21 Years On: Unpacking the Final Bow of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'

21 years ago, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" captured hearts worldwide, ending Peter Jackson's monumental trilogy with a spectacle of heroism and heartbreak. Released on December 17, 2003, this cinematic masterpiece not only concluded the saga on screen but left fans pondering the nuances between its ending and that of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved book. Let's delve into the climax, exploring how the film's finale diverges from the literary source while celebrating the journey that has enchanted millions.

The Battle and Beyond:

In both the book and the film, the Battle of the Pelennor Fields culminates with the arrival of the Rohirrim, led by King Théoden, whose death scene in the film is notably poignant with his final words, "I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed." The film amplifies the visual and emotional impact of these moments, with the Witch-king's downfall at the hands of Éowyn and Merry being a highlight.

The Endgame:

The film and book share the pivotal moment where Frodo, with Sam's unwavering support, reaches Mount Doom. Here, Gollum's role becomes crucial; in both versions, he bites off Frodo's finger to reclaim the One Ring, but in the book, Gollum's fall into the lava is more accidental, whereas the film shows Sam catching Frodo, only for Gollum to slip with the Ring into the fire.

The Departures:

The most significant deviation is in the handling of the endings. The book provides an extended epilogue where the hobbits return to the Shire, deal with Saruman's last mischief, and see Sam, Merry, and Pippin grow old. The film condenses this, focusing instead on a series of farewells. Aragorn's coronation is a grand affair in both, but the movie adds the symbolic planting of the white tree by Gandalf and the crowning with the crown of Gondor.

Multiple Endings:

The film has been critiqued for its multiple endings, where we see Frodo's departure to the Grey Havens, his emotional goodbye to Sam, Merry, and Pippin, and Sam's return to his family. The book, however, includes further scenes like Bilbo's death and Sam's mayorship, which are omitted from the film. The final image of Sam with his family, saying "Well, I'm back," in the book, is replaced with a more cinematic closure in the film.

Some Closing Thoughts:

"The Return of the King" remains a testament to the power of storytelling, whether through Tolkien’s intricate prose or Jackson’s vivid filmmaking. The differences in how each medium concludes this epic tale speak to the unique strengths of literature and cinema. As we celebrate this 21st anniversary, we honor not just the end of a story but the beginning of a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.

So, how do you plan on celebrating the fact that "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King" is now old enough to get a drink of its own in the Prancing Pony? Whatever you guys think, jump down in the comments section below and let us know your thoughts!

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