The Return of the King

By J.R.R. Tolkien

This is the last book in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Every autumn and winter for the past two years, Frodo and his friends have kept me company. Now that is over. It feels a little sad, but I also feel a sense of relief having finally finished this trilogy.

Frodo is nearing the end of his quest. He has been poisoned and has fallen into the hands of the Enemy. His faithful friend, Sam, rescues Frodo from Cirith Ungol and the two resume their march toward Mount Doom.

At the same time Aragorn is preparing for the final battles with Sauron. He hopes that by keeping Sauron's attention focused on himself, Frodo will be able to complete his task.

Merry stays with King Theodon as the Riders of Rohan are gathered. Pippin goes forward and becomes a squire for Boromir's father, the Steward of Gondor. The others stay with Aragorn, ready to fight with him until the end. Of course Legolas and Gimli are also keeping score of the number of enemies they kill, trying to outdo the other.

Having achieved victory on the Pelennor, the Princes of the West march on Mordor itself. Their worst fears are confirmed when parley fails and the full host of Mordor descends upon them.

In the end Aragorn can claim his rightful place as King and finally marries Arwen, who is Half-Elven. She has to choose between mortality (to be human) and immortality (to be Elvish). In marrying Aragorn, she chooses to share the fate of her husband and ultimately gives up her own life for him.

Frodo joins Bilbo and Gandalf aboard an Elvish ship bound for the blessed land in the West to live in immortality, and it is with great sorrow that Sam bids him goodbye.

Although not my favourite genre it is, nonetheless, a true masterpiece. I wish I had the creativity and imagination of Tolkien!