The tale of the Companions of the Ring continues, but tragedy strikes as the Companions are attacked by a band of Orcs. ‘The Two Towers‘ begins with the Scattering of the Fellowship soon after with the Ringbearer and Sam heading to Mordor, and the Three Hunters trailing after Merry, Pippin, and the Orc band who took them.
After Boromir fell to the allure of the Ring and his attack on Frodo while attempting to steal the one Ring from him, Frodo chose to carry on to Mordor alone instead of allowing another member of the Fellowship to fall to the same temptation. In the confusion of the attack by Uruk-hai, Frodo, and Sam slipped away down the Nan Hithoel.
J.R.R. Tolkien began writing what would become the Lord of the Rings Trilogy after the overwhelming success of his first book, ‘The Hobbit.’ He originally intended for the trilogy to be published together as one book. Tolkien’s manuscript contained 6 “books”, but they had to be broken down into 3 separate volumes due to post-WW2 paper shortages and other reasons. ‘The Two Towers’ contains books 3 and 4 of the original manuscript.
Tolkien initially had issues finding a title for the book, which contained the two widely disparate sections 3 and 4. In the end, he settled for The Treason of Isengard and the Ring Goes East. Tolkien foresaw the confusion that would be generated by the book’s name amongst fans. Indeed, many of his readers have often mistaken the two towers mentioned in the name to be Minas Tirith, the Tower of Watch, and Barad-dur, the Dark Tower.
According to Tolkien in a letter to his publisher, he had intended the towers to be the tower of Orthanc, which was Saruman’s residence, and the tower of Cirith Ungol. The Ringwraiths also reappear, even more, powerful than before. They ride on fell beasts bred for them by Sauron and strike dread into the hearts of men. Other creatures which make an appearance also include elephant-like animals named oliphaunts.
The books most obviously related to ‘The Two Towers’ are the books that make up The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Other books that are related to J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Two Towers’ include ‘The Way of Kings‘ by Brandon Sanderson, whose meticulous world-building, complex magic system, and intricate plot are reminiscent of Tolkien’s meticulous attention to detail, ‘The Bear and the Nightingale’ by Katherine Arden, which captures Tolkien’s ability to blend mythology with a captivating narrative, ‘The Poppy War’ by R.F. Ruang, which explores the themes of war, power, and the moral complexities of heroism, mirroring some of the deeper themes Tolkien’s works.
Other books related to ‘The Two Towers’ include ‘The Name of the Wind‘ by Patrick Rothfuss, an epic fantasy novel in which the protagonist’s journey is filled with mythical creatures, ancient prophecies, and the struggle between good and evil. ‘The Children of Blood and Bone‘ by Tomi Adeyemi also captures the spirit of Tolkien’s epic storytelling. It is filled with vibrant world-building, diverse characters, and themes of oppression, empowerment, and the fight against injustice.
The story of ‘The Two Towers’ has been one of great success since it was published in 1954. It was originally intended to be part of a larger book containing 6 sections, with ‘The Two Towers’ making up sections 3 and 4. Since it was published, ‘The Two Towers’ has contributed immensely to the popularization of the high fantasy genre, setting a benchmark for immersive world-building, complex characters, and epic storytelling. Its influence can be seen in subsequent fantasy literature, inspiring authors to create expansive fictional worlds with intricate histories, diverse races, and magical elements. Its influence stretches as far as music, video, and board games.
‘The Two Towers‘ was adapted into a movie by New Line Cinema and released in the year 2002. With reign in the Box Office in its opening weekend, it became the highest worldwide opening weekend of all time. It was also the highest-grossing movie of 2002.
‘The Two Towers’ continues Tolkien’s epic story as the Three Hunters, consisting of Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn push themselves to hunt down the orcs who took Merry and Pippin. To the East, the Ringbearer and his faithful servant Sam face new challenges and perils as they make their way to Mordor.
‘The Two Towers’ was part of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ compendium written by J.R.R. Tolkien between 1937-49. It has gone on to influence the formation of the fantasy genre and has had a profound effect on literature itself.
In ‘The Two Towers’ author J.R.R. Tolkien displays a deep understanding of deep-seated human emotions. He shows this mastery through his exploration of themes like duty, fellowship, and decay.
‘The Two Towers’ begins with the Scattering of the Fellowship. Each member must face new and unique perils and challenges. The members of the Fellowship must each find their place in determining the fate of Middle-earth.
‘The Two Towers’ continues the story of the adventures of the Ringbearer and the Fellowship. The book marks the start of a dire time in the lives of the Fellowship. The War of the Ring begins in earnest, and Gandalf and the Three Hunters are caught in the middle. While in the east Frodo and Sam face many dangers as they seek for a safer way into Mordor.
‘The Two Towers’ is the second installation in J.R.R. Tolkien’s celebrated trilogy. The members of the Fellowship, Aragon, Gimli, and Legolas chase after the Orcs who took Merry and Pippin, while Frodo and Sam continue their journey to Mordor.