LotR Book 1 Changes

 

The Book	The Movie
Prologue
The book’s prologue tends to be more focused on Tolkien’s experience writing the book.	Galadriel narrates the history of the making of the rings of power, the First War of the Ring, Isildur’s Bane, and Bilbo’s finding of the ring.
Concerning Hobbits – tells about the Shire, Pipeweed, the Ring, and about hobbits in general.	Shown as being written by Bilbo, but only the part about hobbits. Some of the details about the ring are shown in the prologue, or alluded to elsewhere.
Chapter I: A Long Expected Party
Residents of Hobbiton gossip, effectively telling Frodo’s family history and how everyone thinks Bilbo is “cracked”	“A Wizard is never late.” Gandalf and Frodo discuss Bilbo during a cart ride, but no mention of Frodo’s past.
No mention of Gandalf singing.	Gandalf sings “The Road Goes Ever On and On” during the trip to Hobbiton.
Gandalf rides to Bag End uneventfully.	Gandalf lights fireworks to please the children.
Bilbo and some dwarves help Gandalf unload his cart.	No dwarves shown. Gandalf is thought to be another confounded relative and not an old friend.
Something similar occurred in “The Hobbit”	Bilbo blows smoke rings; Gandalf blows a smoke ship to sail through the rings.
The party is in two parts: (1) the one for relatives (144 people - or One Gross) occurs under a huge tent which also covers the huge tree, (2) the rest of the people are outside of the tent.	There are small tents, but most of the festivities occur outdoors
The Sackville-Bagginses (SB’s) are discussed in the narration.	Frodo helps Bilbo hide from the S.B.’s after his ear twitches.
Merry and Pippin were most certainly there, but not mentioned specifically.	Merry and Pippin were introduced as trouble makers by stealing and lighting the Dragon firework.
Gandalf lights the dragon firework as the grand finale; everyone knows about it and is not afraid.	Merry and Pippin are given KP as punishment for lighting the dragon firework, much to the surprise of everyone.
Sam was most certainly there, though not mentioned specifically by name.	Frodo makes Sam dance with Rosie Cotton.
Bilbo disappears with a flash of light and smoke added by Gandalf so as to give a reasonable explanation to the guests. Bilbo accuses Gandalf of interfering.	Bilbo just disappears and walks home. Gandalf is disturbed or annoyed because of it.
Bilbo talks about being “stretched” and wanting to see mountains after the party, while preparing to leave.	This conversation occurs before the party.
Bilbo, after much reluctance and argument with Gandalf, finally leaves the ring on the mantle for Frodo in an envelope.	Bilbo, after some reluctance and argument with Gandalf, drops the ring on the floor.
Gandalf has no ill side effects from touching the ring. He begins to wonder about the ring and his suspicions grow over the next 17 years.	Gandalf will not even pick the ring up off the floor. This tips him off about its evil, and he begins to wonder. He has Frodo put the ring into an envelope and seal it.
Frodo, as the new master of Bag End, is given the task of explaining Bilbo’s disappearance and handing out parting gifts to relatives.	Not seen in the movie.
Gandalf knocks on the door and is thought to be another relative wanting Bilbo’s treasures.	This actually happened to Bilbo in the movie the afternoon of the party.
Gandalf’s questions get the better of him and he suddenly leaves the day after the party to research the ring.	Gandalf suddenly leaves the night of the party
Chapter II: The Shadow of the Past
Frodo lives on for years, giving a yearly party in Bilbo’s remembrance as well as his own birthday. Life goes on, he wanders the shire with Pippin and Merry, drinks at the Green Dragon, and wonders about Bilbo.	Life goes on as usual for Frodo, like going to the Green Dragon for beer and song. Sam’s pining for Rosie is shown again.
Elves pass through the Shire on their way to the Grey Havens. Rumors of the Enemy are heard from dwarves. Talk of Ents in the Shire by patrons of the Green Dragon.	Some elves going West are shown after Frodo and Sam leave for Bree. Patrons of the Green Dragon talk about happenings outside of the Shire.
Gandalf returns after a long absence and stays the night.	In a “jump scene,” Gandalf returns after a few weeks, obviously frightened and very concerned about something.
