The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien-Writer's Biography, Major Characters in the Novel & Summary of the Novel

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkein

Writer's Biography

J.R.R. Tolkien, full name John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He was an English writer, poet, philologist, and academic, best known for his high fantasy works "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."

Tolkien's early life was marked by tragedy, as his father passed away when he was just three years old. Following his father's death, Tolkien and his mother returned to England, where he spent much of his childhood in the West Midlands. He displayed an early interest in languages and storytelling, developing a fascination with invented languages and mythologies.

After attending King Edward's School in Birmingham, Tolkien won a scholarship to study at Oxford University, where he excelled in languages, particularly Old English, Middle English, and Norse. He served in World War I as a lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers, an experience that profoundly influenced his writing and shaped his views on war and heroism.

Following the war, Tolkien embarked on an academic career, teaching at various universities and eventually becoming a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University. He published numerous academic works on philology and medieval literature, earning recognition for his scholarly contributions.

Tolkien's creative endeavors flourished alongside his academic pursuits. He began developing the mythology, languages, and history of Middle-earth, the fictional setting for his most famous works. His first major literary success came with the publication of "The Hobbit" in 1937, a children's fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.

"The Hobbit" laid the groundwork for Tolkien's magnum opus, "The Lord of the Rings," which he worked on for over a decade. Originally conceived as a sequel to "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings" grew into a sprawling epic that combined elements of mythology, folklore, and adventure. The trilogy, consisting of "The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers," and "The Return of the King," was published between 1954 and 1955 and became a literary phenomenon, earning widespread acclaim and popularity.

Tolkien's works revolutionized the fantasy genre, introducing readers to richly imagined worlds populated by diverse characters, intricate cultures, and epic quests. His writing style, characterized by lyrical prose and attention to detail, continues to inspire generations of readers and writers alike.

In addition to his fiction, Tolkien was a devoted family man, husband to Edith Tolkien, and father to four children. He passed away on September 2, 1973, at the age of 81, leaving behind a literary legacy that endures to this day. His works have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and other media, ensuring that the enchanting world of Middle-earth continues to captivate audiences around the world. 

Major Characters:

1. Frodo Baggins: A hobbit tasked with the quest to destroy the One Ring.
2. Samwise Gamgee: Frodo's loyal friend and companion on the journey to destroy the Ring.
3. Gandalf: A wise and powerful wizard who guides and aids the Fellowship of the Ring.
4. Aragorn (also known as Strider): A ranger and heir to the throne of Gondor, who becomes a key leader in the quest.
5. Legolas: An elven archer and member of the Fellowship.
6. Gimli: A dwarf warrior and member of the Fellowship.
7. Merry and Pippin: Hobbit friends of Frodo who join the Fellowship.
8. Gollum (formerly known as Smeagol): A tragic creature corrupted by the One Ring, who becomes obsessed with reclaiming it.
9. Saruman: A once-great wizard who falls under the influence of Sauron and becomes an antagonist.
10. Sauron: The Dark Lord who created the One Ring and seeks to regain it to rule Middle-earth.

Summary

"The Lord of the Rings" is a fantasy epic set in the fictional world of Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit, who inherits the One Ring from his uncle, Bilbo Baggins. The Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron, possesses immense power and corrupts all who wield it. Frodo embarks on a perilous quest to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was originally forged.

Frodo is joined by a diverse fellowship consisting of hobbits, humans, elves, dwarves, and wizards. Together, they journey across Middle-earth, facing numerous trials and battles as they evade the pursuit of Sauron's servants, including the dark riders known as the Nazgûl.

Throughout their journey, Frodo and his companions encounter allies and enemies, face internal conflicts, and witness the unfolding of prophecies and legends. They traverse dangerous lands, including the Shire, Rivendell, Moria, Lothlórien, and the realm of Gondor.

Ultimately, Frodo and Samwise, guided by the wisdom of Gandalf, must brave the treacherous terrain of Mordor to reach Mount Doom. Along the way, they confront the relentless forces of darkness and the temptation of the Ring, as well as the tragic figure of Gollum, who seeks to reclaim his "precious."

In a climactic showdown, Frodo finally reaches the Cracks of Doom within Mount Doom, where he must decide the fate of the Ring. With the aid of Samwise, Frodo destroys the Ring, bringing an end to Sauron's reign of terror and saving Middle-earth from darkness.

The tale concludes with the hobbits returning to the Shire, only to find it threatened by the machinations of Saruman. With the aid of their friends, they defend their homeland and restore peace to Middle-earth, but not without enduring profound changes and losses along the way.