted by
him. Both philologist and professor at Oxford University, he knew many ancient and
modern languages. Thus, a new world – Middle-earth, along with its geography, its
history, and several languages appeared. The history of this world goes into the depth
of millenniums and stretches four epochs starting from the act of creation.

J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892 at Bloemfontein in the Orange Free
State. When he was four years old his mother, Marry Suffield, and his younger
brother Hilary, went to England. At that time his father was ill and soon died of
rheumatic fever. After his father’s death the family lived at Sarehole, on the south-
eastern edge of Birmingham. Ronald spent his childhood there and later scenes from
this area would be depicted in his pictures and writings.

Another tragic event occurred when J.R.R. Tolkien was 12 – the death of his mother
who died of diabetes. He and his brother Hilary became wards of a priest at the
Birmingham Oratory. The boys attended King Edward’s School in Birmingham. At
school Ronald was interested in Classic as well as Anglo-Saxon and Middle English.
At that time he began to develop his linguistic talent by creating his own languages
with grammar and history. Not surprisingly that Tolkien was First in English
Language and Literature at Exeter College.

J.R.R. Tolkien was married to Edith Bratt. He had known her since they had both
lived in the same house in Birmingham. Ronald loved Edith and continued to do so
despite being forbidden by Father Morgan to contact her when he studied at college.
Considering that it would ruin Ronald’s career, Father Morgan would not give his
consent to an early marriage.

Tolkien was commissioned in the Lancashire Fusiliers and participated in the battle of
the Somme. After the war he obtained a post on the New English Dictionary, and
began to write the mythological and legendary cycle which he originally called “The
Book of Lost Tales” but which eventually became known as “The Silmarillion”.

Later Tolkien was appointed as Reader in the English Language at the University of
Leeds. Among the students he was famous for his strong and popular teaching. Then
Professor Tolkien was elected to continue work at Oxford, as a Professor of Anglo-
Saxon. He taught Anglo-Saxon and English right up until his retirement in 1959.
Honestly, many of the world scientists supposed that Tolkien had been one of the
most gifted and clever philologists.

By that time the Tolkien’s family consisted of four children (three sons and a
daughter) and more than anything father liked to tell his children about mythical
beings – elves, hobbits, etc. At first such stories were simply fairy tales. And the first
book, which made him famous worldwide, “the Hobbit” (published in 1937) was
written in the genre of a fairy tale. The book was a huge success and the public
demanded a sequel. Thus, a popular trilogy “the Lord of the Rings” came into being.

Having retired, Tolkien and his wife lived first in the Headington area of Oxford, then
moved to Bournemouth. His wife died in 1971 and after that Tolkien decided to return
to Oxford.

He was diagnosed as having a bleeding gastric ulcer, and despite some reassuring
reports died on September 2nd 1973, aged 81. Tolkien and his wife are buried
together in a single grave in the Catholic section of Wolvercote cemetery in the
northern suburbs of Oxford.

Although the greatest master of fantasy passed away, he left the door open for anyone
to an enchanting world of his stories, the key to which is love, kindness and loyalty.
These are the qualities that help Tolkien’s characters to win over Evil.
 The Books

The Lord of the Rings” is the greatest trilogy, and it immortalized the name of its
creator. It consists of three parts: “The Fellowship of the Ring”, “The Two Towers”
and “The Return of the King”. The plot is based on the struggle for the Ring of
Power, which was forged by Sauron, the Dark Lord, long long ago.

The trilogy is a logical sequence of a no less famous fairy tale by Tolkien “The
Hobbit” as well as the second part of the Red Book of Westmarch – the main
chronicle of the Third Age of Middle-earth. “The Lord of the Rings” belongs to the
genre of an epic, has many plots and a great number of main and secondary
characters.

Tolkien had been writing “The Lord of the Rings” for more than 10 years. He wrote
the first chapters in 1939 after the success of “The Hobbit”. The trilogy was published
first in 1954-1955. In his letter to Carole Batten-Phelps the writer affirms that he
wrote “The Lord of the Rings” for his own pleasure as an attempt to create a major
work. Tolkien never thought that his fantasy adventure would become so famous
worldwide. The writer’s friend, C.S. Lewis, who wrote a review for the first part of
“The Lord of the Rings”, didn’t believe the book would be a success either. However,
his fears proved groundless.

The epic “The Lord of the Rings” became a real treasure of English Literature of the
XX century. All the time critics find new ideas and draw analogies with reality. “The
Lord of the Rings” formed the basis of such a literary genre as fantasy – a branch of
fiction, which is based on mythological and historical traditions with a grain of magic.
It became a so-called Bible for other writers working in this genre.

