The Shire

The final age of Middle-earth's recorded history before the beginning of the Fourth Age; the film depicts the rise of Sauron's power and the initial stages of the War of the Ring.

A hobbit of the Shire who inherits the One Ring and undertakes the quest to destroy it.

A Wizard who recognizes the danger of the One Ring and guides the quest against Sauron.

The Dark Lord and creator of the One Ring, seeking its recovery in order to dominate Middle-earth.

The Ranger known as Strider, heir of Isildur, who joins and protects the Fellowship.

A hobbit of the Shire who accompanies Frodo throughout the journey and departs with him from Parth Galen.

A Hobbit of the Shire who participates in the Quest of Erebor and seeks to prevent war among the claimants to the Lonely Mountain.

The Dwarf king who reclaims Erebor, commands its defense, and dies during the Battle of the Five Armies.

The ruined Dwarven realm beneath the Misty Mountains, traversed by the Fellowship on its journey south.

The Elven refuge of Imladris, where the fate of the One Ring is decided.

The capital of Gondor and the focal point of the war in the west.

Sauron’s dark land, including the approach to the Black Gate and the route toward Cirith Ungol.

The volcanic mountain in Mordor where the One Ring was forged and ultimately destroyed.

The destroyed Mannish city beneath Erebor, where much of the Battle of the Five Armies takes place.

An Elven woodland realm ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn, where the Fellowship is sheltered after Moria.

The horse-lords’ kingdom threatened by Saruman’s armies.