— Ch. 1 · The Ring's Final Journey —
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
~7 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
In the shadow of Mount Doom, a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins clings to a crumbling ledge while his loyal companion Samwise Gamgee pulls him upward. The One Ring slips from Frodo's finger as Gollum bites it off and tumbles into the lava below. This moment destroys Sauron forever and collapses the lands of Mordor. Earlier in their journey, the trio witnessed the Witch-king of Angmar leading an army of Orcs toward Gondor. Gollum had framed Sam for eating food supplies, causing Frodo to order Sam home. Sam mourned Frodo's apparent death after Shelob paralyzed him but then rescued his friend when Orcs took him captive. They continued toward the mountain despite the Ring's power corrupting Frodo. When Frodo put on the Ring, he succumbed to its influence until Gollum intervened. Their struggle ended with both falling from the ledge, though Sam pulled Frodo up one last time before Gollum fell into the fire. Gandalf and eagles later rescued them from the erupting volcano.
Cast And Character Portrayals
Elijah Wood played Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit whose quest weakens and tempts him throughout the film. Viggo Mortensen portrayed Aragorn, a Dúnedain ranger facing his destiny as King of Gondor. Sean Astin appeared as Samwise Gamgee, known simply as Sam, who served as Frodo's loyal gardener and companion. Andy Serkis brought Sméagol and Gollum to life through performance capture technology. Ian McKellen played Gandalf the White, acting as a general during the Siege of Gondor. John Rhys-Davies voiced Treebeard while also playing Gimli, a dwarf warrior and companion to Aragorn. Orlando Bloom portrayed Legolas, an elven prince skilled in archery. Billy Boyd played Peregrin Took, better known as Pippin, who looked into the palantír and became an esquire of Gondor. Dominic Monaghan played Meriadoc Brandybuck, or Merry, a cousin of Frodo who became an esquire of Rohan. Bernard Hill portrayed Théoden, King of Rohan preparing troops for battle. Miranda Otto played Éowyn, Théoden's niece who wished to prove herself in battle. David Wenham appeared as Faramir, son of the Stewards of Gondor. Karl Urban played Éomer, Chief Marshal of the Riders of Rohan. Hugo Weaving portrayed Elrond, Lord of Rivendell. Liv Tyler played Arwen, Elrond's daughter who gave up immortal life for Aragorn. Cate Blanchett appeared as Galadriel, Queen of Lothlórien aware that the time of elves was ending. John Noble played Denethor, corrupt Steward of Gondor driven mad by grief. Ian Holm portrayed Bilbo Baggins, Frodo's elderly uncle who rapidly aged after giving away the Ring. Sean Bean appeared as Boromir in flashbacks and hallucinations.