The Next morning, Gandalf tells Frodo of his suspicions, and then throws the ring into the fire to bring out the markings. Frodo has kept the ring on a chain.	Immediately after, Gandalf (still extremely concerned), throws the envelope in which the ring was placed (and kept) into the fire. The envelope burns and fire touches the ring. The markings take a few seconds to appear.
Gandalf tells of the Great Rings of Power, Sauron, Elendil and Gil-Galad, Deagol and Smeagol, and the history of the ring to the best of his knowledge.	Most of this was presented in the Prologue. Deagol’s finding of the ring and his murder are shown in Return of the King prologue from Gollum’s point of view.
Gandalf tells of his journeys and attempts to catch Gollum, how the ring affected Gollum, how his life was a sad story, Bilbo’s pity, and how Frodo wished the ring never came to him.	The conversation about Bilbo’s pity and his wish that the ring never came to him is moved to the Mines of Moria during a break. Frodo tells Gollum Gandalf said his life was a sad story, etc. in the Dead Marshes but the original conversation isn’t shown.
Gandalf tells Frodo that Gollum was tortured, and probably mentioned “Shire” and “Baggins” to the Enemy.	Shown in a cut scene, along with the Nine leaving Minas Morgul. Gandalf tells Frodo he was unable to catch Gollum.
Gandalf encourages Frodo to try and destroy the ring, but Frodo can’t bring himself to try.	This was somewhat done by Gimli during the Council of Elrond. His axe shatters upon the Ring.
Chapter III: Three is Company
Gandalf encourages Frodo to leave soon, but not suddenly like Bilbo so many years ago, so as to not draw attention to his departure.	Gandalf wants Frodo to leave immediately and ropes Sam into accompanying Frodo.
Gandalf advises Frodo to go to Rivendell. As a bonus, Sam would get to see the elves.	Gandalf tells Frodo to make for the Prancing Pony in the village of Bree.
Gandalf stays in the Shire for two months while Frodo decides what to do, leaving suddenly one day. He promises to return before the farewell birthday party (the planned date of departure). His purpose is to acquire news from the South. He meets Radagast the Brown who informs him that Saruman wishes to speak to him immediately.	Gandalf leaves the next morning for Isengard at the same time Frodo and Sam leave for Bree. They plan to meet at the inn at Bree. Gandalf’s purpose in leaving was to receive counsel from Saruman, head of the White Council.
Frodo announces that he is selling Bag End to the S.B.’s and moving to Buckland, his childhood home.	Frodo leaves suddenly with Sam the morning after Gandalf tells the history of the ring.
Four hobbits help Frodo move: Merry and Fatty take most of Frodo’s stuff to his new house in a cart, while Sam and Pippin walk to Buckland.	Not shown in the movie. Sam and Frodo go by themselves.
They begin the journey without Gandalf the night of Bilbo’s (and Frodo’s) birthday. Frodo hears Sam’s dad talking to someone about Mr. Baggins.	Along the journey, Merry and Pippin run into Frodo and Sam after stealing from farmer Maggot. They all tumble down a hill and find mushrooms.
The threesome hears hoofs and hides under a log away from the road. A black rider approaches and smells for Frodo. Frodo desires to put the ring on and hide.	All four hobbits hide just off the road. Frodo desires to put the ring on, but Sam stops him. While the black rider smells, Merry throws the bag of mushrooms to distract the rider so they can escape.
The three hobbits hum a song made up by Bilbo as they walk.	Not shown in the movie. However, some of the words are sung by Pippen in front of Denethor.
They again hear hoofs and see a black shadow, but it is scared away by some elves.	Earlier in the movie, Sam and Frodo see some elves traveling to the Grey Havens to depart to Valinor.
Frodo speaks some elvish.  They hear the name Elbereth Gilthoniel. The elves know of Bilbo, and appear to know about Frodo’s plan. The hobbits eat and sing, and converse with the elves.	The elves Frodo and Sam see sing the name Elbereth Gilthoniel, but eating/talking with them didn’t happen.
Chapter IV: A Short Cut to Mushrooms
Sam tells Frodo that the elves told him, “Don’t you leave him.”	Sam, after thinking he’s lost Frodo, tells Frodo that Gandalf ordered him, “Don’t you leave him.”
They decide to cut straight across the country, avoiding the road and the Golden Perch’s beer. They avoid a black rider because they were in thick bushes.	Not shown in the movie.
They come upon farmer Maggot’s field and go to him for help. Frodo is afraid of Maggot’s dogs because of his childhood delinquency.	Not shown in the movie.
