What is the plot of The Lord of the Rings?

The Lord of the Rings is an epic high fantasy novel written by English author J.R.R. Tolkien. It was originally published in three volumes between 1954 and 1955. The novel is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth and follows the quest of hobbit Frodo Baggins to destroy the One Ring, an evil artifact created by the dark lord Sauron.

The story begins with hobbit Bilbo Baggins leaving his ring, which he discovered in The Hobbit, to his nephew Frodo. Gandalf the wizard soon realizes that the ring is in fact the One Ring, and that Sauron, who had been defeated in a previous age, is trying to regain power by reclaiming the Ring.

Frodo and his companions, including other hobbits, a dwarf, an elf, and two men, set out on a perilous journey to destroy the Ring by throwing it into the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged. Along the way they encounter many dangers and obstacles, including Sauron's armies and minions, as well as other creatures like trolls, orcs, and dragons.

The Lord of the Rings has been widely regarded as one of the greatest works of fiction of the 20th century, and has had a major impact on the fantasy genre. It has been adapted into numerous forms of media, including a popular film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson.