Frodo Baggins

**Frodo Baggins** was a hobbit of the Third Age, the most famous of all Hobbits in the histories for his leading role in the Quest of the Ring. During this epic quest, he bore the One Ring to Mount Doom and there destroyed it, giving him renown like no other Halfling throughout Middle-earth. He is also peculiar for being, as a Ring-bearer, one of the three Hobbits who sailed from Middle-earth to Aman, there to die in peace.

## Character overview

Frodo was the son of Drogo and Primula Baggins (née Brandybuck) best friend of Samwise "Sam" Gamgee and cousin of Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck and Bilbo Baggins.

Frodo was orphaned at the age of twelve years old and later adopted by his "uncle", Bilbo Baggins. Around thirty three years old, Frodo inherited the One Ring and Bag End from Bilbo. He later went on the quest from Bag End to Bree, accomponied at first by Sam and then by his cousins, Merry and Pippin. They later met Aragorn son of Arathorn in Bree, and Frodo was later wounded by the Witch King and healed in Rivendell. He took the Ring as his burden into Moria, but they lost Gandalf. After learning from Galadriel what it takes to be a ring-bearer, he travelled to Mordor alone, but Sam would not abandon his friend. Frodo later believed he could tame Gollum and save him from his tortured life. Frodo and his companions were later captured by Faramir, who was the brother of their late Fellowship member, Boromir. At first Faramir wanted to take the Hobbits to Minas Tirith for his father, but changed his mind and let Frodo, Sam and Gollum go their separate ways.

Frodo later became angry with Sam and then was later led into Shelob's lair. Frodo was later saved by Sam and was taken to Mount Doom, where they encountered Gollum yet again. They fought the monster off and Frodo refused to let the Ring go until his finger was bitten off by Gollum and lost the ring. The creature had in fact ended the suffering by melting with the Ring. Frodo later returned to the Shire, but he could never fully recover. Within three years, Frodo departed overseas with Bilbo, Galadriel, Celeborn, Lord Elrond and Gandalf.

He would later reunite with Sam happily when the Hobbit went to the undying Lands

## Background

### Family lineage

Frodo descends from the Took, Baggins, Bolger and Brandybuck family. He is the great-grandson  of the Old Took, as his maternal grandmother was the daughter of Gerontius Took.

He is a member of the Took family, by his grandmother and a Baggins by his grandfather.

## History

### Early Life

Frodo was born into the Shire as the son of Drogo Baggins and Primula Brandybuck. At some point he befriended Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took who were known for getting up to mischievous things. He also befriended Samwise Gamgee at some point.

Frodo's parents drowned in a boating accident when he was only 12 years of age and he was adopted by his uncle, Bilbo Baggins who took him to live in Bag End in Hobbiton. Frodo grew very fond of Bilbo and learnt a lot from the older Hobbit.

At some point Frodo met Gandalf the Grey when the wizard visited the Shire and Gandalf took a liking to the young Hobbit.

### Bilbo's 111th party

In the year TA 3018, Bilbo was turning 111 years of age and decided to hold a large birthday party in Hobbiton. Frodo helped his uncle with the setting up. The day of the party, Frodo walked outside to check the mail, eating an apple. He brought the mail to his uncle who was busy writing his book. Frodo asked Bilbo what it was and the older Hobbit told him to "keep his sticky paws off" as it wasn't ready for reading yet. Bilbo asked Frodo what the mail was and Frodo told him it was responses to the party invitations. Frodo told Bilbo that everyone said they were coming except for the Sackville-Bagginses who demanded he ask them in person. Frodo told Bilbo that the Sackville-Bagginses seemed to think Bilbo had tunnels overflowing with gold to which Bilbo muttered something about it being one small chest and hardly overflowing. Frodo asked Bilbo what he was doing as he witnessed his uncle hiding things around the place in pots. Bilbo told Frodo that he was taking precautions, remembering the time Lobelia Sackville-Baggins took off with his spoons. He started to tell Frodo that he would need to keep an eye on her when he was gone but didn't finish the sentence, remembering he hadn't told Frodo he was leaving. Frodo asked his uncle what he meant but Bilbo told him it was nothing. Frodo warned Bilbo that people were beginning to think the older Hobbit was becoming a bit odd and unsociable. Bilbo assured him it was nonsense and told him to put a sign on the gate which said "No admittance except on party business". As they were putting it up, Frodo thoughtfully asked whether Bilbo thought Gandalf would be making an appearance and Bilbo assured him that the wizard wouldn't pass up an opportunity to give them a fireworks show. Frodo decided to go surprise Gandalf at Eastfarthing wood and Bilbo encouraged him to hurry along.

Frodo reached Eastfarthing and sat under a tree reading his book waiting for the wizard to arrive. He looked up to hear Gandalf's voice humming a tune and the sound of horse and cart. He got up and walked over to the road, telling Gandalf that the wizard was late. Gandalf stopped the cart and told Frodo that a wizard is never late and arrives precisely when he intends to. For a moment they stared at each other before bursting into joyous laughter. Frodo leapt onto the cart to embrace Gandalf in a welcoming hug, telling the wizard it was wonderful to see him. Frodo and Gandalf rode in the cart towards Bag End and Gandalf asked the Hobbit how Bilbo was and that he heard the party was meant to be a party of special magnificence. Frodo told Gandalf Bilbo had the community in an uproar and that half the Shire had been invited though the rest were turning up anyway. They arrived in Hobbiton and made their way across a bridge, heading up towards Bag End. Frodo mentioned that he had found Bilbo had been more odd than usual which Gandalf seemed to find concerning. Frodo told Gandalf he knew the wizard had something to do with it. Gandalf responded that if he was referring to the incident with the Dragon, he had nothing to do with it and he had just given Bilbo a nudge out the door. They passed a group of children and Gandalf let out some fireworks to excite them. Frodo told Gandalf he was glad the wizard was back before running off somewhere.

During the party that night, Frodo danced to the music and encouraged Sam to ask Rosie Cotton to dance. When Sam began to walk away, Frodo grabbed him and pushed him towards Rosie, laughing as he nervously danced with her. Later on, Bilbo spotted the Sackville-Bagginses and as Frodo walked up to him he told his nephew to hide with him. While they ducked behind a tent wall, Bilbo told Frodo he was a good lad and told him he didn't know why he took the younger Hobbit in after his parents deaths but he thought it was because of all his numerous relations, Frodo showed real spirit. Frodo, not realising that Bilbo intended to leave, questioned whether Bilbo had been at the Gaffer's home brew to which Bilbo initially denied before saying yes except it wasn't the point. He told Frodo that the point was he would be alright. Frodo clapped and cheered when Bilbo got up for a speech and watched in horror as the Hobbit disappeared, not realising he had put on the One Ring. Frodo immediately started looking for his uncle everywhere out of concern.

### Inheriting Bag End and the One Ring

Frodo finally returned to Bag End that night to find Gandalf sitting inside and the One Ring sitting on the floor near the door. He picked it up and asked Gandalf to confirm whether Bilbo had left or not, saying he had talked about leaving for so long. Gandalf seemed distracted but finally turned and told Frodo that Bilbo had gone to stay with the Elves and that he had left all his possessions to Frodo including the One Ring. Gandalf left hastily, telling Frodo there were questions in need of answering. Frodo told Gandalf he didn't understand but Gandalf told the Hobbit to keep the ring secret and keep it safe.

### Flight

One night soon after, Frodo was walking into Bag End, the lights all off. He sensed someone inside and looked around before Gandalf revealed himself behind. Gandalf asked frantically whether the One Ring was safe. Frodo grabbed the envelope with the ring and Gandalf tossed it on the fire, Frodo asking what he was doing in alarm. Gandalf told him to hold out his hand as it was quite cool, putting the ring into it. The wizard asked Frodo whether he could see anything on the ring and Frodo examined it, telling him there was nothing. However, as he continued to look, the black speech runes revealed themselves. Gandalf told him it was the language of Mordor and quoted the Ring verse, telling Frodo that this was the One Ring to rule them all. Gandalf explained how Sauron had survived and was now searching for that very ring. Frodo grabbed the ring and told Gandalf they would hide it where nobody would find it, asking whether anybody knew it was there. Gandalf told Frodo that he had searched for Gollum who also knew Bilbo had the ring and that the servants of Mordor had captured him first. Gollum had uttered the words "Shire" and "Baggins" to which Frodo deduced would lead them straight to Bag End. He immediately tried to give the ring to Gandalf who explained to the Hobbit why he could not take it. Gandalf told Frodo to take the ring out of the Shire, telling him he would meet him at the Prancing Pony in Bree while he went to meet the head of his order. He warned Frodo he would have to leave the name of Baggins behind him and to stay off the road. Gandalf noticed a sound outside the window and knocked an eavesdropping Samwise Gamgee on the head. Gandalf pulled him in and realised he had heard everything. Gandalf decided to send him with Frodo on his journey.

In the early hours of the morning, Gandalf sent the pair on their way and warned Frodo never to put on the One Ring as the agents of the Dark Lord would be drawn to its power. The wizard left them in a haste and they set out on their journey.

They were walking through some farmlands in the Shire and Sam stopped behind Frodo, telling him that if he took one more step it would be the furtherest away from home he had ever been. Frodo encouraged Sam with one of Bilbo's old sayings about adventure.

### Seeing the Elves

At nightfall, Sam was busy cooking food while Frodo sat up in a tree. They heard a heavenly choir of voices singing and saw a group of wood-elves on their way to the Grey Havens to depart for the Undying Lands. Sam told Frodo he didn't know why but it made him sad that they were leaving. They tried to sleep and Sam complained about how uncomfortable the ground was. Frodo told him to imagine he was back at home in a soft bed. Sam told him it was never going to work and he wasn't going to get any sleep and Frodo assured the other Hobbit that he wasn't going to either.

### Shortcut to the mushrooms

They walked through Farmer Maggot's fields and Sam thought he lost Frodo in amongst the wheat and yelled out in alarm but Frodo assured him he was there. Frodo asked what was concerning the other Hobbit and Sam told him that Gandalf had told him not to leave Frodo's side and that he intended to keep that promise. Frodo assured him that they hadn't even left the Shire so surely nothing could go wrong. Ironically, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took duck out of the crops next to them, having stolen vegetables from Farmer Maggot. Realising that Farmer Maggot wouldn't know they weren't responsible, Frodo and Sam were forced to run with the two young reckless Hobbits. They reached the edge of the field and fell down a steep drop into a mossy area surrounded by trees. This was next to the road which led into the Old Forest. Frodo sensed something was amiss and told the other three Hobbits that he thought they should get off the road. He heard the distance shrieks of a Nazgûl on it's way and he yelled again for them to get off the road. They hid under a tree root just off the road and the Nazgûl rode up, unable to see them just underneath him, sniffing away. Frodo felt the pull of the One Ring, which tried to get him to put it on his finger. Frodo almost put it on when Sam realised what was happening and reached across to stop him. Merry threw a package out behind the tree in another direction and the Nazgûl screamed, racing off in the direction of the sound. The four Hobbits took the opportunity to run further into the Old Forest. When they felt they were far enough away to stop for a breath, Merry and Pippin asked Frodo what was going on before they were forced to hide again as another Nazgûl came into view at the end of the visible road. Frodo told Merry and Pippin that with Sam he had to get to Bree and Merry told them to follow him to the Buckleberry Ferry. They could still hear the screeches of the Nazgûl looking around the forest for them. They quickly made their way to the ferry and Frodo fell behind, getting chased by a black rider. Frodo jumped the distance as the Hobbits pushed off, the Nazgûl unwilling to follow them into the water. Frodo asked Merry where the nearest crossing was and he stated it was the Brandywine Bridge which was twenty miles away. Frodo watched in horror as the rider turned around and joined two others riding their horses around the banks.

### Barrow Wights

After getting off the ferry at the Brandywine Bridge, Frodo and the other Hobbits encountered Barrow-wights and had a close-call with them.

### Bree

Frodo and the other three Hobbits reached the gate of Bree, ready to meet up with Gandalf as it began to rain. They checked their surroundings at the edge of the forest before running up to the gate and knocking. Harry Goatleaf asked what Frodo's business was and he told the gatekeeper that he was heading for the Prancing Pony. Frodo told him they wished to stay at the end and that their business was their own. They walked through the streets of Bree before finally reaching the Inn.

Frodo walked up to the innkeeper, Barliman Butterbur who offered them accommodation, asking Frodo's identity. Frodo told him his name was Underhill, remembering Gandalf's warning of keeping the name Baggins on a down-low. He also told Butterbur that they were friends of Gandalf the Grey and asked him to tell the wizard they had arrived. Butterbur seemed confused before remembering who the wizard was, telling the Hobbits Gandalf was not currently at the inn. Frodo immediately grew worried and looked to his friends.