Farmer Maggot tells the three that a black rider asked about a Mr. Baggins. Maggot told the rider to go to Hobbiton.	Shown in the movie as a cut scene. Maggot and his dog were clearly terrified of the rider.
Farmer Maggot offers to take the hobbits to the ferry by cart and pony. Along the way they meet Merry.	Not shown in the movie.
Chapter V: A Conspiracy Unmasked
As the four hobbits cross the river on the ferry, they see a dark bundle, swaying on the dock like it was searching for something.	The hobbits run from the black rider and Frodo jumps on the ferry just in time. The rider’s horse stops at the edge of the dock.
They reach “Frodo’s new house.” Fatty has another supper and a bath ready for them.	Not shown in the movie.
Frodo tells the four that he plans to leave in the morning. The four tell Frodo that they have known all along, know about Bilbo’s ring and of his plan. Sam was the inside man. They all intend to go with Frodo except for Fatty who has to keep up the appearance of Frodo living there in Buckland.	Not shown in the movie.
Chapter VI: The Old Forest
The four hobbits leave early in the morning with five ponies: one each to ride and one for baggage.	Not shown in the movie.
They go through the old forest to evade the Black Riders, even though it is the subject of many scary tales. They leave Fatty with instructions for Gandalf.	Not shown in the movie.
Merry leads them through the forest. His family is from this area and he knows the geography and history better than the others.	Not shown in the movie.
The trees seem to want to hinder their way. They seem uneasy about the forest. They eventually get to a treeless hill and have a look around.	Not shown in the movie.
The moving trees make them lose their way and they end up near the Withywindle river. They all feel sleepy suddenly and rest their backs against trees.	Not shown in the movie.
Frodo is pushed into the river, but Sam saves him. Merry and Pippin are caught by trees, but Frodo and Sam are unable to help them. Their ponies have been scattered.	Not shown in the movie. However, a similar scene occurred with Treebeard in Fangorn to Merry and Pippin in the Two Towers.
They hear a silly song being sung. Tom Bombadil shows up and frees Merry and Pippin.	Not shown in the movie. However, Treebeard tells Tom’s words to a different tree that attacked Merry and Pippin in Fangorn.
Tom invites them to his house and they follow him.	Not shown in the movie.
Chapter VII: In the House of Tom Bombadil
The hobbits eat dinner, hear a few songs, meet Goldberry (Tom’s wife, the River Daughter), and go to sleep on comfortable beds. Tom tends to the ponies.	Not shown in the movie.
Due to the rain, they stay inside the whole day and hear tales from Tom about events long ago and in distant lands.	Not shown in the movie.
The Ring has no power over Tom, and he makes it disappear. Once given back to Frodo, he uses it to make sure Tom hasn’t switched it or changed it in any way.	Not shown in the movie.
Tom and Goldberry speak in riddles about whom they are and where they come from. The hobbits are thoroughly rested and their bellies filled.	Not shown in the movie.
Tom teaches them a riddle to recite if they ever get into trouble while still within the borders of Tom’s land. Then they go to sleep.	Not shown in the movie.
Chapter VIII: Fog on the Barrow-Downs
The hobbits set out from Tom’s house and see Goldberry bidding them farewell.	Not shown in the movie.
Their course is to travel just west of the Barrow-Downs, a group of haunted burial mounds for ancient kings. They appear to make good time, and take a break to rest and eat lunch. They sleep far longer than intended and wake up in a sea of fog.	Not shown in the movie.
While walking in the fog, they become separated and lose the ponies.	Not shown in the movie.
Frodo follows the others’ cry for help, and is taken captive (unconscious) by a barrow Wight.	Not shown in the movie.
Frodo wakes up to find the other three deathly pale, dressed in white, adorned with jewelry, a sword lying across their necks. He hears incantations and uses a nearby sword to stop a hand from killing the other three.	Not shown in the movie.
Frodo is suddenly reminded of the poem which Tom taught them. He recites it and within minutes Tom appears and rescues them. He gives them all swords, which were actually long knives made by the men of the Westernesse.	Not shown in the movie. Aragorn happens to have 4 hobbit-sized swords of no special significance handy.
Tom’s horse, Fatty Lumpkin, gathers the hobbits’ ponies. Tom accompanies them to the edge of his land, only a few miles from Bree.	Not shown in the movie.
