The Fellowship of the Ring

The Fellowship of the Ring

• Genre: Fiction; high fantasy
• Originally Published: 1955
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 860L; grades 7-12; college/adult
• Structure/Length: 2 books; 10 chapters; approximately 432 pages; approximately 19 hours, 7 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The Fellowship of the Ring is the first book in J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. The central storyline follows Frodo Baggins, a Hobbit from the Shire, who embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, a powerful artifact created many years before by the dark lord Sauron. He is accompanied by a diverse group of companions including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others who form a fellowship of protectors for Frodo as he pursues his quest. Their journey takes them through the lands of Middle-earth, encountering various challenges, creatures, and ancient mysteries. The novel explores heroism, friendship, the corrupting influence of power, and the battle between good and evil.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Warfare; perilous quests; fantasy violence; consumption of alcohol and use of pipe-weed; death and grief  

J. R. R. Tolkien, Author

• Bio: Born 1892, deceased 1973; English writer, poet, philologist, and academic known for his contributions to fantasy literature; celebrated as one of the most influential fantasy authors of the 20th century left a lasting legacy in the fantasy genre with numerous tales set in Middle-earth
• Other Works: The Hobbit (1937); The Two Towers (1954); The Return of the King (1955) The Silmarillion (1977)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Power of Songs
• The Battle Between Good and Evil
• Exilic Wanderings and Home

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the fantasy genre and historical background regarding Tolkien’s depiction of heroism.
• Discuss paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Power of Songs and Exilic Wanderings and Home.
• Analyze character perspectives and the art of argument by participating in a mock debate mirroring the Council of Elrond.
• Examine and appraise the author’s purpose and techniques to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding power and corruption, the motif of journeys, and other topics.