The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Year: 2003

Runtime: 201 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Jackson

ActionAdventureFantasy

As Sauron’s forces close in on Minas Tirith, the final defense of Gondor faces imminent defeat. The kingdom desperately awaits a leader, and all eyes turn to Aragorn, the rightful heir. He must embrace his destiny and rally the forces of good to confront the encroaching shadow threatening Middle-earth. The fate of the realm hangs in the balance as a desperate battle for survival begins.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Trace every key event in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Déagol discovers the One Ring

While fishing in a river with his cousin Sméagol, Déagol stumbles upon the One Ring. Its enchanting power immediately captivates Sméagol, marking the beginning of a perilous journey intertwined with greed and betrayal.

2

Sméagol's descent into darkness

Driven by his newfound desire for the Ring, Sméagol kills Déagol in a fit of rage. This horrific act transforms him into Gollum and sets him on a tragic path of madness and physical decay.

Misty Mountains
3

Gandalf gathers allies

During the War of the Ring, Gandalf organizes a coalition including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and King Théoden of Rohan. They unite to combat the rising threat of Sauron as darkness looms over Middle-earth.

Isengard
4

Gandalf seizes Saruman’s palantír

In a tense confrontation at Isengard, Gandalf captures Saruman’s palantír, a seeing stone that reveals dire warnings of impending danger. This act becomes crucial in understanding the threats facing Gondor.

Isengard
5

The beacons of Gondor are lit

Under Gandalf's guidance, Pippin lights the beacons that call for help from Rohan. This moment symbolizes hope as allies prepare for a coming battle against Sauron's forces.

Edoras
6

Frodo and Sam's journey begins

Frodo, the Ring-bearer, begins a dangerous quest toward Mordor alongside his loyal companion Sam. Unbeknownst to them, they are followed by Gollum, whose motives remain veiled in treachery.

7

Gollum's deceit

In a cunning maneuver, Gollum frames Sam for eating their provisions, leading Frodo to distrust his friend. This manipulation deepens the tension among the trio as they traverse the treacherous land.

8

Aragorn receives Andúril

Elrond reveals the peril that Arwen faces and presents Aragorn with Andúril, a legendary sword reforged from Narsil. This marks a pivotal moment for Aragorn, pushing him to embrace his destiny as Gondor's heir.

9

Shelob's lair

Gollum leads Frodo into the lair of the monstrous spider Shelob, resulting in a fierce battle. Frodo narrowly escapes but is subsequently paralyzed by the creature, leaving him vulnerable.

Shelob's Lair
10

The battle of Helm's Deep

As war rages, King Théoden rallies his people for battle at Helm's Deep. They face a formidable enemy, leading to a bloody confrontation that tests their courage and resolve.

Helm's Deep
11

Denethor's madness

Despairing over Gondor's fate, Denethor attempts to incinerate himself and Faramir on a funeral pyre. Gandalf intervenes at the last moment, saving Faramir from his father's madness.

Minas Tirith
12

Théoden's heroic fall

In a fierce confrontation, Théoden is mortally wounded by the Witch-king. His niece Éowyn, embodying valor and defiance, ultimately vanquishes the dark lord, but Théoden dies in her arms.

Pelennor Fields
13

The final battle at Mount Doom

Aragorn, now wielding the Army of the Dead, leads the charge against Sauron's forces. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom, where Gollum's desperate attempt to reclaim the Ring leads to a catastrophic end.

Mount Doom
14

The end of Sauron

In a tragic twist, Gollum's struggle with Frodo results in both falling into the lava of Mount Doom, leading to the One Ring's destruction and Sauron's defeat. This moment marks a turning point in the fate of Middle-earth.

Mount Doom
15

Return to the Shire

With the war concluded, the surviving members of the Fellowship reunite. Frodo and Sam return to the Shire, where Sam marries Rosie, but Frodo ultimately leaves for the Undying Lands, forever impacted by the burdens of his journey.

Shire

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:30

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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Summary

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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

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