When was The Return of the King published by Rayner Unwin?
Rayner Unwin published The Return of the King on the 20th of October 1955 in the UK. This volume contained the fifth and sixth books along with extensive appendices.
Questions about The Return of the King
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What title did J. R. R. Tolkien prefer for Book Six instead of The Return of the King?
J. R. R. Tolkien preferred the name The War of the Ring for that volume because he felt the chosen title revealed too much of the story's outcome. These original titles eventually appeared in the 2000 Millennium edition but were not used at first publication.
Who kills the Lord of the Nazgûl during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields?
Éowyn kills the Lord of the Nazgûl with help from Merry though both are wounded. Théoden dies during the same battle while Aragorn uses the Army of the Dead to eliminate the Corsairs of Umbar.
How does Sauron lose power forever when the One Ring is destroyed?
Sauron loses power forever when Gollum falls into the Fire taking the Ring with him after biting off Frodo's finger. All he created collapses and the Nazgûl perish immediately following this event.
Which chapter do critics consider the most important part of The Lord of the Rings?
Critics consider The Scouring of the Shire the most important chapter in the whole of The Lord of the Rings. This chapter presents a moral quest upon return home to purify the Shire and take personal responsibility.