The Return of the King

Historical Context and Significance

«The Return of the King» is the third and concluding part of the epic trilogy «The Lord of the Rings», created by the English writer and Oxford professor John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. Published in 1955, the book became the culmination of Tolkien's years of work on creating the fictional universe of Middle-earth and remains one of the most iconic and influential works in the fantasy genre. This book, along with the previous two parts of the trilogy, had a colossal impact on the development of the fantasy genre in literature, inspiring countless writers and artists worldwide, and leading to numerous adaptations, including films, television series, and video games. The story of the battle between good and evil, embodied in the adventures of hobbits, men, elves, and other creatures of Middle-earth, has become a true symbol in the genre and continues to inspire new generations of readers.