CliffsNotes on

The Lord of the Rings

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The Fellowship of the Ring: Book Summary

The Two Towers: Book Summary

The Return of the King: Book Summary

J.R.R. Tolkien Biography

Early Years
A Scholar's Life
Fantasy and Fame

About The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The Fellowship of the Ring: Summary and Analysis

Maps, Prologue, and Note on Shire Records
Book 1, Chapters 1–6: The Shire to the Old Forest
Book 1, Chapters 7–12: The House of Bombadil to the Ford of Bruinen
Book 2, Chapters 1–5: Rivendell to Moria
Book 2, Chapters 6–10: Moria to Amon Hen

The Two Towers: Summary and Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 1–6: The Falls of Rauros to Edoras
Book 3, Chapters 7–11: Helm's Deep to Isengard
Book 4, Chapters 1–6: Emyn Muil to Henneth Annûn
Book 4, Chapters 7–10: Henneth Annûn to Cirith Ungol

The Return of the King: Summary and Analysis

Book 5, Chapters 1–5: Minas Tirith and the Siege of Gondor
Book 5, Chapters 6–10: The Battle of Pelennor Fields to the Black Gate
Book 6, Chapters 1–5: Cirith Ungol to the Return of the King
Book 6, Chapters 6–10: Journey Home and the Scouring of the Shire
Appendices

Character List

Character Map

Character Analysis

Frodo Baggins
Sam Gamgee
Gandalf the Grey
Aragorn
Gollum

Critical Essays

"This Is Worse Than Mordor!": The Scouring of the Shire as Conclusion
The Temptation of the Ring

Study and Homework Help

Full Glossary for The Lord of the Rings
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Essay Questions
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The Two Towers: Summary and Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 7–11: Helm's Deep to Isengard

dotard a senile person.

embroiled involved in conflict.

gibbet gallows; scaffolding for hanging criminals.

palantìr one of eight crystal balls, linked to each other, that enable communication across great distances.

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