They sat down to have a drink in the inn, waiting for Gandalf. Sam pointed out that the shadowy figure in the corner hadn't taken his eyes off Frodo since they arrived. Frodo asked Barliman Butterbur who the man was and the innkeeper told him that he was a ranger, dangerous and in the wild he was known as Strider. Frodo closed his eyes and the One Ring began to mess with his mind yet again. He heard the name Baggins and then realised that Merry and Pippin were talking about him, using his actual name. Frodo ran through the crowd and tried to stop Pippin from talking and he got knocked, the One Ring flying up into the air and falling onto Frodo's finger, causing him to disappear to everyone else. The Eye of Sauron was then able to see Frodo's location and he told Frodo he could not hide and that he could now see the Hobbit. Frodo managed to pull off the Ring but the Nazgûl were already on their way. The man known as Strider grabbed Frodo by the collar and pulled him into a side room. The man told Frodo that he drew way too much attention to himself and asked if Frodo was frightened to which the Hobbit confirmed. Strider told him he was not nearly frightened enough as he knew what hunted them. Sam, Merry and Pippin burst into the room, armed with candles and stools. Strider sheathed his sword, complimenting Sam's bravery. He told Frodo that they could no longer wait for Gandalf as the nine would soon arrive.

Strider and the Hobbits hid in another building while the Nazgûl entered the town and deliberately stuffed some beds in the inn with pillows before they did so. The ringwraiths all entered the inn and stabbed the beds with their longswords, enraged when they discovered them to be empty. Frodo and the others could hear their shrieks from where they were hidden under Strider's protection. Frodo asked Strider what the wraiths were and Aragorn told him that they were once men before Sauron gave them rings which corrupted them.

### Leaving Bree

Strider led Frodo and the Hobbits out of Bree in the morning and when Frodo asked him where they were going, Strider simply told them "Into the wild". They followed him into the Midgewater Marshes. When Strider overheard Sam whispering he confirmed they were heading to Rivendell and the House of Elrond.

### Weathertop

Strider led them towards Rivendell and at nightfall they stopped at Weathertop where they set up camp. Strider tossed Frodo and the other Hobbits swords before telling them he was going to have a look around and to stay put. Frodo took a quick nap and awoke to see the other Hobbits foolishly cooking food on a fire. Frodo yelled at them to put it out but the Nazgûl had already found their location and were closing in. Frodo unsheathed his sword and the other Hobbits followed his action. They ran into the middle of the ruins where they were slowly surrounded by five of the Nazgûl who approached them with swords drawn. Sam tried to protect Frodo but was quickly knocked aside. Frodo stared at the wraiths and ended up dropping his sword and scrambling on the ground. He took the One Ring out and put it on, seeing the Witch King and the other Nazgûl in twilight form. The Witch-king tried to use magic to call the ring from Frodo but when this didn't work, the Witch-king stabbed Frodo in the shoulder with a Morgul-blade. Frodo took the ring off to find Strider had returned and single-handedly fought off the wraiths with fire. Frodo was paralysed by the Morgul-blade and with every passing moment he continued to fade towards becoming a wraith himself.

### Rivendell

He was rushed by Strider and the other Hobbits on their way but they ended up stopping to look for kingsfoil to halt the poison, putting Frodo down. Frodo could see Arwen Undomiel arrive and he ended up getting taken on her horse to Rivendell. The ringwraiths chased Arwen and Frodo along the road but she eventually managed to lose them at the fords, using magic to crush them under the water. She brought Frodo before her father Elrond who managed to heal him just in time.

Frodo awoke a few days later in a bed in Rivendell next to Gandalf. Frodo asked him why he did not meet them at Bree and the wizard explained that he had been delayed. Sam rushed in to Frodo's side, happy to see him awake. Gandalf chuckled, telling Frodo that Sam had barely left his side. Frodo then met Elrond who welcomed him. Frodo and Sam walked around the last homely house, looking around in awe at the beauty of the elven designs before seeing Merry and Pippin who ran to him, delighted to see him alive and well. Frodo looked in another direction to see his uncle Bilbo sitting nearby and ran to him. Bilbo embraced his nephew and then brought him back to his room. Bilbo showed Frodo how his book was progressing and told Frodo how he wished to go back to see the places he had been during his quest with Thorin Oakenshield, (the subject of the book). He told the younger Hobbit that it had seemed age had finally caught up to him and that he would stay in Rivendell. Frodo flicked through the pages of the book in wonder at his uncles work. Frodo noticed Sam was already packing his things and Frodo, knowing the other Hobbit had always longed to see the Elves, questioned him. Sam told Frodo that because they had done what they had set out to do, he thought they would be returning home soon. Frodo agreed, saying that he did believe the worst was behind them.

### Council of Elrond

Frodo was summoned to attend the Council of Elrond along with representatives of all the other free peoples of Middle-earth including Gandalf, Strider, Gimli the Dwarf, Legolas of the Woodland Realm and Boromir of Gondor as well as many others. After his introduction, Elrond told Frodo to bring forth the One Ring and Frodo took it out, putting it on the table in the middle. Frodo witnessed Boromir stand up and walk towards the Ring, tempted to take it. Elrond yelled Boromir's name as he reached for it and Gandalf began reciting the Black Speech inscription from the side of the ring, causing darkness around them and the sounds of thunder. As Boromir talked about how he wished to use the ring as a weapon, Strider spoke up, telling Boromir that nobody could wield it. Legolas stood up to defend Strider, identifying him as Aragorn, son of Arathorn, being the first time Frodo heard him called by that name. Elrond told them they must take the One Ring to Mount Doom where it was forged and only there could it be destroyed. Everyone began standing up and arguing over who was to take the ring when Frodo suddenly spoke up, saying he would take it. Everyone stopped yelling and turned to stare at Frodo. Gandalf and Aragorn pledged themselves to aid and protect him on his journey. Boromir, Legolas and Gimli also joined the group. Sam ran in, having been eavesdropping and told Elrond that Frodo wouldn't be going anywhere without him. Merry and Pippin overheard that Frodo and Sam were going somewhere from the doorway and ran in, insisting on going with them as well. Elrond told them it was settled and they would be the nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring.

### The ring goes south

Frodo met with Bilbo one more time before the Fellowship left Rivendell. Bilbo gave him his elven sword "Sting", telling him it would glow when Orcs were nearby. Bilbo also gave his nephew his mithril coat, telling him it was as light as a feather and yet as hard as dragon skin. Bilbo told Frodo to put it on and Frodo unbuttoned the top of his coat, revealing the One Ring, hanging around his neck. Bilbo saw the ring and told Frodo he should very much like to hold it one last time. Frodo quickly buttoned the coat back up, hiding the ring. Bilbo lunged at his nephew in rage but was immediately filled with regret, apologised to Frodo for putting the burden upon his nephew. Frodo put a comforting hand on BIlbo's shoulder before saying goodbye to his uncle.

The Fellowship left Rivendell, Gandalf leading the way, with Legolas and Gimli right behind. They were followed by Frodo and the other Hobbits before Aragorn and Boromir who were at the rear. They arrived at Hollin and rested for a bit, cooking some food. Frodo and Sam laughed as they watched Merry and Pippin practise sword fighting with Boromir. They noticed crebain from dunland approaching and Aragorn yelled for everyone to hide, Frodo ducking under a rock with the Ranger. Frodo came out of his hiding place to hear Gandalf deciding to change their route because the path south was being watched.

### Caradhras

They reached the pass of Caradhras and walked up the snowy summit. Frodo fell backwards on one of the paths and toppled into the snow, the One Ring landing a few meters in front of him. Boromir picked up the One Ring, staring at it intently as Aragorn helped Frodo to his feet. Aragorn yelled at Boromir to give the ring to Frodo and Boromir reluctantly obliged, walking towards them. Frodo quickly yanked the ring and chain out of his hand, taking Boromir by surprise. Boromir chuckled and pat Frodo on the head. As they continued to walk over the pass, a great storm caused them grief. Gandalf revealed that it was the doing of Saruman the White's magic who was trying to stop them from passing over the Misty Mountains. A large avalanche covered them from head to toe and they eventually managed to climb their way to the top but realised they would never make it over the pass. Gandalf left the decision up to Frodo, who decided they would go back and go through the mines of Moria.

### Mines of Moria

Eventually they reached the west gate of Moria and Gandalf stood there trying to discover the password to open the doors. Frodo stood next to him and eventually realised that the password was the elvish word for "friend". Gandalf spoke it and the doors opened, the Fellowship able to enter the mines. They discovered that the Dwarves had been massacred, seeing the bodies of Gimli's kin everywhere. They turned to leave when suddenly Frodo was grabbed by a slimy tentacle which pulled him back outside and above the water. Sam yelled to Aragorn before cutting the tentacle with his sword. The creature lifted itself out of the water and used other tentacles to push the other Hobbits away before grabbing Frodo once again. Aragorn, Legolas and Boromir managed to get the creature to drop Frodo and Aragorn caught the Hobbit. They ran back into the mines and the creature tried to lift itself out of the water after them, causing the entrance to cave in behind them. With no choice left, they continued into the mines. They reached a crossroads and Gandalf couldn't remember which way to go and so they stopped for a bit. While Gandalf tried to remember, Frodo spotted something following them and told the wizard. Gandalf revealed that it was Gollum and that he had been aware of the creature following them for three days. Frodo listened as Gandalf revealed a bit of Gollum's backstory, revealing his former name as Sméagol. Frodo retorted that it was a pity Bilbo didn't kill the creature and Gandalf told him that before this was over Gollum would still have a part to play. Frodo told Gandalf he wished the ring had never come to him and that "none of this" had ever happened. Gandalf assured him that everyone who lived to see such times thought the same but it wasn't for them to decide and that all they had to decide was what to do with the time that was given to them. Gandalf assured Frodo that there were forces of good in the world as well as evil and that Bilbo was meant to find the ring and therefore Frodo was meant to have it which was an encouraging thought. After Gandalf felt a small wind of fresh air come from one of the tunnels he realised which way to go and they continued on their trek.

They reached the main city of Dwarrowdelf and entered the chamber of Mazarbul where Gimli mourned the death of his kinsman Balin whose tomb was in the chamber. Pippin accidentally knocked a skeleton into a well which alerted the Goblins of their presence. Frodo noticed a glow radiating from Sting on his belt and began to panic. Aragorn yelled for the Hobbits to get back as they barricaded the door as much as they could. Frodo and the other Hobbits unsheathed their blades in preparation for the Goblin onslaught. The Goblins finally broke through the door and engaged the Fellowship. The Hobbits charged into battle as a Cave Troll burst through the doors and into the chamber. Eventually the Troll pursued Frodo and managed to impale him with a large spear. After the battle and Legolas managed to kill the beast, the Fellowship surrounded Frodo who was revealed to be alright, having put on Bilbo's mithril coat. The Fellowship was surrounded by Goblins as they ran towards the east side of the mines but the sound of a Balrog scared them all away and they kept running. They reached a section of the stairway that was broken, with a huge drop in between. Frodo and Aragorn were the last ones to jump across and the stairway they were standing on lost it's foundation, beginning to topple. Aragorn told Frodo to lean forwards and they managed to fall right onto the section they were trying to reach. They crossed the bridge of Khazad-dûm and Frodo watched in horror as Gandalf faced down the Balrog on the bridge. The Balrog tried to cross the bridge which toppled under it's weight but managed to use it's whip to pull Gandalf back over the edge. Gandalf told them to flee before dropping after the Balrog. Frodo screamed, believing the wizard to be dead and Aragorn quickly took charge, leading them out through the east gate and into Azanulbizar. Everyone including Frodo was devastated and he walked off by himself, Aragorn calling after him.

### Lothlórien

By evening, the Fellowship had entered the outskirts of Lothlórien. Gimli warned Frodo and Sam that he had heard a great sorceress lived in the woods and that everyone who looked upon her were entranced and were never seen again. Frodo heard Galadriel took to him telepathically, saying that he brought great evil into her woods. Frodo was surprised to see the arrows of the Lórien guard right in his face as the Fellowship was surrounded. Haldir took them to their watch-post and looked at Frodo, telling them that they could go no further due to the great evil that was the ring. Frodo watched as Aragorn reasoned with the Elf, trying to convince them to let the Fellowship through. Frodo sat down, still reminiscing over Gandalf's demise and Boromir assured him that the wizard's death was not in vain, nor would he have the Hobbit give up hope. Boromir told him because he carried such a heavy burden not to carry the weight of the dead as well. Haldir walked up and told them to follow him.

Haldir led them to Caras Galadhon, the heart of Lothlórien and home of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. They walked up the glowing stairway into the trees where they met Celeborn and Galadriel. Frodo looked up at them in awe of their radiating light. After speaking about the fall of Gandalf and how their quest would fail if they strayed but a little from the path, Galadriel spoke once again in Frodo's mind.

Later on, Frodo saw Galadriel walking past and felt the desire to follow her. She stopped next to her mirror, asking whether Frodo would look in. Frodo warily asked what it is he would see. She told him he would see things that are, things that have been and some things that have not yet come to past. He decided to look, walking over to the edge and peering in. He saw what would happen if their quest failed, seeing visions of the Shire enslaved by Sauron's Orcs. The Eye of Sauron appeared, speaking in Black Speech and the One Ring revealed itself, falling out from Frodo's coat although still attached to the chain around his neck. Frodo had to force the ring back and fell over, extremely scared of what he had just witnessed. Galadriel told Frodo she knew what it was he had seen and told him what the vision was. She told him Boromir would try to take the One Ring and that one by one it would destroy all of the Fellowship. Frodo immediately held out the ring in his hand and told her that if she asked it of him he would give her the One Ring. She told him that she did not deny her heart had greatly desired it, walking towards him with her hand stretched out. Frodo witnessed as she entered her spectral form, saying that instead of having a Dark Lord there would be a queen, not dark but as beautiful and terrible as the storm. She returned to her normal self and said that she had passed the test and that she would go into the west with her kin. She told Frodo that the task had been appointed to him and that if he did not find a way then nobody would. Frodo told her he knew what he had to do but that he was afraid to do it. Galadriel assured him that even the smallest person could change the course of the future.

