56 pages • 1 hour read
Return of the King
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary and Study Guide
Overview
The Return of the King is a 1955 book by J. R. R. Tolkien and the final volume of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This book concludes the epic fantasy journey of Frodo Baggins to destroy the One Ring and portrays the final battle between Mordor and Gondor. In this work, Tolkien explores how good can overcome a seemingly more powerful force of evil. The end of the book has drawn critical attention due to its potential allusions to the contemporary politics of post-War England. This book was adapted into a film in 2003 directed by Peter Jackson, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
This guide refers to the version published by Houghton Mifflin in 1994.
Content Warning: This work contains depictions of violence and of death by suicide.
Plot Summary
The Return of the King begins as Pippin and Gandalf arrive at the city of Minas Tirith, the capital of the Kingdom of Gondor. They meet with the Steward of Gondor, Denethor, who is suspicious that Gandalf plans to replace him with Aragorn. A large army from Mordor marches on Minas Tirith, and Denethor believes that their defenses will not be enough without reinforcements.
Unlock all 56 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Related Titles
By J. R. R. Tolkien
