I forgot to talk about the ending of The Lord of the Rings! Here is what happens in the third movie. I finally finished it.
The third movie brings all the storylines together and focuses on the final stand against Sauron and the destruction of the One Ring.
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum
Frodo and Sam continue their dangerous journey through Mordor, guided by Gollum. As they get closer to Mount Doom, Gollum’s obsession with the Ring fully takes over. He manipulates Frodo, turning him against Sam and briefly separating them. Frodo, weakened by the Ring’s power, becomes more distant and fragile.
Sam eventually returns, proving his loyalty and love for Frodo. Together, they push onward despite exhaustion, hunger, and despair. At Mount Doom, Frodo finally reaches the fire, but at the last moment, he can’t bring himself to destroy the Ring. Gollum attacks, bites off Frodo’s finger, and then falls into the lava with the Ring, destroying it. Evil is defeated, but not through Frodo’s strength alone, rather through mercy, chance, and sacrifice. Both Frodo and Sam are stranded on this rock, surrounded by lava. Gandalf and the eagles come to their rescue.
Aragorn, Gondor, and Rohan
Meanwhile, Middle-earth is at war. Gondor faces a massive attack from Sauron’s forces at Minas Tirith. Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, descends into madness and hopelessness, believing all is lost.
Aragorn embraces his destiny as king. He takes the Paths of the Dead and summons the Army of the Dead, fulfilling an ancient oath. This army turns the tide of the battle, saving Gondor. After the victory, Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor, restoring hope and rightful leadership to Middle-earth.
The final battle and the end
To give Frodo a chance to destroy the Ring, Aragorn leads a desperate final march to the Black Gate, knowingly acting as a distraction. This battle isn’t about winning, it’s about buying time.
Once the Ring is destroyed, Sauron’s power collapses. Frodo and Sam survive, though they are forever changed by what they endured. The hobbits return to the Shire, but Frodo realizes he can’t fully heal from his wounds. Sam marries Rosie, and they have children together. In the end, Frodo sails to the Undying Lands with Gandalf, Bilbo, and the Elves, leaving Middle-earth behind.
It’s an emotionally heavy film, not just because of the epic battles, but because it shows that victory doesn’t come without loss. Frodo succeeds, but he is permanently scarred. Aragorn becomes king, but only after years of sacrifice. Even the Shire is no longer something Frodo can fully belong to.
Overall, The Lord of the Rings isn’t just a great fantasy series; it’s a deeply human story. It’s about hope in dark times, the strength found in connection, and the quiet bravery of choosing goodness when it would be easier to give up.