The Fellowship set out on their quest once again after resting up in Lothlórien for some time. The Elves gave them coats and stocked them up with Elvish lembas bread. Galadriel gave each member a gift to aid them on their journey. To Frodo she gave the light of Eärendil, telling him it would be a light for him in dark places when all others faded.

### Breaking of the Fellowship

The Fellowship took boats from Lórien and the stream eventually joined up to the great river. They went to shore for night and Frodo sat down, deep in thought. Sam told him to have some food and Frodo declined. Sam told Frodo he was worried because he hadn't eaten all day. Frodo assured Sam that he was alright but Sam insisted that he wasn't. He explained that he had promised Gandalf that he would help Frodo. Frodo told Sam that he couldn't help him this time and then told the other Hobbit to get some sleep. Frodo lay down to try and sleep and overheard Boromir yelling at Aragorn because he would not lead them to Minas Tirith. Frodo was troubled, remembering Galadriel's words about Boromir.

They continued past the Argonath statues and pulled over to shore at Amon Hen. Frodo wandered off alone, without telling the others where he was going. Boromir was collecting firewood and saw Frodo wandering. He told the Hobbit nobody should be alone, especially the ring-bearer. Frodo just looked up at him solemnly and Boromir continued walking closer. The man told him he knew why Frodo wanted solitude and it was because he suffered day by day and he asked him if he didn't think he suffered needlessly. Boromir told him there were other ways and other paths they might take. Frodo interrupted him, telling the man he knew what he would say and that it would seem like wisdom if not for the warning it his heart. Boromir began to walk towards him and Frodo was forced to back down. Boromir told him he only asked for the strength to defend his people and asked why Frodo would keep it from him. Frodo exclaimed that Boromir was not himself and looked on as Boromir began to lose his sanity, growling that Frodo didn't have a chance as the enemy would take the ring and the Hobbit would beg for death before the end. With that, Frodo turned to walk away in a haste but Boromir pursued him yelling "give it to me". Frodo was tackled by the man who grabbed for the ring around his neck but he managed to put the ring on and nock his attacker down, running away. Frodo ran to the top of the stone at Amon Hen with the ring still on. He could hear Boromir calling out his name in regret but didn't turn back. He saw the tower of Barad-dûr and the Eye of Sauron and lost his balance, falling back to the ground. Aragorn approached him from behind, concerned about his friend. Frodo told him the ring had "taken Boromir" and when Aragorn asked where the ring was Frodo quickly backed down. Aragorn assured the Hobbit that he had sworn to protect him but Frodo asked the man whether he could protect him from himself. He opened his hand to reveal the ring and asked Aragorn whether he would destroy the ring. Aragorn approached Frodo and closed the Hobbit's fist around it, telling him he would have gone with him to the end, realising Frodo was going to leave. Frodo told him to take care of the others, especially Sam who would not understand. Aragorn noticed Sting glowing blue and told Frodo to run as he went to face down the approaching Uruk-hai. Frodo ran through the trees as the Uruks surrounded the area. He hid behind a tree as they passed by and noticed Merry and Pippin not far away. The other two Hobbits told him to hide with them but he just shook his head. They realised he was going to leave and ran towards him but saw the oncoming Uruk-hai and stopped. They looked once more at Frodo and told him to run as they led the Uruks away from him. Frodo ran in the opposite direction once again. Frodo reached the camp and looked out at the water, remembering Gandalf's words about deciding what to do with the time that is given. He finally grabbed a boat and pushed out onto the water. He heard Sam's voice calling out after him but he chose to keep going on. Sam tried to follow him, Frodo getting alarmed as he knew the other Hobbit could not swim. He quickly rowed back towards him and reached into the water, pulling Sam onto the boat. Sam reminded him of his promise to Gandalf never to leave Frodo, telling him he didn't mean to. Frodo embraced his friend in a hug before they continued to the other shore.

### Emyn Muil

Frodo and Sam attempted to navigate through Emyn Muil. Frodo dreamed again about Gandalf's demise in Moria and awoke, yelling his name. A bit later they used Sam's elven rope descend a cliff and Sam dropped a little box, yelling for Frodo to catch it. Frodo managed to catch it but slipped, falling into the mist below. Frodo realised they had almost reached the bottom and landed on his feet. He asked Sam what was in the box and the other Hobbit told him it was just some seasoning in case they had a roast chicken one night. Frodo chuckled and Sam told him it was special because it was the best salt in all the Shire. Frodo agreed, saying it was a little bit of home and handed it back to his friend. Frodo looked up at the rope and told Sam they couldn't leave it there for someone to follow. Sam told him it was no use because he had tied it with one of his knots. Frodo watched with amusement as Sam tugged it and it came free with ease, both of them realising it was designed by the Elves to do exactly that.

They continued on and scaled a rocky hill, seeing the land of Mordor ahead. Sam exclaimed that he didn't think Gandalf meant for them to go this way and Frodo told him he didn't think Gandalf meant for a lot of things to take place the way they did. The burden of the ring suddenly effected Frodo greatly as he looked upon Barad-dûr and Sam noticed the effects. Frodo asked what food they had and Sam sarcastically told him they had lembas bread and more lembas bread. Frodo commented on how Sam's spirits were never dampened after he said the lembas bread wasn't half bad. It then began to rain and the pair looked for shelter.

The following day, Frodo and Sam continued on their trek across the rocky wasteland but realised they were going in circles. Sam also noticed a stench and Frodo realised Gollum was still following them. They put together a plan and pretended to sleep, waiting for Gollum to get close enough and then jumped up to try and catch him. The ring was flung out from Frodo's coat, still hanging around his neck and Gollum leapt onto him, trying to get it. Sam tried to help Frodo but was unable to at first, getting knocked away. Sam managed to get Gollum off Frodo but the creature attacked him instead. Frodo unsheathed Sting and pointed it at Gollum's throat, stopping the rampage immediately. Frodo threatened the creature with the sword, mentioning that Gollum had seen the sword before during his encounter with Bilbo. He ordered Gollum to release Sam or he would cut the creatures throat. Gollum let Sam go with a scream of frustration.

They tied Gollum to the elven rope and tried to bring him along although he dragged along the ground and screamed. Sam noted that they should just tie him up and leave him to which Gollum detested, saying it would kill him. Sam retorted that it was no more than he deserved. Frodo pitied Gollum and when the creature swore on the One Ring to obey him, Frodo took the rope off, much to Sam's dismay. Gollum agreed to lead the two Hobbits to the Black Gate and ran off ahead.

