Illustrated by Alan Lee
The third volume in J R R Tolkien's epic adventure 'The Lord of the Rings'.
The Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures as the quest continues. Aragorn, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and took part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by the orcs, escaped to Fangorn Forest and there encountered the Ents.
Gandalf returned, miraculously, a defeated the evil wizard, Saruman. Meanwhile, Sam and Frodo progressed towards Mordor to destroy the Ring, accompanied by Smeagol - Gollum, still obsessed by his "preciouss". After a battle with the giant spider, Shelob, Sam left his master for dead, but Frodo is still alive - in the hands of the orcs. And all the time the armies of the Dark Lord are amassing.
