's groundbreaking, genre-defining fantasy epic, The Lord of the Rings is a saga about a great many things: the push and pull between tremendous good and unthinkable evil, the tantalizing yet insidious nature of ambition and pride, and the call of fate and destiny. Yet despite its grand, fully realized settings, sweeping descriptions of generational wars, and wholly imaginative depictions of otherworldly beings, the most compelling thing about Lord of the Rings has nothing to do with the looming Eye of Sauron. At its core, the trilogy is a story of the bonds forged between vastly different peoples, the unity born from fellowship, and individual capacity for courage, loyalty, and perseverance.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Why was the Fellowship formed?
The Fellowship of the Ring was formed by Elrond shortly after a meeting of the secret Council in Rivendell that aimed to forge a plan regarding the One Ring. Together, the Fellowship was tasked with carrying the One Ring to Mordor so it could be cast into the fires of Mount Doom and permanently destroyed. Their perilous journey takes them, as a group and in smaller parties, from the Misty Mountains to the treetops in Lothlórien to Shelob's lair in the caves of Cirith Ungol.
How many members are in the Fellowship?
There were nine members in the Fellowship of the Ring; this matched the number of Black Riders, also known as the Nazgûl, Nine Riders, or Ringwraiths, a group of nine dark servants who pledged themselves to Sauron.
Who are the nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring?
The Fellowship of the Ring consisted of nine heroes who represented a range of different races in the Free Peoples of Middle-earth: one wizard (Gandalf), one Elf (Legolas), one Dwarf (Gimli), two men (Aragorn and Boromir), and four Hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin). As a brotherhood, they are also commonly referred to collectively as the Company, the Company of the Ring, or the Nine Walkers.
Gandalf was a Maia who was sent to Middle-earth as an Istar—a wizard—to assist the people of Middle-earth in defeating the Dark Lord Sauron. Though immensely powerful, Gandalf took on a mortal form when he arrived in Middle-earth and swore to never use his powers for rule or to overpower Sauron single-handedly; instead, he acted as a guide and member of the Fellowship. Known for his great wisdom, cleverness, and goodness, Gandalf is a natural leader beloved by the Fellowship, and a valuable source of insight. He carries with him a staff, the Elven sword Glamdring, and is often accompanied by his white steed, the gifted and exceptionally fast Shadowfax. After Sauron is defeated and Middle-earth is safe, Gandalf finally rests, taking the voyage to the Undying Lands.