It was very difficult to link up a fairy-tale “The Hobbit” with a large-scale literary
work addressed to a more serious audience. Many characters appear as if by
themselves in the trilogy. In a letter to Auden Tolkien stated that he himself together
with the Fellowship of the Ring had gone all the way up to Orodruin. We cannot help
admiring Tolkien’s careful elaboration of the history of Middle-earth. There are no
unnecessary or unimportant characters or geographical areas. Every character plays
his/her role in a complicated plot. Middle-earth can be compared with a symmetrical
web, in the core of which there is the Ring of Power. There is an image of the spider
in “The Hobbit” as well as in “The Lord of the Rings”. That can be explained because
Tolkien was bitten by a tarantula once. Probably, the writer introduced the image of a
vile many-legged being from his personal experience. Tolkien himself didn’t like to
draw any parallels between his biography and literary works, and considered that it
could distract readers’ attention and in no way gives a better understanding of his
books. However, he didn’t deny that some biographical facts were reflected in his
books.

The world of “The Lord of the Rings” would have been grey and empty without its
peculiarities: languages, legends and history. Some of the readers pay attention to the
plot and actions only, and skip interesting poems of the past of Middle-earth. But it is
the poems that link up “The Lord of the Rings” with the events described in “The
Silmarillion” and the past of Middle-earth.

“The Lord of the Rings” is not only a tale of enthralling adventures and mythical
beings, but it also touches upon some questions of philosophy and morality. Heroic
deeds, the unity for the sake of a common cause, true love, the triumph of Good over
Evil – all these could be found in the epic. In “The Lord of the Rings” there is no
direct indication as to any religion, however, the atmosphere in the book is literally
pierced with holiness. Such places are Rivendell and Lorien, which are the
strongholds of Good, in contrast Mordor is an abode of Evil. The readers as well as
the characters can choose in what to believe, what to worship. It is wrong to say that
only fools have gathered under the banner of Evil. The enemy is sly and artful, and
only unity, sincerity and kindness can subdue it.

The plot of “The Lord of the Rings” is very dynamic. It seems that Tolkien wanted to
introduce as many geographical areas and living-beings as possible. He doesn’t stay
too long in one place but leads the reader further and further away. A great aim sets
him going – the destruction of the Ring of Power, the result of Evil which promises its
owner riches and wealth, in the fire of Orodruin. It cannot be used for good intentions,
for the artifact will try to find a soft spot in its owner’s character and bring him/her
under its control. A person, strong-willed or completely indifferent to power, can
overcome all the obstacles and destroy the Ring. Frodo and Sam turn out to be the
ones.

Every new line in “The Lord of the Rings” arouses anxiety for the fate of Middle-
earth. If there were no derivations from the main plot, there would have been felt the
heat thousands times greater than from the fire of Orodruin. Tolkien fairly well
understood that the reader needed a break from whimsical languages of Middle-earth
as well as important events. That is why he skillfully introduces magnificent
descriptions of nature and the book is abundant with many interesting dialogues,
which help to understand protagonists’ characters to the full extent.

Hard life in Middle-earth during the War of the Ring reflects hard life in reality. The
war mixed all the cards and those who fought under Wight banners yesterday gave in
to the generous promises of Evil. And vice verse. Vile and bitter enemies become
allies, as it happens with Gollum. While battles take place in Gondor and Rohan, two
little hobbits make their way to Orodruin. The reader has to believe that countless
armies do not always decide the outcome of the battle, and that one can conquer
alone.

Realism is very important in the trilogy. Up to the last minute it is difficult to believe
in the traditional Happy End. Frodo and Sam can be compared with rope-walkers who
balance over an abyss, full of sharp blades. One step to the side – and everything can
perish in the abyss of events. The trilogy is, undoubtedly, full of mythology. In it one
can feel the taste of a juicy fruit or coagulated blood on the lips. Even a mighty
wizard, Gandalf, moves from one place of Middle-earth to another on a swift horse,
and not by fairy teleports or magic spells. Reality, like time, is eternal.

The struggle with different personifications of Evil is eternal too. The War of the Ring
is a small part of this struggle. Some critics compare Sauron with Hitler and Mordor
with Nazi Germany. Besides, a part of the epic was written during WWII. But Evil
has always been and will remain in Middle-earth as well as in real life. The question
is – who will be its new followers?

“The Lord of the Rings” teaches us to be humane, to follow the principles of

Christianity. Sympathy for enemies determines a lot in the epic. It is both sympathy
and humanity that prevent Bilbo from killing Gollum, who played a crucial role in the
destroying of the Ring. Good, according to Tolkien, is not revengeful. It strives to get
justice and will never shoot an arrow into the back of the Enemy.

