What this is
In brief
Origins
The Fellowship was formed at the Council of Elrond in T.A. 3018, after the Council resolved that the Ring must be unmade in the fires of Mount Doom. Nine walkers were chosen, to set against the nine Nazgûl.
Culture
A company bound by oath and shared purpose rather than any single tradition. Its members were chosen to represent the free peoples, and its strength lay in loyalty, endurance and the unlikely courage of the small.
Language
Westron was their common speech, with each member keeping their own tongue.
History
The Fellowship crossed Eriador and the Misty Mountains, passing through Moria where Gandalf fell, and came to Lothlórien. At Amon Hen it broke when Boromir was slain and Frodo and Sam went on alone; the others pursued the captive hobbits, fought at Helm’s Deep and the Pelennor, and reunited in victory after the Ring was destroyed.
Leaders
Settlements
- rivendell
- lothlorien
Alliances
- gondor
- rohan
- rivendell
- lothlorien
- erebor
Conflicts
- war-of-the-ring
- battle-of-the-pelennor-fields
- battle-of-the-morannon
Notable members
CharacterGandalf
A Wizard of the Istari, keeper of the Elven-ring Narya, and the chief architect of the resistance to Sauron.
CharacterAragorn
The heir of Isildur, raised in Rivendell in secret, who becomes King Elessar and reunites the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor.
CharacterBoromir
The proud eldest son of Denethor who joins the Fellowship, tries to take the Ring, and redeems himself dying to defend Merry and Pippin.
CharacterLegolas Greenleaf
Son of Thranduil and the Elven archer of the Fellowship, whose friendship with Gimli breaks an old estrangement.
CharacterGimli
The Dwarf of the Fellowship, whose friendship with Legolas becomes a symbol of reconciliation between their peoples.
Sources
The Lord of the Rings · 1954–55
Three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.
Related entries
LocationRivendell
Elrond’s refuge in a hidden valley below the Misty Mountains, a haven of lore, healing and counsel.
PeopleHobbits
A small, quietly hardy people of the Shire, fond of food, comfort and peace, whose unobtrusive courage repeatedly decided the fate of the Ring.
CharacterGandalf
A Wizard of the Istari, keeper of the Elven-ring Narya, and the chief architect of the resistance to Sauron.
CharacterAragorn
The heir of Isildur, raised in Rivendell in secret, who becomes King Elessar and reunites the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor.