Prologue: The History of the One Ring
The film opens with a narrated prologue by Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), explaining the history of the One Ring. Thousands of years ago, the Dark Lord Sauron forged the Ring to dominate Middle-earth. The Last Alliance of Elves and Men, led by King Elendil and the Elf-lord Gil-galad, waged war against Sauron. Elendil’s son, Isildur, cut the Ring from Sauron’s hand, defeating him. However, Isildur refused to destroy it and was later killed, losing the Ring in a river. The Ring was eventually found by Gollum, who kept it for centuries before it was discovered by Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm).
The Shire & Frodo’s Journey Begins
Sixty years later, Bilbo Baggins celebrates his 111th birthday in the Shire. He uses the Ring to disappear but is confronted by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), who persuades him to leave it behind. Bilbo departs for Rivendell, and Gandalf realizes the Ring is the One Ring. He instructs Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) to keep it safe and sets off to consult Saruman (Christopher Lee), the head of the wizard order.
Saruman’s Betrayal & Frodo’s Escape
Gandalf visits Saruman, only to learn that Saruman has allied with Sauron. Saruman imprisons Gandalf atop Orthanc Tower while sending out the Ringwraiths (Nazgûl) to find Frodo. Meanwhile, Frodo, along with his friends Sam (Sean Astin), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), and Pippin (Billy Boyd), flees the Shire. They are aided by the ranger Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), who leads them towards Rivendell.
Rivendell & The Formation of the Fellowship
The group reaches Rivendell, where Elrond (Hugo Weaving) convenes a council. It is decided that the Ring must be destroyed in Mount Doom, and a Fellowship is formed to protect Frodo. The Fellowship consists of Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), and Boromir (Sean Bean).
Journey Through Middle-earth
The Fellowship sets out, traveling through harsh landscapes. Unable to cross the Misty Mountains due to Saruman’s storm, they are forced to pass through the Mines of Moria. Inside, they discover the dwarves have been slaughtered by Orcs. They battle a cave troll and are later attacked by a monstrous demon, the Balrog. Gandalf confronts the Balrog on a bridge and falls into the abyss, telling the group, “Fly, you fools!”
Lothlórien & Galadriel’s Warning
Grieving Gandalf’s loss, the group reaches Lothlórien, where they are sheltered by the Elf Queen Galadriel. She warns Frodo of the Ring’s power and shows him a vision of Middle-earth’s future if Sauron wins. She gives him the Light of Eärendil, a powerful elven artifact.
Boromir’s Temptation & the Breaking of the Fellowship
As they travel down the Great River, Boromir, succumbing to the Ring’s influence, tries to take it from Frodo. Frodo escapes and realizes he must continue the journey alone. Meanwhile, the Uruk-hai, created by Saruman, attack the Fellowship. Boromir fights bravely but is mortally wounded while defending Merry and Pippin, who are captured. Aragorn finds Boromir as he dies, promising to protect Gondor.
The Fellowship Splits
- Frodo and Sam continue towards Mordor.
- Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli set off to rescue Merry and Pippin.
- Merry and Pippin are taken by the Uruk-hai towards Isengard.
The film ends with Frodo and Sam looking towards Mordor, determined to complete their quest. Sam vows never to leave Frodo’s side.