We cannot say that everything ends extremely well. Thus, elves leave Middle-earth,
for their power perishes with the fall of the three elvish rings. Old wounds won’t leave
Frodo in peace. The chain of Evil has split, however, there remains a possibility that a
new Sauron will come.

“The Lord of the Rings” has become popular worldwide, and has had many editions
and translations. There can’t be a person regarding the epic with utter indifference.
Everyone has his/her own thoughts, and feelings towards “The Lord of the Rings”. It
seems that despite many critics’ analysis, “The Lord of the Rings” remains a poorly-
lightened corridor with many entries and exits. And if someone is able to make this
corridor a bit lighter, that would be a priceless contribution.
The fellowship of the Ring

“The Lord of the Rings” is a book trilogy written by the world famous writer J.R.R.
Tolkien and it tells the story of Frodo Baggins, a Hobbit who battles against the Dark
Lord Sauron to save Middle-earth from the grip of Evil. In the first part of the movie,
“The Fellowship of the Ring”, Frodo and his Fellowship of friends and allies embark
on a desperate journey to rid the earth of the source of Sauron’s greatest strength – the
One Ring.

“The Fellowship of the Ring” is an extremely good movie, which takes you into the
world of fantasy and exciting adventure. Peter Jackson did a really good job in
transferring Tolkien’s well-written words into colorful moving pictures. He sensed the
emotional atmosphere of the book and understood perfectly well how Tolkien
imagined every little being in the trilogy. That is why all the characters in “The
Fellowship of the Ring” are created and formed in the exact way Tolkien wanted them
to be. Of course, this couldn’t have been achieved without a professional cast who
managed to turn the words of the movie script into an amazing and fascinating movie.
No doubt, all the actors did a great job, which couldn’t have been accomplished
without their brilliant acting. One thing that is really good about them is that they are
all more or less unknown to the world. If you had taken for example Nicolas Cage to
play Frodo, it would only have felt stupid because you would have recognized him
straight away and that would have destroyed most of the magic of being Frodo.

Many of the viewers got angry with the director Peter Jackson because he had made
so many changes when filming “The Fellowship of the Ring”. They were particularly
upset with Peter Jackson’s decision to leave Tom Bombadillo out of the movie.
However, Peter Jackson did that because Tom Bombadillo didn’t play a leading role
in the cause of bringing the Ring to the Mount Doom. And, of course, we should
understand that the footage of the movie is not an elastic one. The entire movie turned
out to be fantastic and Peter Jackson’s work was like giving life to a doll. The changes
do not look like an elephant would be on Antarctic, but they fit in the story like a
glove and make it look coherent and complete.

“The Fellowship of the Ring” is set in new Zealand which has the perfect nature to be
shown as Middle-earth. Its high and mighty mountains covering the whole island
together with wide open plains and big forests is like a true paradise. The
surroundings are peaceful and quiet, and the nature around somehow gets you to think
about tranquility and harmony. The Shire looks incredibly realistic with its small
people going around and small houses everywhere.

Seeing the characters, nature and places that you have only read about and then later
on see them with your own eyes is really an amazing event. Being children, we all
dream of seeing our favorite characters in real life. Thanks to Peter Jackson and a
strong international cast the dream of many LOTR fans came true. The combination
of an excellent producer along with a professional cast and an extremely well-done
movie script did the trick – “The Fellowship of the Ring” had a roaring success and
did remarkably well at the box-office.

The Two Towers

“The Two Towers” features extraordinary adventures across the treacherous

landscape of Middle-earth and reveals how the power of friendship, love, and courage
can hold the Forces of Darkness at bay. Being the second movie in “The Lord of the
Rings” trilogy, “The Two Towers” has a much more dramatic story-line than “The
Fellowship of the Ring”. “The Two Towers” ends with a huge and fierce battle, which
gives the movie the effect of opening a bottle of champagne. The intensity and
excitement grows more and more and with the final battle the cork flies away, leaving
the audience astonished and amazed.

“The Two Towers” is set in New Zealand but compared to “The Fellowship of the
Ring”, it doesn’t feature that beautiful landscape. Many scenes take place on the
territory of Mordor, where there isn’t much of what can be described as nature there.
That is why, when Aragorn along with Legolas and Gimli searches for Merry and
Pippin, they travel mostly through mountainous terrain or vast plains, covered with
long grass.

“The Two Towers” introduces some new faces like the King of Rohan Theoden, his
niece Eowyn, the elf Haldir and the mystic giant race of the Ents. They all play an
important role in “The Two Towers”, at least Eowyn and Theoden. The King and his
daughter are the rulers of Helm’s deep where the battle is fought, Haldir is also of
importance of course, but he dies and doesn’t leave a sincerely big mark afterwards.
The Ents are a fascinating race, of awfully kind and warm-hearted folk. They are later
responsible for the surrender of Saruman with their attack on Isengard. Aragorn’s
relationship with Eowyn and Gandalf’s battle for the King’s wealth is what takes up
the real interest until the battle begins. Needless to say that the movie’s big star is still
Gollum, it is he who leads Frodo and Sam towards the Black Gate, and his struggle
between himself and his evil thoughts is something that makes you hold your breath
and attentively follow the plot.

