The middle part of The Lord of the Rings. The fellowship has been broken, and its members follow separate paths. Frodo and Sam press on toward the land of the enemy, uneasily guided by the strange, wretched creature Gollum. Elsewhere, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli pursue captured friends and enter the troubled kingdom of Rohan, while other hobbits meet remarkable allies in an ancient forest. The story alternates between quiet, perilous journeying and open war, exploring themes of loyalty, temptation, hope and the courage of small people in a time of great darkness.
Quotes
The counsel of Gandalf was not founded on foreknowledge of safety, for himself or for others,' said Aragorn. 'There are some things that it is better to begin than to refuse, even though the end may be dark.
Do not be hasty, that is my motto.
Learn now the lore of Living Creatures! First name the four, the free peoples: Eldest of all, the elf-children; Dwarf the delver, dark are his houses; Ent the earthborn, old as mountains; Man the mortal, master of horses
How shall a man judge what to do in such times?' 'As he ever has judged,' said Aragorn. 'Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man's part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.