# The Return of the King

> 1955 novel by J. R. R. Tolkien

**Wikidata**: [Q332581](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q332581)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Return_of_the_King)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-return-of-the-king

## Summary
*The Return of the King* is the third and final volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy, published in 1955. It concludes the epic fantasy saga with the climactic battles of the War of the Ring, culminating in the destruction of the One Ring and the defeat of the Dark Lord Sauron. The novel is a high-fantasy work set in a richly imagined world, blending mythological elements with a deep narrative structure.

## Key Facts
- **Literary Work**: A written work read for enjoyment or edification, classified as a fantasy novel.
- **Genre**: High fantasy, a subgenre of speculative fiction set in a fantastical universe.
- **Publication Date**: Released in 1955, with an exact publication date of October 20, 1955.
- **Part of**: *The Lord of the Rings*, a three-volume fantasy novel trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.
- **Preceded by**: *The Two Towers*, the second volume of *The Lord of the Rings*.
- **Contains**: *The Scouring of the Shire*, the penultimate chapter of the trilogy.
- **Setting**: United Kingdom, though the story is set in a fictional world inspired by real-world myth and folklore.
- **Aliases**: *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*.
- **Wikipedia Title**: *The Return of the King*.
- **Wikidata Description**: A 1955 novel by J.R.R. Tolkien.

## FAQs
**What genre is *The Return of the King*?**
It is a high-fantasy novel, a subgenre of speculative fiction set in a fantastical universe.

**Is *The Return of the King* part of a larger series?**
Yes, it is the third and final volume of *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy, preceded by *The Two Towers*.

**When was *The Return of the King* published?**
It was published in 1955, with an exact publication date of October 20, 1955.

**What is the setting of *The Return of the King*?**
The story is set in a fictional world inspired by real-world myth and folklore, though the novel is associated with the United Kingdom.

**What is the significance of *The Scouring of the Shire* in the novel?**
It is the penultimate chapter of *The Lord of the Rings*, appearing within *The Return of the King*.

## Why It Matters
*The Return of the King* is a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature, known for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and epic narrative scope. It resolved the central conflict of *The Lord of the Rings*, delivering a satisfying conclusion to Tolkien's magnum opus. The novel's themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, and the power of unity resonate deeply with readers, cementing its place as a literary masterpiece. Its richly detailed setting and mythological depth have influenced countless works of fantasy, making it a foundational text in the genre.

## Notable For
- **Final Volume of *The Lord of the Rings***: Concludes the epic trilogy with the climactic battles of the War of the Ring.
- **High-Fantasy Masterpiece**: A defining work of the high-fantasy subgenre, blending mythological elements with a deep narrative structure.
- **Cultural Impact**: One of the most influential fantasy novels of the 20th century, shaping the genre's conventions and themes.
- **Thematic Depth**: Explores profound themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the struggle between light and darkness.

## Body
### Overview
*The Return of the King* is the concluding volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings*, published in 1955. It follows the final stages of the War of the Ring, culminating in the destruction of the One Ring and the defeat of Sauron. The novel is a high-fantasy work, set in a richly imagined world inspired by real-world myth and folklore.

### Publication and Context
- **Publication Date**: October 20, 1955.
- **Part of**: *The Lord of the Rings*, a three-volume fantasy novel trilogy.
- **Preceded by**: *The Two Towers*, the second volume of the series.

### Genre and Classification
- **Genre**: High fantasy, a subgenre of speculative fiction set in a fantastical universe.
- **Literary Work**: A written work read for enjoyment or edification.

### Setting and World-Building
- **Setting**: United Kingdom, though the story is set in a fictional world.
- **Fantasy Map**: The novel features a visual representation of an imaginary or fictional geography.

### Key Chapters
- **The Scouring of the Shire**: The penultimate chapter of *The Lord of the Rings*, appearing within *The Return of the King*.

### Influence and Legacy
- **Cultural Impact**: A foundational text in the fantasy genre, influencing countless works of speculative fiction.
- **Thematic Depth**: Explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the struggle between light and darkness.

### Related Works
- **The Lord of the Rings**: The trilogy of which *The Return of the King* is the final volume.
- **The Two Towers**: The second volume of the trilogy, preceding *The Return of the King*.

### Aliases and Titles
- **Aliases**: *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*.
- **Wikipedia Title**: *The Return of the King*.

### Wikidata Description
- **Description**: A 1955 novel by J.R.R. Tolkien.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. The Return of the King (2013 HarperCollins ed.)
4. [Source](https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/The_Return_of_the_King_(novel)?oldid=251080)