The Fellowship of the Ring book cover

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien Summary

The Fellowship of the Ring
J.R.R. Tolkien
4.4 (3069253 Reviews)
Fantasy
History
Philosophy
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of The Fellowship of the Ring

Embark on Tolkien's legendary quest where nine companions battle ancient evil to destroy a world-threatening ring. Beyond selling 150+ million copies and inspiring Led Zeppelin's music, this fantasy masterpiece created a universe so rich that even George R.R. Martin credits it for his writing career.

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Key takeaways

1

When a Birthday Party Changes Everything

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A disappearing act at a birthday party doesn't usually herald the end of the world. But when Bilbo Baggins vanishes in front of shocked guests at his eleventy-first celebration, he leaves behind more than just scandalized neighbors. His nephew Frodo inherits Bag End, a comfortable fortune, and one small gold ring that happens to be the most dangerous object in existence. What seems like a generous bequest is actually a death sentence wrapped in precious metal-the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron to enslave all free peoples of Middle-earth. This isn't the inheritance anyone dreams of receiving. Gandalf the Grey reveals the terrible truth: this trinket cannot be destroyed by any ordinary means, and Sauron, rising again in the land of Mordor, seeks it with all his terrible power. The Ring must be taken to Mount Doom, the only place it can be unmade-right into the heart of enemy territory. When Frodo laments that he wishes this burden hadn't fallen to him, Gandalf offers wisdom that echoes through every crisis we face: we cannot choose our times, only what we do with the time given to us.

2

The Weight of Leaving Home

3

Ancient Powers Beyond Good and Evil

4

Trust and the Road to Rivendell

5

The Council That Decides Everything

6

Through Darkness and Beauty

7

The Breaking and the Beginning

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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254
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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