The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Prologue: Galadriel narrates history of the One Ring. Sauron defeated but Ring survives. Gollum possesses it in darkness. Sets up world at stake.

Gandalf to Frodo: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Theme of choice, courage, and perseverance in face of impossible odds.

The Shire - Bilbo's 111th birthday party. Frodo inherits the Ring. Peaceful hobbit life established. Gandalf suspects Ring's true nature. Innocence before the storm.

Gandalf confirms it is the One Ring. "Keep it secret, keep it safe." Frodo must leave the Shire immediately. Nazgûl hunt begins. Old life over.

Journey to Bree with Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Should Frodo trust Strider? Can he carry this burden? Nazgûl close pursuit. Fear and doubt.

Frodo stabbed by Morgul blade at Weathertop. Race to Rivendell. Crossing the Ford - "If you want him, come and claim him!" Arwen saves Frodo. Enters world of elves and grand quest.

Council of Elrond forms the Fellowship. Nine companions. Frodo volunteers to take Ring to Mordor. Relationships that will define the journey established. Brotherhood begins.

Journey through Moria. "You shall not pass!" Gandalf battles Balrog. Lothlórien with Galadriel. Fellowship bonding. Promise of epic adventure delivered despite loss.

Gandalf falls fighting the Balrog. "Fly, you fools!" First major loss. Stakes raised. Fellowship must continue without their leader. False defeat that strengthens resolve.

Boromir tempted by Ring. Saruman's Uruk-hai hunt the Fellowship. Tension within group. External and internal threats converging. Unity fracturing.

Boromir tries to take Ring from Frodo. Fellowship breaks. Frodo decides he must go alone. Uruk-hai attack. Boromir mortally wounded defending Merry and Pippin.

Boromir dies in Aragorn's arms: "I would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my king." Frodo and Sam alone. Merry and Pippin captured. All seems lost.

Frodo: "I wish the Ring had never come to me." Sam: "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide." Sam refuses to leave Frodo. True friendship.

Aragorn: "Let's hunt some Orc!" Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli pursue to save Merry and Pippin. Frodo and Sam begin journey to Mordor together. Fellowship transformed but not destroyed.

Three paths diverge. Sam and Frodo approach Mordor. Merry and Pippin with Uruk-hai. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli in pursuit. Quest continues across Middle-earth. Hope remains.