This film is the first film based on the book trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” written by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is the tale of a ring forged by Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor. Bilbo Baggins, Frodo’s uncle, acquired the ring from Gollum some decades before this story began. He decided to leave Hobbiton on his 111^th (eleventy first) birthday, he left the ring to Frodo along with all of his other belongings. Frodo found the task of getting the ring to Rivendell (where its fate was to be decided upon) suddenly thrust upon him when he discovers that he is in mortal danger. Sam Gamgee ends up being appointed Frodo’s companion after Gandalf the Grey, a friendly wizard, found him eavesdropping on a conversation between the two. Along the way, they encounter Merry and Pippin, two mischievous Hobbits who join them and journey on to Rivendell with them.

The crew stopped at ‘The Prancing Pony’, an Inn where they were to meet Gandalf. Locked in a battle with his wizard chief Saruman, he was unable to be there at the same time that he said he would. Informed that he was not seen in over six months at that establishment, they begin to determine their next course of action. Strider approached them at the Inn’s Bar, and saves them from nine Ringwraiths (Nazgul). Sauron’s servants were directed to the Shire to find the owner of the ring and return it to Sauron. On their way to Rivendell, they were attacked by the Ringwraiths but once again saved by their companion Strider, suffering only one injury in the group. They are aided by Arwen, a she-elf and daughter of Elrond, to get to Rivendell to save the injured.

When they finally arrive at Rivendell after overcoming some difficulties, a council was held by Elrond, the Elvish King and a group, called the Fellowship of the Ring, was established to journey to Mordor and dispose of the Ring. The group comprised one member from each of the races of Middle Earth: an elf, a dwarf, two men of Gondor, a Wizard and four Hobbits. They journeyed on through a forest that was inhabited by an enchanted Elvish Queen, but not before traversing mountain and mine. The group was split up by losses, and when a new task suddenly revealed itself. One group proceeded on to Mordor while the other went to rescue the captured folk from Isengard. The movie leaves the audience begging for the second instalment, and for the continuation of the story.

1. Were there any examples of temptation in this film? How did that person or those people react? How should we react to temptation?
2. Gandalf hints twice that things happen for a reason. One time is in the Mines of Moria to Frodo and the other is when he catches Sam eavesdropping. Was it chance or something else that led them to their missions?
3. There are two main instances where people made sacrifices of themselves for the sake of others. Is this an attitude we should emulate in our own specific circumstances?
4. The smallest and least likely being took the task of destroying the ring upon himself, and thereby encouraged others to support him by virtue of his courage. What do we call this virtue?
5. Sam nearly drowns trying to fulfil his promise to Gandalf. This kind of loyalty and bravery is something we should strive for. Are you loyal to your friends? Is keeping promises important to you?