The Breaking of the Fellowship

Summary

That night the company rests on the right-bank of the river at the foot of Amonthen. The next day the burden of choice is laid on FrodoÂ’s shoulders. He must decide whether to return with Boromir to Gondor and defeat Sauron, or proceed with the plan to destroy the Ring.

Frodo takes a walk. Boromir follows him and tries to persuade him to return with the ring to Gondor. Frodo refuses and says that if he does not take the difficult path to Mount Doom and destroy the Ring, every good battle will ultimately be lost.

In desperation, Boromir tries to take the Ring. Frodo slips it on and evades Boromir, who comes to his senses and realizes what he has done.

Frodo is aware that the others must be looking for him. He puts the Ring on again and goes towards the foot of the hill, realizing that he must proceed alone, to avoid further complications. The company learns from Boromir part of what has happened and they pair off to go and look for him. On a hunch, Sam goes to the river where he sees an empty boat floating. He jumps towards it, but misses and falls into the water. Frodo takes off his Ring and helps Sam ashore. After much arguing, Frodo agrees that Sam should accompany him and the two of them set out toward the Land of Shadow.

The unexpected complication of BoromirÂ’s desperation has made Frodo realize the enormity of his responsibility. He decides to travel on alone rather than see any of his other companions overcome by desperation or the evil spell of Sauron.

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