In a darkened corner of a little tavern, J.R.R. Tolkien took out a catch of papers and began to read aloud to his companions. The members therein were The Inklings, a literary group of theologians, and the work was The Lord of the Rings, a fantastic tale about a hobbit who comes into the keeping of a mystical ring with the power to rule Middle-earth. Rather than to allow the ring to return to its infamous master, the hobbit and eight companions of various races journey toward its ultimate destruction in the flames of Mount Doom. They engage in various battles and sacrifices along the way, but ultimately triumph.

Considered one of the finest epic fantasies ever written, The Lord of the Rings has become beloved to millions throughout the world. They empathize with the struggles of Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, Aragorn, and the other faces that make up this wonderful world of magic and peril. Peter Jackson worked numerous years in bringing the classic to the big screen, renewing the world's fascination for Tolkien. The movies are not extremely faithful to the books, but have engaged the interest of thousands of new fans. We have chosen to interpret the films because it's a much easier medium to use. There are no plans at this time to further incorporate the books than we have already done.

"The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work, unconsciously so at first, but consciously so in the revision. That is why I have not put in, or cut out, practically all references to anything like 'religion'... to cults and practices in the imaginary world... for the religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism."

- J.R.R. Tolkien, from 'The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien,' to Robert Murray 2/12/53

I am not arrogant enough to assume I know what was in Tolkien's mind when he created these magnificent characters and adventures; this is merely my interpretation of the symbolism contained therein, based off my personal experiences and beliefs.

Summaries:

- The Fellowship of the Ring

- The Two Towers

- Return of the King

Characters:

- Complete List

Other:

- Butterbeer & Hobbits

- History of the Elven Rings

- The Firstborn: Elves

- Least Likely to Succeed

- Light of the Even-Star

- Riddles in the Dark

- The Phial of Galadriel