The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) Ending Explained
tl;dr
The Return of the King concludes the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy with Frodo and Sam finally destroying the One Ring in Mount Doom, though Gollum's interference leads to his own demise. Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor, restoring peace to Middle-earth. The hobbits return to the Shire, but Frodo, permanently scarred by his journey, departs for the Undying Lands with the elves. The ending emphasizes sacrifice, the passing of an age, and the bittersweet nature of victory after great suffering.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Return of the King unfolds in Mount Doom, where Frodo, after resisting the Ring's corruption for so long, finally succumbs to its power and claims it for himself. Just as it seems Sauron's victory is assured, Gollum attacks Frodo, bites off his finger to reclaim the Ring, and in his ecstatic celebration, falls into the lava, destroying both himself and the Ring. This moment is crucial - Frodo could not have willingly destroyed the Ring, and it was only through Gollum's greed and fate that evil was vanquished. The destruction of the Ring causes Sauron's power to collapse, his tower to crumble, and his armies to disintegrate, marking the end of his reign of terror.
Following the Ring's destruction, the story shifts to Aragorn's coronation as the rightful King of Gondor. This moment is deeply symbolic, representing the restoration of order and the return of the line of Isildur to power. Arwen, having chosen mortality to be with Aragorn, arrives, and their union solidifies the alliance between elves and men. The scene is one of hope and renewal, but it is also tinged with melancholy, as Gandalf remarks that this is the end of the Third Age-a time when magic and myth fade, making way for the age of men. The elves, including Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond, prepare to leave Middle-earth, signaling the slow departure of the old world.
The hobbits - Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin-return to the Shire, but their homecoming is bittersweet. While the Shire appears unchanged, they are no longer the carefree hobbits they once were. Their scars, both physical and emotional, linger. Frodo, in particular, is unable to find peace, still haunted by the wounds of the Ring and the Morgul blade. He eventually decides to leave Middle-earth, joining Bilbo, Gandalf, and the elves on a ship to the Undying Lands-a place of healing for those burdened by deep suffering. This departure is heartbreaking for Sam, who has been Frodo's unwavering companion, but it is also a necessary conclusion for Frodo's journey.
Sam's final moments in the film are among the most emotionally resonant. He returns to his family, embracing his role as a husband, father, and eventually Mayor of the Shire. The film closes with him saying, “Well, I'm back,” a simple yet profound statement that encapsulates the theme of ordinary heroism. While Frodo could not stay, Sam represents the resilience of hobbits and the idea that life goes on, even after great trials. The ending suggests that while some wounds never fully heal, there is still joy and purpose to be found in the aftermath of war.
Unresolved Questions
- What happens to Frodo in the Undying Lands?
- He finds peace and healing, though he may never fully recover.
- Some interpretations suggest he lives out his days in tranquility before eventually passing away.
- Does Aragorn's reign bring lasting peace?
- While the movie implies a golden age, Tolkien's writings suggest conflicts still arise, albeit on a smaller scale.
- What becomes of Legolas and Gimli after the War of the Ring?
- They remain friends, with Legolas eventually sailing to the Undying Lands and Gimli joining him-an unprecedented honor for a dwarf.
- Why couldn't Frodo stay in the Shire?
- The Ring's corruption left him spiritually wounded, making normal life impossible.
Personal Opinion
The Return of the King delivers one of the most emotionally satisfying endings in cinema. It balances triumph with sorrow, acknowledging that victory comes at a cost. Frodo's departure is heartbreaking but necessary-his sacrifice is greater than physical endurance; it's the loss of his ability to live a normal life. Meanwhile, Aragorn's coronation and Sam's return home provide hope and closure. The film's extended ending may test some viewers' patience, but it's essential for conveying the full weight of the journey. Few films manage to tie up so many threads so effectively while leaving room for reflection on themes of duty, sacrifice, and change.