'The Return of the King' (1955) by J R R Tolkien

'The Return of the King' is the final volume of Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. It chronicles the climax of the War of the Ring and the fulfillment of Frodo's quest to destroy the One Ring. The story is divided into two main narratives: the journey of Frodo and Sam into Mordor and the larger battle for Middle-earth led by Aragorn, Gandalf, and their allies.

Book V: The War of the Ring:
Gondor Prepares for War:
Gandalf and Pippin travel to Minas Tirith, where Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, grimly awaits Sauron's impending assault. Pippin enters Denethor's service as a guard. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli journey through the Paths of the Dead to rally an army of oath-breaker spirits who owe allegiance to the rightful king of Gondor.

The Siege of Minas Tirith:
Sauron's forces lay siege to Minas Tirith. Denethor succumbs to despair after using a palantír to glimpse Sauron's power, attempting to burn himself and his wounded son Faramir alive. Gandalf saves Faramir, but Denethor dies. Rohan's army, led by King Théoden, arrives and turns the tide of battle. However, Théoden falls in combat with the Witch-king of Angmar. Éowyn, with Merry's aid, slays the Witch-king, fulfilling an ancient prophecy.

The Battle of the Pelennor Fields:
Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead, routing Sauron's forces. After the victory, Aragorn heals the wounded using his kingly gifts, signaling his rightful claim to the throne.

The March to the Black Gate:
To distract Sauron and give Frodo a chance to destroy the Ring, Aragorn leads a small force to the Black Gate. The outnumbered army confronts Sauron's legions in a desperate battle.

Book VI: The End of the Third Age:
Frodo and Sam's Journey:
Frodo and Sam endure hardships as they traverse Mordor. Sam rescues Frodo from captivity in Cirith Ungol. Disguised as orcs, they make their way to Mount Doom, evading Sauron's forces.

The Destruction of the Ring:
At the Cracks of Doom, Frodo succumbs to the Ring's power and claims it for himself. Gollum, who has been following them, seizes the Ring but falls into the fiery chasm, destroying it. With the Ring's destruction, Sauron's power collapses, and his armies are defeated.

The Return of the King:
Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor, ushering in an era of peace. He marries Arwen, Elrond's daughter. The hobbits return to the Shire, only to find it under the control of ruffians led by Saruman. They rally their fellow hobbits and reclaim their homeland in the Battle of Bywater.

The Passing of the Ring-bearers:
Frodo, deeply scarred by his journey, finds it hard to readjust to life in the Shire. He eventually departs Middle-earth with Gandalf, Bilbo, and the Elves, sailing to the Undying Lands. Sam, Merry, and Pippin remain behind, continuing their lives in the Shire.

The Return of the King concludes with the themes of hope, sacrifice, and the enduring fight against evil. It also emphasizes the bittersweet nature of victory, as Frodo's personal cost highlights the lasting scars of heroism.