### Dead Marshes

Gollum led them to the edge of Emyn Muil, telling Frodo that he knew the safe way through the Dead Marshes and they followed him into the bog. After two days they were stopped for a rest and Frodo watched as Gollum picked up a worm and ate it. Frodo pitied him and tossed a piece of lembas bread. Gollum tried it and spat it out, accusing Frodo of trying to choke him. Gollum complained that he must starve and Sam told him to do so and "good riddance". Gollum claimed that Sam didn't care if he died but turned to Frodo and told him that "master" cares and that "master" understands due to the weight of the ring. Gollum reached for the ring, entranced, but Frodo slapped his hand away.

They continued through the marshes and Frodo saw lights in the water, entranced by them. He fell face-first into the water and saw the faces of dead soldiers, green and wraith-like in nature. He was saved by Gollum who pulled him out of the water. Frodo seemed shocked that Gollum had saved him as Sam came to his side.

One night, Frodo lay stroking the One Ring in his hand when he overheard Gollum talking to himself about "the precious" and Frodo quickly got up and asked him what he had said. Gollum told Frodo that he should be resting and regaining his strength. Frodo walked over to him, asking Gollum who he actually is. Gollum told him he mustn't ask, telling him Gandalf had told him Gollum had once been one of the river-folk and that his life had been a sad story. Gollum only responded in riddles and Frodo asked him whether he had been so very different from a Hobbit once, using the name Sméagol to address him. Gollum seemed surprised to hear that name and whispered to himself. They were interrupted by the shriek of a Nazgûl which woke Sam up. Frodo fell to the ground as Gollum and Sam ran to hide, flashing back to Weathertop where he had been stabbed by the Witch-king. Sam helped him up and under a bush to hide as Gollum told them the Nazgûl could not be killed. They witnessed the rider flying above on his winged fell-beast. Sam again had to grab Frodo's hand to stop him from putting on the One Ring and alerting the wraith to their location. Finally it flew away, satisfied that nobody was in the area.

### Black Gate

After many days of traveling through the marshes, the trio finally reached the Black Gate and looked on from a hill a little ways from the towers. They watched as an army of Easterlings marched to the gate and it opened for them. Frodo was alarmed when Sam got too close to the edge of the slope and fell. Frodo yelled after him and quickly followed. A pair of Easterlings heard the disturbance and branched off from the army, walking over to inspect. Frodo reached Sam and they used their Elven cloaks from Lothlórien to conceal themselves, blending in with the rocky and dusty surroundings. After waiting a few seconds they looked up and saw the last Easterlings going through the gate, preparing to run before it closed. Gollum pulled them back and told them not to run and get captured. He told Frodo there was another way into Mordor and that he would show them the way. Frodo watched in disbelief as the gate closed and agreed to follow Gollum once again.

### Ithillien

Gollum led the two Hobbits up into Ithillien and Frodo got up Sam for always being mean to the creature. He told Sam that he wanted to help the creature, having to believe Sméagol could come back. They watched as Gollum tried to catch a fish in the river nearby. Sam told Frodo he couldn't save him and Frodo yelled at the other Hobbit, asking him what he would know about it. He walked ahead and then stopped, apologising to Sam, telling him he didn't know why he said that. Sam told him he knew it was the One Ring that had taken ahold of him and that he had to fight it and Frodo told Sam he knew what he had to do and that it was his responsibility. Sam called out after him, asking if he knew who he sounded like, as Frodo stormed ahead.

Another day, Frodo and Sam were resting when Gollum brought them two rabbits he had killed. Sam took the rabbits to cook them in a stew as Gollum complained about the Hobbits ruining them. Frodo heard a sound and went to investigate, discovering an army of Haradrim marching past. He was quickly joined by Sam and Gollum, the latter of which told them Sauron was gathering all his armies for war. Frodo told them they needed to keep on moving but Sam spotted a Mûmakil which he had heard stories of in the Shire and pointed it out to Frodo. Frodo noticed Gollum leaving just as the Haradrim were attacked by the Rangers of Ithillien. Frodo ran straight into a cloaked man and the two Hobbits were taken captive. They were approached by the leader of the men - Faramir. Faramir told them there was no travellers in these lands and only servants of the dark lord. Frodo told him their quest was one of secrecy and that those who claim to oppose the enemy would do well not to hinder them. Faramir looked at one of the dead Haradrim and wondered out loud whether he was actually evil at heart. He told his men to bind Frodo and Sam's hands.

Frodo and Sam were taken to the hideout of the rangers and put into a cave under a waterfall. Faramir eventually approached them and told them his men were saying they were Orc spies too which Sam was enraged. Faramir asked if they weren't spies then who were they, looking at Frodo. When he didn't get an answer he ordered them to speak. Frodo told him they were Hobbits of the Shire, introducing them by name. Faramir asked where their skulking friend was and Frodo told him there was no other and that they set out from Rivendell with seven companions, which he identified the men, Aragorn and Boromir. Faramir told Frodo that it would grieve him to know that Boromir had died. Frodo and Sam were surprised and saddened, asking Faramir to tell them what he knew. Faramir told them that Boromir's horn had washed up on the riverbank and he knew it in his heart, revealing that Boromir was his brother.

Later that night, Faramir woke Frodo and Sam and told them they must follow him. He took them above the forbidden pool where they could see Gollum below. Faramir told Frodo that to enter the forbidden pool bore the penalty of death and that his men awaited his orders. Frodo told him to wait and let him go down to Gollum. Frodo went down beside the pool and told Gollum to follow him, using the name Sméagol and assuring him he must trust "master". Gollum followed him out to where Faramir's men captured him. Frodo immediately told the men not to hurt Gollum as they took him away. While Faramir interrogated Gollum, Frodo and Sam sat in another room with some barrels. Sam told Frodo they needed to get out of there and told Frodo to leave and use the ring to escape. Frodo told him he couldn't and that Sam had been right about the weight of the ring and the effects it had on him. Faramir arrived, having discovered their purpose, using his sword to pull the One Ring out from Frodo's cloak, attached to the chain around his neck. Frodo watched as Faramir realised this was his opportunity to prove himself to his father. Frodo yelled no and leapt away from Faramir as Sam yelled at Faramir, telling him to leave Frodo alone as their quest was to go into Mordor and destroy the ring. Faramir decided the One Ring would return to Gondor and had Frodo, Sam and Gollum prepped for the journey.

### Osgiliath

Faramir brought the trio into Osgiliath where an ongoing war was taking place with the forces of Minas Morgul. The ruined city was attacked and Faramir told the Hobbits to stay put while he led his men in the defence of the city. Frodo was disturbed by the arrival of a ringwraith and suddenly began walking up to a higher point in the ruins. The Nazgûl arose on his fellbeast to eye level with Frodo and Frodo held out the ring to give to him. As the fellbeast reached out it's claws to grab Frodo, Sam tackled him, saving him from the wraith. Frodo got on top and unsheathed Sting and pointed it at Sam's face, with fury in his eyes. Sam managed to snap Frodo out of the trance so he could recognise his friend. Frodo dropped Sting in mental defeat and told the other Hobbit he couldn't do it. Frodo listened to Sam encourage them and that even though there was evil all around there was good in the world that was worth fighting for. Faramir approached them and kneeled to their level. Having witnessed the interaction with the Nazgûl, he told Frodo that at last they understood each other. Faramir's aide Madril warned him that if he let them go his life would be forfeit and Faramir decided to release them all the same.

Faramir led the trio into a tunnel and told them it was the old sewer that would lead them under the river, out of the city and into the woods. Faramir asked which path they would take and Frodo told him Gollum was leading them near to Minas Morgul and that there was a path into Mordor from there. Faramir identified it as Cirith Ungol and grabbed Gollum, pushing him against the wall, asking him if that was the road. Faramir told the Hobbits that a dark terror was said to exist above Minas Morgul and that they could not go that way to which Gollum said it was the only way. Frodo told Faramir that he must and Faramir told him to go. Frodo thanked Faramir before leading the way into the sewers.

As they walked away from Osgiliath on the other side of the river, Sam wondered whether they would ever be put into songs and stories, talking about how kids would want to hear about Frodo and his journey. Frodo turned it around and said they would want to hear more about Samwise the Brave as Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam. Frodo turned to look at Sam and the latter said he shouldn't make fun as he was being serious and Frodo assured him he was too. They continued up after Gollum, Frodo calling out for him.

### Journey to Minas Morgul

Frodo and Sam continued to follow Gollum towards Minas Morgul and one day they were resting in a cave. Frodo lay and took out the One Ring, caressing it in his hand. He heard Gollum coming and quickly put it away. Gollum poked his head down from above and told them it was time to get moving. Sam asked Frodo why he hadn't gotten any sleep and also wondered if it was getting late. Frodo told him it wasn't even midday yet and that the days were getting darker. Sam passed Frodo some of his lembas bread and Frodo asked him what about him. Sam told him he wasn't hungry or at least not for lembas bread. Frodo looked at Sam knowing the other Hobbit was just worried about him. Sam told him to go ahead and eat it as he had rationed the rest. Frodo asked him what he had rationed it for and Sam told him it was for the journey home. They followed Gollum who was in a rush to get going.

One night, Sam overheard Gollum/Sméagol plotting to betray them and attacked the creature. Frodo jumped up to protect Gollum and Sam told him he couldn't wait around for the creature to kill them in their sleep and that Frodo couldn't see how Gollum was a villain. Frodo told Sam they weren't going to be able to do it theirselves without a guide and that he needed Sam on his side. Frodo assured Sam that he knew and to trust him before telling Sméagol to come back over.

### Minas Morgul

They finally reached Minas Morgul and looked out over the road that led to the main gate. Gollum led them out onto the road and to the stairway of Cirith Ungol. Frodo was influenced yet again by the One Ring to walk towards the dead city where the Witch-king was preparing to lead his Orcs into war. Sam and Gollum pulled him back towards the stairs and looked up to see a beacon of green light shoot up into the sky from the center of the city. They got off the road quickly as Orcs began to march out of the city on the road, the Witch-king watching from his fell-beast. The loud shrieks deafened Frodo as he lay next to Sam. They started the climb up the stairs as the Orcs marched towards Gondor below them. Frodo looked down at one point to see Sam threatening Gollum. He asked Sam what it was about and Sam told him it was nothing and they were just clearing something up.

### Cirith Ungol

Much further up the stairs, they stopped for a sleep and Frodo and Sam awoke to find the lembas bread missing. Unbeknownst to Sam or Frodo, Gollum had taken the bread, thrown it away and planted crumbs on Sam. Frodo deduced that because Gollum didn't eat the bread, Sam must have taken it. Sam attacked Gollum, knowing he was lying to get to Frodo. Frodo stopped Sam and he again expressed his concerns that Frodo was not alright, blaming Gollum. He offered to carry the load of the ring to help Frodo out. Frodo yelled at Sam to get away, Gollum telling Frodo that Sam wanted the ring for himself. Frodo told Sam to go home, which left the other Hobbit devastated and in tears. Frodo and Gollum continued up the stairs alone as Sam descended.

Finally reaching the top, Frodo entered the cave but was abandoned by Gollum. He eventually realised Gollum had led him into a trap after seeing the spider webs everywhere and he ran, getting stuck in some webbing. He was approached by the Great Spider Shelob, whose lair he had entered. He remembered the phial of Galadriel and pulled it out, managing to keep the spider at bay. Shelob ran through the tunnel after Frodo who kept turning around to shine the light in her face. He got stuck in web in the middle of a large tunnel and managed to use Sting to cut himself free as he heard Gollum's voice singing. As Frodo got free from the web, Gollum tackled him to try and finish the job but Frodo got the upper hand. Gollum tried to talk his way out, telling him it was the "precious" that had made him betray Frodo. Frodo got off and told Gollum that he needed to destroy the ring for both of their sakes, turning his back. Gollum was enraged and tackled Frodo once more before getting pushed into a nearby crevice.

Frodo got up and tried to continue on but lost his energy. He looked up to see Galadriel in Lothlórien who held out her hand. He took it and it gave him the strength to stand up, waking back up. Frodo tried to keep going but was finally caught up to by Shelob who paralysed him and wrapped him up. Sam returned and fatally injured Shelob, believing Frodo to be dead and took the One Ring as well as Sting and the Phial of Galadriel to finish the quest. Sam was forced to hide as Orcs from Cirith Ungol arrived and took Frodo's body, commenting that he wasn't dead but simply unconscious.

Frodo was taken to the tower of Cirith Ungol where he awoke barely dressed at the top of the tower some time later. Gorbag the Orc approached him and told the Hobbit he was going to bleed him, lifting his dagger. Sam stabbed the Orc from behind, having come to rescue Frodo. Frodo looked up at Sam and apologised for everything saying it was too late and the enemy had taken the One Ring. Sam revealed he had taken the ring and Frodo immediately became entranced by it, telling Sam to give it to him repeatedly. Sam reluctantly held it out and Frodo snatched it from him. Frodo sighed with relief as he put the ring back around his neck. He told Sam he must understand the ring was his burden and that it would destroy Sam. Sam told Frodo they must look for some clothes to continue their journey.

### Mordor

The Hobbits journeyed into Mordor, disguised in Orc armor and gear. They looked over at Mount Doom and Frodo noticed the encampments of Orcs throughout the valley, noting that there was so many of them and that they would never get through unseen. Sam encouraged Frodo they had no choice but to go in and that they should just start with the hill in front of them.

Frodo and Sam noticed armies of Orcs marching towards the Black Gate due to the armies of the west riding out to meet them in battle. They sat beside the road as an army passed on their road. One Orc lieutenant noticed them sitting there and yelled for them to get up, whipping Frodo. They got up and the Orc told them they were going straight to the front lines. They stopped for an Orc inspector to check on the Orcs before sending them out to battle and they knew they would be outed as non-Orcs and panicked. Frodo told Sam to hit him and start a brawl and thats what they did before ducking into an Orc tent. The inspector looked around for the perpetrators before giving up and telling the group to move along. Frodo and Sam waited for them to pass before continuing on their way to Mount Doom.

They passed over the Plateau of Gorgoroth where they could see Mount Doom really close. Frodo fell under the mental weight of the One Ring and gasped for breath, taking off his Orc helmet. Sam took off his helmet and they both discarded their Orc disguises. They took one last rest in Mordor and Sam pointed out a star and it's light that no shadow could touch. Frodo was barely strong enough to lift his head to look. He tried to get the last drops out of his water container and Sam gave him the rest of his and Frodo said there won't be enough for the return journey to which Sam said he didn't think there would be a return journey. Sam held out a hand and they continued. They wearily walked the rest of the way towards Mount Doom and were almost spotted by the Great Eye of Sauron, Sam yelling at Frodo to get down. Frodo let himself fall to the ground but the eye was suddenly distracted by Aragorn and his men at the Black Gate and turned his gaze back into the north. Sam approached Frodo and told him the eye had passed on as something had drawn it's gaze.

They made their way up the slope of Mount Doom with little strength left in them. Frodo fell onto his stomach and began crawling up. He collapsed under the strain and Sam made his way over to Frodo, reminding him of the Shire and positive memories. Sam told him he may not be able to carry the ring but he can carry him. With that he picked up Frodo and carried him up the slope. They neared the entrance at the side of the mountain but were attacked by Gollum who started throwing rocks at them. Gollum tackled Frodo and strangled him at the neck, trying to take the One Ring. Frodo reminded Gollum he had sworn on the precious and Gollum told Frodo he had lied. Sam got up and threw a rock at Gollum, knocking him off Frodo. Sam struggled with Gollum while Frodo ran back up towards the entrance by himself.

Frodo stood at the edge with the One Ring and Sam came to the entrance, encouraging him to throw it into the fiery cracks below. Frodo looked at the ring and decided not to destroy it, declaring the ring was his. He turned to face Sam and put the ring on, alerting Sauron and the wraiths to his location. The ringwraiths left the battle at the gate to head towards Mount Doom as fast as they could. Gollum knocked Sam over and attacked the invisible Frodo, biting off his finger in the process and taking the ring finally for himself. Frodo was enraged and lunged at Gollum as they both tumbled over the edge towards the lava below. Gollum fell with the One Ring and Frodo managed to hold on to the side of the path. Sam ran to the edge and reached out his hand to Frodo to grab. Frodo reached up and tried to take it but was unable. He looked up at Sam with a look of defeat, ready to let go and end it all. Sam continued to hold out his hand, telling Frodo not to let go but to reach. Frodo took one last swing with his hand and finally managed to catch Sam's arm. Sam pulled him up as the ring fell through the molten rock and into the lava below. This caused the volcano to erupt and Frodo and Sam ran out as the lava swarmed out behind them. They managed to reach a piece of rock sticking up high enough to be safe from the lava and collapsed. Frodo told Sam he could see the Shire, Brandywine River, Bag End, Gandalf's fireworks and the lights in the party tree. Sam added Rosie Cotton dancing, remembering she had ribbons in her hair and if ever he was to marry someone it would have been her. Frodo put a hand on Sam's shoulder and told him he was glad to be with him at the end of all things. As they lay there on the rock, they were approached by three of the Great Eagles with none other than Gandalf, now clad in white, who picked them up and brought them back to Minas Tirith.

### Minas Tirith

Frodo awoke some time later to the sound of birds in a bed. He looked up to see Gandalf looking on at him beside the bed. They shared an emotional moment as Frodo realised Gandalf was alive and they began laughing with joy. Merry and Pippin ran in and were overjoyed to see their friend, jumping onto the bed. Gimli came in to greet Frodo, followed by Legolas and then Aragorn. Finally Sam came into the room and looked on at Frodo with knowing eyes of what they had just been through.

The Hobbits attended the coronation of Aragorn as King Elessar of the reunited kingdom of Gondor and Arnor in Minas Tirith. After he was joined by his queen Arwen, Aragorn walked down and the crowd parted to reveal Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin who bowed before him. Aragorn told them that they bow to no-one before bowing before the four Hobbits himself. The entire surrounding crowd followed Aragorn's example and bowed in honor of what the four Hobbits had done to save Middle-earth.

### Return to the Shire and later life

They finally journeyed back to the Shire after some time. After arriving back in Hobbiton they went to the Green Dragon inn where they sat around a table. They looked around at each other before finally taking up their drinks. Sam saw Rosie Cotton across the bar and went over to her, Frodo sharing a laugh with Merry and Pippin. Frodo attended Sam and Rosie's wedding, cheering on his companion.

Four years since he was stabbed on Weathertop to the day, in Bag End, Frodo wondered how he could possibly pick up the threads of his old life after everything he had been through. He continued to write in Bilbo's book, adding a section to it called *The Lord of the Rings*. Sam marvelled that Frodo had finished it but Frodo told him there was room for a little more. Gandalf arrived with a cart, taking Bilbo to the Grey Havens as the Elves had requested he go with them on the last ship to leave Middle-earth for Valinor. On the way, Bilbo asked him whether he could see the ring and Frodo told him he had lost it. Frodo stood with his friends when they reached the havens and Gandalf bid them farewell. As he went towards the boat, Gandalf turned and told Frodo it was time. Frodo revealed to Sam, Merry and Pippin that he was leaving on the boat too. He told Sam they had set out to save the Shire and they had succeeded but not for him. Frodo gave Sam Bilbo's book and told him the last pages were for him. Frodo said goodbye to Merry and then Pippin who could not hold back their tears. Frodo then hugged Sam who was wrecked emotionally. Frodo gave Sam a kiss on the forehead before walking onto the ship with Gandalf, Galadriel, Bilbo, Celeborn and Círdan and sailing off, turning to take one last look at his friends. The ship went on to leave the harbour towards Valinor.