The Lord of the Rings

Elven smiths forge nine Rings of Power for mortal Men, seven for the Dwarf Lords, and three for the Elf-Kings. Soon after, the Dark Lord Sauron makes the One Ring to control them and uses it to attempt to conquer Middle-earth.

After defeating Sauron, Prince Isildur takes the Ring for himself. He is later killed by Orcs, and the Ring sinks to the bottom of the river Anduin for over 2,500 years.

The Ring is discovered by Déagol, but his kinsman Sméagol murders him to claim it. The Ring corrupts Sméagol, turning him into Gollum, who carries it into the Misty Mountains.

Centuries later, the Ring finds Bilbo Baggins in Gollum's cave. Bilbo brings the Ring back with him to the Shire, where it lies dormant for a long time.

During Bilbo's birthday, Gandalf reveals the Ring's danger and urges Bilbo to leave it behind. Bilbo reluctantly agrees and departs for Rivendell, taking the Ring with him.

Over seventeen years, Gandalf learns that the Ring is in the possession of a Baggins. Gandalf meets Frodo to explain the Ring's history and the danger it poses, and Frodo leaves his home with his three Hobbit companions: Pippin, Merry, and Sam.

The hobbits narrowly escape the Ringwraiths and reach Bree. There, Aragorn leads them toward Rivendell, beginning the trek that will form the fellowship.

Frodo is stabbed atop Weathertop by the chief of the Ringwraiths and grows gravely ill. The Ringwraiths catch up with the group at the ford of Rivendell, and the river sweeps them away.

In Rivendell, Frodo is healed by Elrond and reunites with Gandalf, who has escaped Saruman. Frodo volunteers to go to Mordor, and sets out from Rivendell with eight companions: Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, Pippin, Merry, and Sam.

Their attempt to cross the Misty Mountains is foiled by heavy snow, forcing them into the mines of Moria. There they are attacked by Orcs, and Gandalf falls into an abyss while battling a Balrog.

The Fellowship enters Lothlórien and meets Galadriel. Boromir tries to seize the Ring from Frodo, and Frodo decides to continue the journey with Sam; Boromir is killed defending Merry and Pippin, who are captured by Orcs.

Merry and Pippin escape their captors and flee into Fangorn Forest, where they meet Treebeard. Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas pursue the abducted hobbits and reunite with Gandalf, who has been reborn after defeating the Balrog.

Gandalf travels to Edoras and convinces King Théoden that his people are in danger. With Théoden's support, the Riders of Rohan join the fight against Saruman's forces.

Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas head toward Helm's Deep to defend Rohan. Meanwhile Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, travel toward Mordor, with Gollum plotting to reclaim the Ring.

Gandalf arrives with the Riders of Rohan at Helm's Deep, turning the tide of the battle. The allied forces destroy the Orc army and repel Saruman's threat to Rohan.