The music of “The Two Towers” has gotten somehow a bit more mystic and calm
compared to “The Fellowship of the Ring”. Probably, the mystic tones are inspired by
Gollum and the calm ones – by the relationship between Aragorn and Eowyn,
otherwise there are few things to connect it with. The rest of the music, which is
strong and mighty, is of course made for the battles and marches of the Uruk-hai.

Now looking on the differences between the movie and the book, my first thought
comes to how the Ents decided to attack Saruman and his hordes. In the books, they
discussed the attack for many days and finally decided to march to Saruman’s lands
and attack the tower. In the movie, however, they discuss it quite a long time and
finally come with the decision not to attack Saruman. So, why do they attack him
later, then? I wonder why these changes are made. I can’t say that they help the plot in
the movie much, maybe it’s made not to bore the fans too much as they would in that
case know the exact story of the whole movie? Another small change is when
Aragorn falls into the river and dreams about Arwen. Was that really so necessary?

Well, “The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Two Towers” have already been
screened at the cinemas. In about 1 year, the third and the last piece of the trilogy will
be shown. What can we expect this time? The first two movies were definitely a
success. “The Fellowship of the Ring” gave us beautiful landscapes and nice
adventures to watch, while “The Two Towers” gave us great battles to enjoy. Will
“The Return of the King” be a success or a failure? What will be the next step to keep
our eyes open? The questions will be answered near Christmas 2003, when the
premiere of the last movie is being shown. Meanwhile enjoy the silence!
 The return of the King

I'm glad you're with me, Samwise Gamgee, here at the end of all things". The
touching conclusion of the final masterpiece that is The Lord of the Rings. Indeed any
individual would be glad to view the splendour, intensity and glory, as well as the
deepest bonds of friendship, courage and character contained in this truly remarkable
film.

The theatre is silent. The air is charged. The music begins. Title credits appear, and
then the darkness fades to reveal two young Hobbits, quite content, fishing in a small
boat. They sit on a bright turquoise river, with mayflies buzzing. Quite the picture of
tranquility, very different from the Battle of the Last Alliance, and the challenging of
the Balrog in the opening sequences of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two
Towers. If anything it is slightly unexpected. All of a sudden, one of the Hobbits
makes a slight shriek: "A fish!" An almost comical moment, but one recognisable to
anyone who has been fishing for the first time. This however, is where the
pleasantries end, and the wicked will of The Ring is set about. We see The Ring twist
one of the Hobbits, Smeagol, into a wretched and ghastly creature, and a fear is
awoken inside of us. The film continues, and we move to two weary looking Hobbits,
sleeping in a ruin for shelter. Continuing still, the film moves along, and before long
we find the Fellowship, divided and scattered, following their paths set for them by
fate.

Some truly incredible shots, accompanied by more than perfect music take us back to
Edoras, and then forth to Minas Tirith, City of Kings.

It is here that the greatest battle of all three films ensues. An army of some 50,000
Orcs stands at the gates, and before our eyes the fate of Middle Earth is decided.
Terrific shots and spectacular effects tower over that of its predecessors in terms of
magnitude and force.

Just as all hope is lost, a spectacular charge formed by 6,000 Rohirrim sweep through
the Orcs like a wave of unstoppable power. Here truly begins the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields. Examples of magnificent courage are shown, as the horsemen now
face huge challenges and enormous creatures.

Spectacular battles, both with numbers of enemies and one on one swordplay, sets this
film apart from not only its fantastic prequels, but any film of today's generation.
Thanks to efforts made by Aragorn, son of Arathorn, rightful King of Gondor, a
spectacular army of living dead arrives on the scene, destroying everything in their
paths. Aragorn, with the sword Anduril, Flame of the West in his hand, along with his
ever-faithful companions Legolas Greenleaf and Gimli son of Gloin, the terrible force
before them is defeated.

However this is not the end. A spectacular finish and inspiring speeches made by the
characters bring even the least emotional of us to sorrow and yet hope simultaneously.
A friendship tested to limits beyond belief holds true, and inspires each and every
individual watching.