Tom mentions that he often talks to Farmer Maggot, and knows of Barliman Butterbur, the keeper of the Prancing Pony. He advises them to go to the Prancing Pony for the night.	Not shown in the movie. Gandalf advised Frodo to go to the Prancing Pony in Bree originally.
Chapter IX: At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
The gate keeper looks over the gate at the four hobbits.	The gate keeper opens a man-height window, then a hobbit height window.
A dark figure (probably Aragorn) climbs over the gate.	Not shown in the movie.
The hobbits check in to the inn and eat dinner in their own common room.	The hobbits ask for Gandalf. Butterbur claims not to have seen him for six months.
Frodo, Sam, and Pippin decide to go to the main common room. Merry stays behind.	The four hobbits eat and drink in the main common room.
The common room is filled with men, dwarves, southerners, and some hobbits.	The common room is filled with men. No other race is shown.
Frodo asks about Strider, then goes over to meet him.	Frodo asks about Strider and stays at his own table.
Pippin gets plenty of attention as a story teller, and proceeds to tell about Bilbo’s Party. Frodo worries that someone will link the name of Baggins to them. Strider warns Frodo to stop Pippin.	Pippin, while talking to some of the men whilst getting a pint of ale, is dumb enough to point out Frodo Baggins, blowing his cover.
Frodo tries to distract the attention of the audience by singing a long version of “Hey, Diddle Diddle.”	Frodo runs over to stop Pippin.
Frodo repeats the song, but leaps in the air and lands on a table, making a ruckus.	Frodo trips, throwing the ring up in the air. Strider is startled by this.
Frodo, feeling foolish, finds the ring is on his finger. Everyone is surprised at Frodo’s disappearance. He slinks away into Strider’s corner again and takes the ring off.	While trying to catch the ring, it falls onto his finger. Everyone is surprised at Frodo’s disappearance. Frodo sees a vision of the Eye of Sauron and the world is distorted. He slips under a table and takes the ring off.
Strider asks Frodo (by his true name) permission to talk later. Everyone else is still talking about Frodo’s disappearance. Frodo shows himself in the corner and claims to have just crawled away quickly. The explanation doesn’t satisfy anyone. Some southerners eye Frodo and leave.	Strider picks Frodo up by his clothes and takes him upstairs. The reactions of the others aren’t shown.
Chapter X: Strider
Strider follows the hobbits to their room and asks to accompany them. He seems to know more than he lets on.	Strider extinguishes the candles and warns Frodo to be more cautious. The other hobbits enter, ready to defend their friend from an intruder. He wields a long sword.
Strider knows of the Riders and tells Frodo that he should use more caution in guarding his secret. Strider advises them to not take the open road and to follow him. Sam is reluctant.	Strider tells them they should not wait for their wizard friend. Sam airs his distrust of Strider while walking through the forest.
Butterbur enters and is surprised to see Strider with the hobbits. He apologizes to Frodo for not sending Gandalf’s letter and gives it to Frodo. He promises to keep the Black Riders out of the Prancing Pony.	Not shown in the movie. In fact, it shows Barliman cowering behind the counter as the Nazgul enter.
Gandalf’s letter convinces the hobbits to trust Strider. He wields a broken sword, like in the poem in Gandalf’s letter.	The broken sword (Narsil) is on display at Rivendell.
Merry returns after walking outside and encountering some Riders.	Not shown in the movie.
Chapter IX: A Knife in the Dark
Back in Buckland, Fatty is attacked by Riders. He is able to alarm the town and the Riders flee. The Riders know the ring bearer was gone.	Not shown in the movie.
The Riders slip over the fence quietly.	The Black Riders break down the gate and ride over it -- probably killing the gate keeper.
The company plans to leave early, but find their ponies (along with every other animal in the stable) missing. Butterbur offers to buy Bill Ferney’s pony for their baggage.	The company starts out the next morning. A pony (assumed to be Strider’s) carries their baggage. Frodo trusts Strider because a servant of the enemy would feel fouler and look fairer.
The company leaves the road to avoid being followed. They continue to head for Rivendell.	Strider tells them he is leading them into the wild, heading for Rivendell.
Second breakfast was mentioned in the Prologue.	Pippin complains about not having Second Breakfast.
