Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey toward Mount Doom, guided by the conflicted creature Gollum, who seeks the Ring for himself.

Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pursue the kidnapped hobbits Merry and Pippin, leading them to the ancient kingdom of Rohan, now threatened by the corrupted wizard Saruman.

Gandalf, presumed dead after his battle with the Balrog, returns as Gandalf the White to rally the forces of good.