"I'm glad you're with me Samwise Gamgee, here at the end of all things"

The main characters

FRODO BAGGINGS, born on September 22, 2968 T.A., is the key figure of J.R.R.
Tolkien’s fantasy trilogy "The Lord of the Rings". Like the other hobbits from the
Fellowship of the Ring, he dwells in the Shire. Frodo is the only son of Drogo
Baggins and Primula Brandybuck. Not much is known about his father, who is
characterized by Gamgee as "a decent hobbit; there was never much to tell of him, till
he drownded". As to his mother – the youngest daughter of the Brandybuck’s – it is
known that she was Bilbo Baggins’ cousin. Bilbo, a respectable hobbit, is
undoubtedly well-known not only from "The Lord of the Rings", but also from "The
Hobbit".

In 2980, after the tragic death of his parents, Frodo was adopted by his uncle Bilbo
and, became like a son to him. The Baggins’ house was enormous and luxurious,
therefore Bilbo didn’t find himself deprived of anything there. Legends existed about
Frodo’s treasures in the Shire; that probably explains why many hobbits treated him
and his uncle with envy and contempt. Bilbo’s considerable fortune, which emerged
after his adventures described in "The Hobbit", added fuel to the fire. In 3001, Frodo
inherited Bilbo’s property, including the Ring.

While living in the Shire Frodo wasn’t talkative, quite the opposite. Probably it was
caused by his parents’ death and the envy of his neighbours. After Bilbo’s departure
to the elves, Frodo stood aloof from the other hobbits. His only friends were Meriadoc
Brandybuck a.k.a. Merry, Peregrin Took a.k.a. Pippin and Samwise Gamgee a.k.a.
Sam whom he greatly adored. Frodo loved to spend his free time with them tramping
all over the Shire; but more often he wandered by himself, and to the amazement of
sensible folk he was sometimes seen far from home walking in the hills and woods
under the starlight.. Also, Frodo couldn’t resist the temptation of tossing off a glass of
good wine.

In general, Frodo should be characterized as a hobbit who prefers to act alone. It is

true that he is one of the Nine Walkers in the Company of the Ring but, nevertheless,
all the main job falls upon his shoulders. Baggins, like Jesus, bears his cross
throughout all the three parts of the fantasy adventure, not trusting anyone with his
heavy and, at times, dangerous burden. Despite knowing that his true friend Sam is
always ready to help, Frodo knows – he is the one responsible for the outcome of the
journey.

Deep inside the main hero of "the Lord of the Rings" is a big dreamer. He is among
the first, who read the beginning of a notorious Red Book of Westmarch. The young
hobbit was always fascinated by marvelous stories by his uncle Bilbo about mythical
beings like elves and trolls. No wonder Frodo longs to experience similar adventures
himself. Strength and zeal for a 50-year-old hobbit – he sets out for his journey at this
very age – is given by the Ring, powerful and mighty.

For a hobbit, Frodo is broad-minded and smart. When encountering elves, he tries to
speak in their ancient tongue; he recalls the words from a song about Elbereth, Queen
beyond the Western Seas.

Different skills acquired by Frodo during his journey help him to accomplish Bilbo’s
great cause – creation of the Red Book of Westmarch to "keep alive the memory of
the age that is gone, so that people will remember the Great Danger and so love their
beloved". It is here, in this very book, where our hero’s poetical and writing talent is
revealed.

As to Frodo’s clothes, back in the Shire like any other affluent hobbit he was usually
clad in "green velvet trousers, a red or yellow waistcoat, a shirt, a brown or green
jacket with golden buttons or a dark green hooded coat," – writes Tolkien in his letter
to the editor of the "Houghton Mifflin". But soon after some of his adventures, it
wears out. Awakened in Rivendell, the hobbit sees a new outfit specially made by the
elves. Frodo’s most precious possession was his mithril corslet given by Bilbo. More
than once it saved his life from arrows and swords of dark and evil forces.

Frodo’s appearance isn’t that much different from his kind. He is about 3 ft tall, 3’’6
to be precise. He has furry feet which are believed to be the pride of every hobbit. The
features of his face are more delicate than rough (although, rough ones were natural
for other hobbits). Frodo is not plump at all. During his journey he grows
considerably thinner. He has brown hair with a natural slight wave. Frodo’s
distinctive mark is the scar on his left hand, acquired by having been wounded by
King Nazgul’s blade. Also, he was short of one of his fingers, which was bitten off by
Gollum together with the Ring on the slopes of Orodruin.

