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اخيرًا انتهيت من هذه المغامرة العظيمة ..

بين الكتب الثلاثة و جدت هذا الأسرع في تطور الاحداث عن الآخرين .. اعتقد لأن الكتاببين السابقين كانا كبناء للوصول إلى هذه النقطة

medievil's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Lord of the Rings is an unavoidable fantasy classic, a work that has inspired thousands of creators over the decades and continues to do so today. And it's no coincidence. J.R.R. Tolkien didn't just create a story; he expanded this universe, which had already begun with The Hobbit, in a way that was unimaginable (or perhaps imaginable, given that it came from the mind of just one person). With this trilogy, Tolkien built a timeless journey, masterfully adapting Joseph Campbell's ‘Hero's Journey’ and giving us iconic characters.

From Samwise's unwavering loyalty, to Merry's courage, Frodo's persistence, Pippin's heart, Legolas and Gimli's friendship, Gandalf's wisdom, and the way Aragorn assumes his destiny... each character makes a unique contribution to the epic outcome of this adventure. I've always considered Peter Jackson's trilogy to be one of the most extraordinary in cinema. However, I knew that sooner or later I would have to read the work that inspired not only the movies, but redefined the genre.

Reading this trilogy, in this particular case The Return of the King, allowed me to understand the characters and the universe of Middle-earth in a much more profound way, especially compared to the adaptations. The tone of the books surprised me with the way they move from cheerful, pleasant moments to darker ones. One of the moments that struck me most was the discovery of the famous chapter ‘Scorching of the Shire’, a passage that was left out of the adaptations, but which made a positive impression on me. This part, in my opinion, managed to complete Frodo's Hero's Journey, showing how he applies the lessons he learnt during the War of the Ring. Getting to know the outcome of all the characters in more detail was also a bittersweet experience, but, as Tolkien teaches us, every beginning has its end, and a new Age is born from there.

Another highlight is the Appendices at the end of the book, which offer a much deeper understanding of the entire history and mythology of Middle-earth. These details further enrich the desire to explore the author's other works and to learn about the previous eras that culminated in the War of the Ring.

I also had the opportunity to experience this work through the narration of Andy Serkis, whose phenomenal interpretation makes the reading even more accessible and immersive.

I recognise that The Lord of the Rings may not be the most accessible work today, with its sometimes slow pace, but once you've read it, it's easy to see why it has had and continues to have such an impact. It's impossible not to get lost in Middle-earth while reading about Théoden or Aragorn leading their armies, or the adventures of Frodo, Sam and Gollum's journey.

This work is a must read for anyone who has some sort of connection with fantasy. This literary genre, which presents us with the impossible, offers a unique perspective on life and our world, and The Lord of the Rings is undoubtedly one of the best representations of this vision.