Sam’s distrust actually creates friction with Frodo, raising interesting questions about the proper balance of kindness and skepticism in a complex case such as this. Frodo says, “I have to help him, Sam, because I have to believe he can come back.” Frodo’s mercy toward Gollum is in sharp contrast to Sam’s acute suspicion of him. In dealing with Gollum, Frodo wants to believe the best of him and see the creature redeemed (he even calls him by his given name, Smeagol, as opposed to the one he later earned for the raspy, guttural sound he makes). His obsession manifests itself in unpredictable, unattractive ways that invite comparison to any number of addictive behaviors teens should avoid. He’s like an aging heroin addict desperate for his next fix. Gollum, who carried the ring for centuries, is obsessed with obtaining it. Positive elements: The films may lack the richness of Tolkien’s novels, but they are vivid attempts at faithfully retelling his deeply moral story with its Christian worldview intact. But are his intentions honorable? Is he simply biding his time in order to kill the Hobbits and steal the ring? It’s a risk Frodo-who is beginning to show wear and tear from his immense burden-believes they should take. Gollum’s history with-and addiction to-the ring make him both a valuable asset and a potential liability to their quest. The pair realizes they’ve been followed when a pathetically emaciated, psychologically tormented creature named Gollum is caught stalking their camp.
Meanwhile, ringbearer Frodo and his trusty companion, Sam, must proceed alone toward Mount Doom to fulfill their mission of destroying the seductive gold band coveted by the dark lord Sauron.
The Hobbits appeal to the Ents to join the fight against Saruman, but the complacent Ents are reluctant to do so until they realize their future may be threatened as well. Merry and Pippin escape the Orcs on their own and wander into Fangorn Forest where they meet Treebeard, part of a race of tree-like creatures called Ents. Wormtongue is exiled, and returns to his true master, Saruman, who plans to wipe out Rohan at the hands of 10,000 Uruk-hai soldiers in a climactic battle at Helm’s Deep.
But intervention by Gandalf (we learn that he conquered the fiery Balrog and emerged as Gandalf the White) restores Theoden to full health. The Rohan monarch, King Theoden, has had his mind poisoned by a traitorous advisor named Grima Wormtongue, leaving Theoden incapable of ruling his people. In the process, they encounter horsemen of Rohan and visit a kingdom facing extermination at the hands of Saruman’s Uruk-hai army. With the fellowship broken, warriors Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli embark on a rescue mission, tracking the detachment of battle-bred Orcs that made off with Merry and Pippin. Let’s jump right in-as the film does-to the second act in the The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin - alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.The confrontation of good vs. While Frodo and Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs.
They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in the battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. Building on the story begun in The Hobbit, this is the second part of Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, featuring a striking black cover based on Tolkien's own design, the definitive text, and a detailed map of Middle-earth.įrodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom.