In one of the most ambitious undertakings in Hollywood history, Peter Jackson delivered a stunning and epic adaptation of J.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings story. The three films were shot back-to-back and the franchise became one of the most acclaimed and beloved movie trilogies of all time.
It is quite an unforgettable cinematic experience to follow these characters on their fantastic and thrilling journey across Middle-earth to defeat the forces of darkness. Looking back at all three movies, it's fascinating to see how the characters change through their journey based on the first and final lines they speak on screen.
Boromir: First – "You're No Elf." Last – "I Would Have Followed You, My Brother… My Captain… My King."
Boromir is the only member of the Fellowship to die in the journey. Though he only lasts for one movie, he is given a memorable arc. He first appears in Rivendell where he meets Aragorn and is surprised to see another member of the race of Man there.
Though he is initially dismissive of Aragorn and his supposed claim to the throne, Boromir's final line shows that he has changed. After a heroic final stand that leaves him filled with arrows, Boromir heartbreakingly acknowledges Aragorn as his king before dying.
Merry: First - "No, The Big One." Last - "Frodo!"
Meriadoc Brandybuck, or Merry for short, is introduced as a mischievous and troublemaking Hobbit living in the Shire. He is introduced during Bilbo's grand birthday bash stealing some of Gandalf's fireworks.
Merry gradually becomes more level-headed and heroic throughout the journey and even joins the other heroes in their fight against Sauron's forces. Though he appears throughout the final scenes, his final spoken line is in battle as he cheers in victory as he sees that Frodo has destroyed the ring.
Pippin: First - "Done." Last - "The Eagles Are Coming!"
Peregrin Took, better known as Pippin, is Merry's best friend and another Hobbit who is more likely to cause trouble than to be of any help. His accident-prone nature comes out as he lights a firework inside a tent that makes for a massive explosion.
Like Merry, Pippin matures throughout the trilogy and is also in the midst of the final battle. He is heard crying out when the eagles arrive to help fight against Sauron's forces.
Gollum: First - "My Precious." Last - "Precious."
Though he becomes a very important character in the next two movies, we never really get a good look at Gollum in The Fellowship of the Ring. However, when he is introduced in the movie's prologue, Gollum is heard eerily whispering his iconic lone as he speaks to the ring.
Given that it is Gollum's obsession with the ring that drives his character, it makes sense that his final line also speaks to this aspect of him. Standing above the volcano, Gollum finally takes the ring from Frodo and cherishes its return before falling into the lava below.
Legolas: First - "This Is No Mere Ranger." Last - "What About Side By Side With A Friend?"
Perhaps the most skilled fighter in the Fellowship is the Elf Legolas, who becomes a loyal friend and ally to Aragorn. He first speaks during the Council of Elrond when Boromir disregards Aragorn as a mere ranger. As he sticks up for Aragorn, it cements the relationship between the two heroes.
Legolas also has a very entertaining relationship with Gimli as they enjoy competing with one another. As they stand ready for the final battle, Gimli says he never expected to die standing next to an Elf, but Legolas says he is standing next to a friend.
Gimli: First - "Then What Are We Waiting For?" Last – "Aye, I Could Do That."
Gimli is not the friendliest member of the Fellowship, but he proves to be a fearless fighter no matter what danger they come up against. In fact, he is more likely to fight before thinking as we see in his first scene during the Council of Elrond when he tries to destroy the ring single-handedly.
Gimli's final exchange with Legolas is a great moment that shows his gruff exterior fade away for a moment. As Legolas asks him if he is willing to die next to a friend, Gimli earnestly responds that he can.
Gandalf: First – "A Wizard Is Never Late, Frodo Baggins." Last - "It Is Time, Frodo."
Ian McKellen delivered yet another iconic performance, this time as the great wizard Gandalf, one of the most powerful members of the Fellowship. We first meet Gandalf as he is arriving in the Shire for Bilbo's birthday celebrations.
He is given a fitting farewell when he says goodbye to the young Hobbits as he prepares to travel into the Undying Lands. Before boarding the boat, he turns back for Frodo, revealing the young Hobbit will be leaving Middle-earth as well.
Aragorn: First - "You Draw Far Too Much Attention To Yourself, Mister Underhill." Last - "My Friends, You Bow To No One."
Aragorn is perhaps the most heroic character in the trilogy and the man who is in line to be the new king. Frodo and the other Hobbits first meet Aragorn when he goes by the ranger name of Stryder. He sees Frodo use the ring to disappear, then warns him about drawing too much attention to himself, thus becoming his protector.
After the defeat of Sauron and his forces, Aragorn takes his place as king. As he is crowned, he is reunited with Frodo and company. In one of the most emotional moments in the trilogy, he tells them they need not bow to anyone before he bows to them.
Frodo: First - "You're Late." Last - "Your Part In The Story Will Go On."
At the center of the Lord of the Rings movies is the tiny Hobbit character of Frodo Baggins. He lives a peaceful life in the Shire with his uncle Bilbo and his friends. As Gandalf arrives in the Shire, Frodo excitedly greets him and jokingly chastises him for being late.
After saying goodbye to his fellow Hobbit friends and sailing off, Frodo's final lines are spoken in narration to Sam. He explains that he left the final pages in his book empty as it is now Sam who will continue the story.
Sam: First - "I Think I'll Just Have Another Ale." Last - "Well, I'm Back."
Samwise Gamgee goes on quite an extraordinary journey throughout the trilogy. He is not much of a risk-taker when he first appears as he chooses to drink another ale rather than ask the girl he has a crush on for a dance.
In the final moments of the trilogy, we follow Sam back to his home where he has married that same girl and had two children with her. As he and the audience reflect on how far he has come, he delivers the series' final fitting line and goes home.