'The Fellowship of the Ring' (1954) by J R R Tolkien

'The Fellowship of the Ring', the first volume of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, follows the journey of Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit tasked with a dangerous mission to destroy a powerful and malevolent artifact, the One Ring. The story begins in the peaceful Shire, where Frodo inherits the Ring from his uncle, Bilbo Baggins. Gandalf the wizard reveals the Ring's dark history: it was forged by the Dark Lord Sauron, who seeks to reclaim it to dominate Middle-earth.

Realizing the Ring must be kept from Sauron's grasp, Frodo sets out with his friends Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Pursued by Sauron's terrifying servants, the Ringwraiths, the hobbits reach the town of Bree, where they meet a mysterious ranger named Strider (Aragorn), who becomes their guide. Aragorn leads them to Rivendell, the home of the elf lord Elrond. There, a council of representatives from the free peoples of Middle-earth decides the Ring must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged.

A fellowship is formed to protect Frodo on his journey: Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas the elf, Gimli the dwarf, Boromir of Gondor, and Frodo’s three hobbit friends. Together, they face numerous dangers as they travel south. In the mines of Moria, they encounter ancient evils, including a monstrous Balrog. Gandalf sacrifices himself to save the group, falling into an abyss while battling the Balrog.

The fellowship continues to the forest of Lothlórien, where they are aided by the elf queen Galadriel, who gives them gifts and counsel. However, tensions rise as Boromir succumbs to the Ring’s corrupting influence, attempting to take it from Frodo. Realizing the Ring endangers his companions, Frodo decides to continue the quest alone. Sam insists on joining him, and the two set off for Mordor.

The novel ends with the fellowship broken but resolute. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli vow to rescue the captured Merry and Pippin, while Frodo and Sam press onward to face the perilous journey into the heart of Sauron’s realm.

Tolkien’s story explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the corrupting nature of power, set against the richly detailed backdrop of Middle-earth.