Gandalf

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.

The expedition led by Thorin Oakenshield to reclaim Erebor from Smaug.

The final great conflict against Sauron at the end of the Third Age.

The clash at Amon Hen that leads to Boromir's death and the breaking of the Fellowship.

The great battle at Dale and Erebor between Elves, Men, Dwarves, and Orc armies.

Rohan's defense of the Hornburg against Saruman's army.

The final diversionary battle before the Black Gate of Mordor.

The decisive defense of Minas Tirith against Sauron's armies.

The council at Rivendell that determines the fate of the One Ring and forms the Fellowship.

Bard's killing of Smaug during the dragon's attack on Lake-town.

Smaug's devastating attack on Lake-town at the opening of the third Hobbit film.

The destruction of the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom and the resulting defeat of Sauron.

The Ents' destruction of Saruman's industrial works at Isengard.

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

An Elven prince of the Woodland Realm who later becomes a member of the Fellowship.

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

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

A former bearer of the One Ring who becomes central to both Bilbo's and Frodo's stories.

The head of the Istari who later allies himself with Sauron.

The Elven lord of Rivendell and a major ally in the struggle against Sauron.

The Lady of Lothlórien and a member of the White Council.

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

The Pale Orc and principal antagonist pursuing Thorin Oakenshield in the Hobbit films.

A Dwarf warrior and member of the Fellowship.

A Hobbit of the Fellowship, commonly known as Merry.

A peaceful hobbit homeland in northwestern Middle-earth, including Hobbiton and Bag End.

Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' home in Hobbiton.

The Dwarven stronghold and treasure hoard contested by Thorin, the Lake-men, the Elves, and the Orcs.

Saruman’s fortified domain and base of operations, later attacked and flooded by the Ents.

The settlement on Long Lake attacked and destroyed by Smaug.

The great forest realm from which Thranduil's army marches to Erebor.

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

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

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

A fortress in southern Mirkwood occupied by Sauron before his expulsion during the events of 2941.