“The Lord of the Rings” is a novel by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. It is one of the most commercially successful novels of the 20th century, is a classic of fantasy literature and is considered a fundamental work of high fantasy. Published in the English original in three volumes of two books plus appendices each in 1954/1955, the first German translation appeared in 1969/1970. The novel was sold about 150 million copies worldwide.
The novel stands against the background of a fantasy world developed by Tolkien throughout his life (Tolkien’s World). It tells the story of a ring, the destruction of which destroys evil power in the form of the dark ruler Sauron. The main characters are four hobbits who are involuntarily drawn into a heroic adventure. In addition to these, representatives of the Good Elf, people of the West and North, dwarves and magicians play important roles. Their opponents are Sauron’s creatures and subjects, the orcs, trolls and people of the east and south.
The novel served as a template for numerous adaptations, including a film trilogy (2001–2003) that won 17 Oscars.
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