Frodo is a strong character. He bore the One Ring longer than anyone else (except for
Sauron, of course). Yes, it prolonged his life but, undermined his health at the same
time. Probably because of this, Frodo decides to leave Middle-earth at the end of the
trilogy. He is entirely changed during his long and weary journey. If at the beginning,
Frodo is "a little shy rabbit", who hasn’t seen anything but the Shire, at the end he is a
completely formed and sophisticated personality. No doubt, Frodo is a great hobbit
who managed to save the world, despite his giving in at the last crucial moment – the
Ring took final possession of him. And if it were not for Gollum everything could
have ended differently. But it would have been another story …

ARAGORN II a.k.a. Strider, Elessar Telcontal, Dunadan, born in T.A. 2931, is a

member of the Fellowship of the Ring. At the age of two after his father’s death he
was taken into the care of Elrond in Rivendell. He doesn’t know his real name and the
elves call him Estel, which means “hope” in Sindarin. Aragorn is undoubtedly the last
hope to restore the House of Isildur. His renowned ancestor cut Sauron’s finger
together with the Ring off in 3441. Since Elendil, Isildur’s father, was the 1st king of
Gondor and Arnor, Aragorn, in his turn, is an heir-at-law to the throne. However, for
the time being, no one suspected that, and Stewards ruled the Kingdom.
At the age of 20 Aragorn learned the truth about his origin and Elrond gave him the
heirloom of the Heirs of Isildur – Elendir’s broken sword and the Ring of Barahir.
After that he began his journey to Wilderland. Since then he had been fighting with
Sauron’s servants for 70 years and with a war-cry “Elendil” put the enemy to flight.
His long journey through the forests of Middle-earth taught Aragorn to be
unnoticeable and calm even in the most dangerous situations.

Dunadan is well aware of the past of Middle-earth and knows a lot of legends and
stories like Frodo. Convincing and eloquent he speaks at the Council of Elrond. His
words prove that Numenorean’s descendent is strong-willed and shrewd. Such
qualities only increase the authority of the King whom he becomes later.

During his journeys Aragorn was not only the Head of the Rangers of the North and
ruled Gondor but also served the King of Rohan and the Steward of Gondor. In 2980
he led the Umbar Campaign and most of the Corsairs’ ships were destroyed. But
before that, in 2959, Aragorn befriended Gandalf.

Belonging to the Dunadan’s, Aragorn looks quite young for his age. It is known that
Numenorean’s descendents lived about 150-200 years. Such people were known for
their grandeur and nobility.

In 3017 Aragorn launched a successful campaign to catch Gollum. It was not that
easy to accomplish. But for Gandalf he could do anything despite its being dangerous
and perilous. Aragorn’s selflessness also showed in his willingness to help Frodo and
the other three hobbits to get to Rivendell and also in his joining the Fellowship.

The knowledge of such a warrior, pathfinder and healer is priceless in journeys, long
and dangerous. To heal Frodo’s wound, he uses special athelas leaves. The leaves
prove to be a healing remedy and save Frodo’s life.

Of course, Aragorn has his beloved, Arwen Undomiel. She met Strider in 2951 and
was 2690 years older than her future husband. Arwen inherited her grandmother’s
celestial beauty. As to her father, it was Elrond himself. Only with Arwen, Elessar
experiences the unity of souls. The last scene after the end of the War vividly
demonstrates it – when Aragorn with his beloved sits at the fountain near a
blossoming White Tree and enjoys her playing the lute. Truly, he meant a lot for
Arwen, otherwise she would have never rejected her elven immortality for love.

His deeds on the battlefields are numerous. When the Fellowship breaks, Aragorn
participates in the battle of the Hornburg, goes on the Paths of the Dead and subdues
the Shadows of Durthang. With their help Dunadan defeats Pelargir corsairs. If he
hadn’t sailed up on the seized ships, Minas Tirith would never have stood up against
the pressure of Mordor’s hordes.

In the fantasy trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” Aragorn is a key figure. It is in his
reign that Gondor gains its might and glory back. Aragorn’s wisdom is behind his far-
seeing decrees. After the end of the War of the Ring Elessar takes the Shire under his
wing and forbids people to be in sight of its borders. Being an honest king, he follows
his decrees and never goes further than the Great Bridge.
Aragorn never boasts of his noble origin and his sacral role in all the predictions. This
undoubtedly brings Aragorn and his people together. Once, when speaking with
Aragorn, Gandalf pronounces a phrase, which fully characterizes Elessar’s role in the
post-war society: “It is you who are now responsible for Middle Earth”. In Aragorn
Tolkien wanted to show an ideal king who should sow seeds of the White Tree. The
seeds of rational, good and eternity. We can see at a glance that Aragorn is a star. He
is a natural leader. Battles have made him tough and he has the mortal strength to
resist the pull of the Ring.

Aragorn ruled Gondor 120 years and died on the 1st of March of the year 120 of the
Fourth Age. He left the world of the quick but “the story of Aragorn and Arwen”, his
deeds, a prosperous kingdom, a son and several daughters remained.

GANDALF THE GREY, an immortal being, is a wizard, one of the five Istari (i.e.
“wise” in Kvenian) and a maiar. Before coming to Middle-earth (T.A. 1000) like any
other maiar he was subject to the Volar. He can appear both in visible and invisible
form.

