21 Years of Middle-earth Magic: Ranking the Beloved and the Beguiled from 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Return of the King'

As we celebrate the 21st anniversary of the cinematic masterpiece "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," fans around the globe revisit the epic conclusion to Peter Jackson's trilogy. This film not only wrapped up the saga with a flourish but also left us with characters we've grown to love, loathe, and everything in between. Here, we rank these iconic figures from the most adored to the most despised, highlighting their moments that made us cheer, tear up, or grit our teeth.

1. Frodo Baggins - The heart of the trilogy, Frodo's journey to Mount Doom is one of sacrifice and resilience. His moment with Sam at the Cracks of Doom, crying, "I'm here, Sam," encapsulates his bravery and vulnerability.

2. Samwise Gamgee - Sam's loyalty knows no bounds, carrying Frodo when he can't go on, and his famous line, "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" is perhaps the epitome of friendship in cinema.

3. Aragorn - His speech before the Black Gate, "A day may come when the courage of men fails... but it is not this day!" cements him as the king who leads by example, transitioning from Ranger to King with grace and valor.

4. Gandalf - His wisdom and courage in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, riding to Minas Tirith's aid, shouting, "Rohan has come!" is a highlight of his character's enduring spirit.

5. Legolas - Known for his archery prowess, his scene where he and Gimli compete in the Orc-slaying count adds a touch of humor amidst the battle's intensity.

6. Gimli - His comedic timing, especially during the drinking contest at Edoras, and his heartfelt friendship with Legolas, make him a fan favorite.

7. Éowyn - Her defiance against the Witch-king with, "I am no man!" not only saves Théoden but also redefines heroism in Middle-earth.

8. Merry and Pippin - Their growth from playful hobbits to brave warriors, especially Merry's assistance in Éowyn's defeat of the Witch-king, showcases their unexpected heroism.

9. Théoden - His redemption and leadership, culminating in his last charge at Pelennor Fields, "Forth Eorlingas!", is both tragic and inspiring.

10. Faramir - Often overshadowed, his battle for Osgiliath and his quiet strength in the face of his father's scorn make him a poignant figure.

11. Gollum - A tragic figure, his internal struggle between Sméagol and Gollum, especially at the Cracks of Doom, is both pitiable and maddening.

12. Saruman - Though less prominent, his manipulation from afar and eventual downfall in the extended edition show his once-great power now turned sour.

13. Denethor - His descent into madness, trying to burn himself and his son Faramir, is one of the darkest moments, making him one of the most detested characters.

14. The Witch-king - As the leader of the Nazgûl, his terror is palpable, yet his defeat by Éowyn makes him more a symbol of evil's vulnerability than a character to hate.

15. Gríma Wormtongue - His deceit and betrayal of Rohan, especially to King Théoden, paint him as one of the most despicable figures in the narrative.

Some Closing Thoughts:

"The Return of the King" has not only given us moments of triumph but also characters that continue to resonate with fans due to their complexity and humanity. This ranking reflects not just popularity but the emotional impact these characters have had on audiences. As we look back, their stories remind us of the power of friendship, courage, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

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 at the Prancing Pony? Whatever you guys think, jump down in the comments section below and let us know your thoughts!

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