They go through Midgewater Marsh. Sam asks what the bugs eat when they can’t get hobbit. They see some bright lights from the east.	They go through Midgewater Marsh. Merry asks what the bugs eat when they can’t get hobbit. Frodo hears Strider singing the Lay of Lethian and asks about her.
They climb Weathertop and look for signs and clues. They find burnt rocks and a firewood pile. They guess the light in the east they saw was Gandalf fighting a battle. They also see black specks on the road.	They climb Weathertop and make camp. Strider gives them each a sword. Frodo falls asleep. Strider leaves them to scout around.
Strider builds a fire as shelter and defense against the Riders. Sam thinks this is a good way of telling the Riders where they are camped.	The other three hobbits build a cooking fire. Frodo puts it out so they don’t let the Riders know where they have camped.
Strider offers to hunt for meat and berries if they run out of food.	Earlier in the marshes Strider brings a slain deer back to camp.
To pass the time, Strider tells them the Lay of Lethian.	This also occurred earlier in the marshes.
Strider also tells of other events of the past.	Not shown in the movie.
The company feels a dark presence and sees five Riders coming towards them. Frodo desires to put the ring on.	The hobbits see five Riders advancing towards the hill. They run to the top and draw their swords.
While the other hobbits cower, Frodo puts the ring on and sees the wraiths clearly. Frodo shouts, “O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!” He lunges forward at the feet of the wraiths.	The hobbits try to protect Frodo. Frodo’s fear gets the better of him and he falls. He puts the ring on and sees the wraiths clearly, but the world is distorted.
As Frodo is stabbed, Strider fights off the wraiths with two flaming sticks. The wraith missed Frodo’s heart because he dove.	As Frodo is stabbed purposefully in the shoulder, Strider returns just in time to fight off the wraiths with his sword and a flaming stick.
Chapter XII: Flight to the Ford
Strider boils some Athelas leaves (which he has carried) hours after the incident.	Strider picks up Frodo and departs.
They make their way towards Rivendell. Strider finds a green gem left behind as a token.	Not shown in the movie.
They find a troll hole. Later, Merry and Pippin report seeing trolls while scouting ahead. The company finds the three trolls from Bilbo’s story.	While resting at the Trollshaws, Strider sends Sam (a gardener) to find the Athelas Plant. Arwen catches Strider off guard. The stone trolls are in the background and Sam points them out to encourage Frodo.
While traveling, Glorfindel finds the company. He appears to glow to Frodo. He sets Frodo on his horse, Asfeloth, and accompanies them some ways.	Arwen appears to glow to Frodo. She and Strider quickly decide that she should take Frodo to Rivendell because she’s the faster rider. The horse’s name is Asfeloth.
The Black Riders catch up to the company. Glorfindel orders Asfeloth to ride (carrying only Frodo). Five wraiths follow Frodo and the other four try to cut him off ahead, but Asfeloth is too quick.	Arwen flees from the nine Black Riders, taking a slight cut to her right cheek. She twists and turns through trees to confuse them and lengthen her lead. Frodo is too injured to do anything but be baggage.
Frodo, on Asfeloth, crosses the ford of Bruinen. He stops and commands the Riders to return to Mordor.	Arwen and Frodo cross the ford of Bruinen. One wraith orders Arwen to give Frodo up.
Frodo challenges the Riders with the names of Elbereth and Luthien. As the wraith king approaches Frodo, his tongue cleaves to his roof and his sword breaks in two.	Arwen challenges the Riders to come claim their prize.
The river rises up. To Frodo it seems glowing white flames seemed to flicker on the crest of the waves. He also sees white riders upon white horses in the froth of the waves. Later Gandalf reveals that Elrond caused the flood, while Gandalf was responsible for the horses.	Arwen begins chanting an incantation and the river begins rising. White horses are seen in the froth of the waves.
The three in the water are taken by the waves. The remaining six rush into the flood after Glorfindel, Strider, and the other hobbits charge towards the Riders with flaming brands.	All nine are taken by the great waves of the river.
Frodo passes out.	Frodo passes out. Arwen begs him not to give up yet and prays to have strength given to him. He sees visions of Elrond and Rivendell as he passes in and out of consciousness.

Introduction

The Fellowship of the Ring:      Book 1                     Book 2

The Two Towers:                        Book 3                     Book 4

The Return of the King:             Book 5                     Book 6

Overall Changes and Additions