Gandalf is also known as Mithrandir (i.e. “grey wanderer” in Sindarin) and Olyrin, a
name given to him in Valinor. In “The Silmarillion” wisest of the Maiar was Olyrin
who dwelt in Lyrien. His ways took him often to the house of Nienna, and of her he
learned pity and compassion. This gives grounds to believe that Gandalf and Olyrin
was one and the same person. In Middle-earth the wizard sympathized with the weak
and those who heard his prayers were awakened from despair and ceased thinking
about Evil. In “The Silmarillion” very little is said about the wizard but “The Lord of
the Rings” and “The Hobbit” definitely shed more light on his personality.

Gandalf dwells in different parts of Middle-earth. And many are his names in many
countries. The elves call him Mithrandir, the dwarves – Tharkun, the haradrims –
Incanus. It is hobbits and the Rangers of the North who called him Gandalf. He has a
number of nicknames: Gandalf Greyhame, StormCrow, the White Rider, the Grey
Wanderer and the Grey Fool. Most likely that by the latter he was “christened” by his
ill-wishers as Gandalf is wisdom itself. Like Frodo, he is Tolkien’s favourite
personage.

Everywhere he is known as a tall robust old man with long grey beard and kind eyes,
wearing a pointed hat and a long coat.

Upon arriving at Middle-earth, Cirdan the Shipwright gave him one of the three Elven
Rings, Narya, Ring of Fire.

He always carries his staff with him which lights up the way in the darkness and helps
to cast a spell. He is armed with the elven-sword Glamdring (i.e. “the shatter of the
foes” in Sindarin), forged by the elves and once belonging to the Duke of Turgon. The
wizard found it in 2941 T.A. during his journey to the Lonely Mountain.

Gandalf was fighting against Sauron and his servants for about 2 thousand years. It is
he who tried to reveal the secret of the Ring, found by Master Baggins in Gollum’s
cave, and he narrated this story in detail at the Council of Elrond. Little by little the
wizard found out the ominous power of the Ring and asked the Rangers of the North
to keep an eye on the Shire.
Gandalf loves hobbits and always visits their wonderful land. The wizard’s fame in
the Shire is mainly due to his skill with fires, smokes and lights, adored by all the
shire-folk especially kids.

Being a wizard, Gandalf’s powers and wisdom are not unlimited. Thus, before going
to Orodruin he studies carefully the maps of Middle-earth as well as Gondor’s
chronicles where he learns about the One Ring. His fight with Balrog turns out to be
fatal. Gandalf sacrified himself by battling the fiery Balrog so his friends could
escape. He actually died … but because of his generous act, his spirit was placed in a
new body and given even greater powers than before. He becomes invulnerable to any
weapon. There is an opinion that before Moria Gandalf was mortal but died from
Durin’s Bane. And as the fate willed he came back to Middle-earth to accomplish his
Cause in the form of Gandalf the White. There was another wizard whose powers
where like the maiar’s. It was Saruman, a betrayer, who shut him up on the pinnacle
of Orthanc. If it were not for the swiftest of the Great Eagles, Gwaihir the Windlord,
Gandalf would probably have been Sauron’s prisoner till the end of his days.

The Windlord carried the brave wizard to Edoras, the capital of Rohan, where
Gandalf chose Shadowfax – the fastest and most tireless horse in Rohan’s herd.
Indeed, Gandalf could choose not only the right way in the dark corridors of Moria
but also the right weapon and the right horse. It is he who predicted that it was only in
Frodo’s power to make his way to Orodruin and destroy the One Ring.

Gandalf becomes the leader of the Fellowship (before Moria events take place). He
bears the responsibility for all the folks of Middle-earth. Only after the end of the War
of the Ring would he tell Aragorn that the time had come for Gondor’s Sovereign to
become the guarantor of peace and order.

During the War of the Ring Gandalf does a lot. He sets free Theoden, the King of
Rohan and exiles his servant, Grima WormTongue. So people gain anew a bellicose
Theoden and gradually forget him being passive and bewitched by the spells of his
Adviser. Also Gandalf overthrows Saruman, breaks his staff into pieces– every
wizard’s symbol, and frees Isengard along with Rohan’s Company. Saruman flees
from Hobbiton and Gandalf becomes the Head of the Istari Order.

Gandalf symbolizes honesty and kindness. He doesn’t punish Pippin either when the
Palantir is stolen or for his conversation with Sauron. It is enough to look into the
hobbit’s eyes and see – there is no lie there.

Gandalf is an interesting story-teller and a wise advisor. For this very reason Elessar
begs Gandalf not to sail over the Sea. The duo of wizard and Aragorn struggles
bravely at Minas Tirith and reaches the Black Gates of Mordor. Another interesting
episode occurs when Sauron’s messenger brings Sam and Frodo’s clothes. The
messenger of the Dark Lord adduces an ultimatum and affirms that the Fellowship’s
mission has finally failed. If it were not for the wisdom and eloquence of Gandalf,
who did not believe the messenger for a moment, the allied army would probably
have lost its competitive spirit and would not have won.
In 3021 Gandalf and Frodo left Middle-earth as the third Age, the Age of fight with
Sauron, was over. And, therefore, Gandalf the White fulfilled his mission
successfully. The time of wizards comes to an end and the future of Middle-earth is
entirely in the hands of people – that is Gandalf’s main idea which fully characterizes
the arrival of a new Age, the fourth one. Gandalf left Middle-earth but he would stay
in the hearts of common people for ever.

LEGOLAS (whose name in Sindarin means “Greenleaf”) is an elf of the Sindar, a

member of the Fellowship of the Ring. Like any other elves he is immortal.

Legolas has extremely good hearing as well as eyesight – all elves are renowned
archers able to hit a bird’s eye from a long distance. At the very beginning of the
journey the members of the Fellowship find themselves in Hollin, a dwelling place of
the elves who went northwards. There Legolas hears the moans of stones while the
others hear only the sound of the wind blowing. At that time such qualities of Legolas
made him priceless for the Fellowship.

The elf is not frightened by forces of nature such as a blinding blizzard one of which
occurred in the Misty Mountains on Caradhras peak. He was the only one who
remained in good spirits in that bad weather. Why did the other members of the
Company feel nervous and Boromir even suggested going back? It seems like the
unity with nature helps the elf. He could thread his way through the depths of forests,
noiseless and unseen. If Gimli, Legolas’ faithful friend, could easily find the way in
the dark caves, on the ground only Aragorn could surpass him.

In all the battles Legolas is the first archer. Successfully he fights with fierce
werewolves and vile orcs, and even hits a flying Nazgul. A fine weapon, Lorian’s
bow, mighty, resilient and strong, given as a present from Galadriel, helps him to do
that.

Legolas Greenleaf is not only a great warrior but also a fine singer. Along with
Aragorn he sings a burial song for the dead Boromir, although his voice strains every
now and then. It looks as if Tolkien tried to depict in Legolas spiritual wealth of the
ancient people.

As to his appearance, Legolas has beautiful eyes, long fair hair and pointed ears. He
has a good figure, slim and slender. The features of his face are refined unlike Gimli’s
and Sam’s.
Besides his favourite bow and quiver with heavy and deadly arrows, Legolas has a
dagger with a silver handle. We learn about the elf’s armour from the description at
the meeting with Theoden son of Thengel, King of the Mark of Rohan: “… and they
arrayed Aragorn and Legolas in shining mail. Helms too they chose, and round
shields: their bosses were overlaid with gold and set with gems, green and red and
white…”. Before that he tried to do away with his heavy ammunition. Lorian’s cloak,
which every member of the Fellowship had, made him invisible.

Along with his faithful friends, Gimli and Aragorn, the elf performs a number of
deeds. He doughtily fights at the battle of the Hornburg, takes the Paths of the Dead,
participates in the battle of the Pelennor.
More than anything he likes to wander in forests and listen with delight to birds
singing. A journey to Fangorn, Ent’s place of habitation, gives him great pleasure. But
Gimli constantly disturbs Legolas with his memories of the beauty of the caves. At
the end the friends decide that when the War of the Ring is over, they will visit their
favourite places together.

Legolas can be called a philosopher to some extent. Let’s remember his conversation
with Gimli about the future of the people inhabiting Middle-earth:

“Yet seldom do they fail of their seed,” said Legolas. “And that will lie in the dust and
rot to spring up again in times and places unlooked-for. The deeds of Men will outlast
us, Gimli.”

“And yet come to naught in the end but might-have-beens, I guess,” said the Dwarf.

“To that the Elves know not the answer,” said Legolas.

But the elf finds it difficult to understand why people’s dreams do not always come
true. He believes in people more than Gimli does. If Gimli is the embodiment of
solidity and insipidity of a grey stone, Legolas, in his turn, is quite the opposite. He
loves gardens and wants them to blossom on the free land.

After the end of the War of the Ring Legolas together with the other elves comes back
to the Ithilien lands. He dwells there till F.A. 120 and when the King dies he sails over
the Sea with Gimli. The last pages of the Red Book of Westmarch narrate about it.

Although Legolas leaves Middle Earth, we can understand him. It is there, beyond the
sea, where the ancient motherland of the elves is. And he, being a true patriot, follows
his people. Long live such heroes!