The Hardest Lord Of The Rings Quiz Even Diehard Fans Won't Pass
- by Michael Winter
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Welcome, outlandish folk! Pull up a chair and don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters. Something quite exceptional is planned for you… You’re about to toil over the trickiest quiz anywhere in Middle Earth. So, clear your mind of all thought and forget the sounds of merrymaking in the next field. Wrap in tissue-paper around your embroidered silk waistcoat and be on your way.
The history and character of The Lord of the Rings is once again the chief topic of conversation; the epic fantasy novel of J.R.R Tolkien adapted for cinema and made into a trilogy of films: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003). This trial will test your knowledge of all things ring-shaped like nothing before.
Lord of the Rings tells of the adventures of Hobbits, Elves, Men, Dwarves, Wizards and Orcs and centers on the magic Ring of Power forged by the Dark Lord Sauron. From its quiet beginnings in The Shire the story tells of Middle-Earth and the War of the Ring.
How did Gollum first lose the Ring?
In the year 2941 of the Third Age, the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins arrived, purely by chance, at the caves of the Misty Mountains where Gollum lived. While trying to find a way out, Bilbo stumbled on the magic Ring and promptly pocketed it. Gollum confronted Bilbo and realized the Hobbit had found the ring that he had earlier lost. Bilbo used the invisibility power of the Ring to escape. But how did Gollum lose the Ring in the first place?
Sauron’s original name of Mairon meant what?
At the early part of his existence, we know that Sauron had tendencies toward being both good and corrupt. Originally a Maiar, he greatly enjoyed order and perfection and it was these virtues that first attracted the attention of the evil Melkor. After his turning to the influences of the Vala (who would later be known as the Dark Lord, Morgoth) Sauron proved a capable evil servant. But what we want to know is what did his original name mean?
What was a fond memory Bilbo had of his early meetings with Gandalf?
Unlike most other Hobbits he knew and lived among, Bilbo Baggins was extremely curious of the outside world. His many travels often took him far away from Hobbiton. Furthermore, he was one of only a few who had journeyed as far as the Undying Lands. It was this thirst for adventure that first brought Bilbo to the attention of Gandalf, and he subsequently began visiting him regularly. On one such visit as this, Gandalf and Bilbo enjoyed doing what together?
In what year did Sauron return to Dol Guldur after hiding?
When Gandalf arrived at Dol Guldur in TA 2850, he was to find Thráin II (the holder of the last of the Seven Rings of the Dwarves) in the late stage of his existence. He reported to the White Council that Dol Guldur was Sauron's base of operations and urged it to organize an attack. The White Council’s army eventually struck the stronghold and Sauron fled to Mordor. But in what year did Sauron return to Dol Guldur after hiding?
What names did Gollum have for the Ring?
The Ring was everything to Gollum which was why he was so cheesed off when Bilbo ran off with it. It was something he had clung to as if it was a matter of life and death. Its corruption of Gollum happened quickly and caused him to be banished by his people. But such repercussions seemed irrelevant to him as long as he was still in possession of the band. He called it names too…can you pick the right one from the list?
The three Stone-Trolls of the Lone-lands were called what?
While taking a walk through the vast lands of Eriador, Thorin and his company spotted a small fire in the distance. Bilbo was sent by Thorin to find out who was responsible for creating the fire. When he discovered three Trolls, Bilbo crept to within arms’ reach of one of the Trolls and tried to steal his wallet. The wallet squealed and Bilbo was caught by the Trolls, as was the rest of the group. What were the Trolls’ names?
Frodo’s father was called what?
Frodo Baggins’ mother and father died when he was just 12-years-old. Frodo grew up with the sometimes unwanted reputation of being a troublemaker, but for Frodo, it was always intended in the nicest possible way. After the death of both his parents, Frodo lived at Brandy Hall in the Shire until the 99-year-old Bilbo Baggins adopted him in TA 2989 and took him to Bag End. But can you remember what Frodo’s father was called? Hint: Frodo’s father was Bilbo’s second cousin.
How many other wizards accompanied Olórin to the Undying Lands?
Known previously as Olórin (a Quenya word meaning "Dreamer") Gandalf was ultimately tasked with removing the darkness that oozed from Dol Guldur. He was first sent to Middle Earth along with other wizards to bolster those who were opposed to the growing force of Sauron. It was here that he learned about the Elves of Middle Earth. So, can you tell us how many other wizards accompanied Olórin to the Undying Lands? Or to put it a different way, how many wizards did Gandalf arrive with?
What council did Gandalf join after arriving at Middle Earth?
A council of Elves and Wizards of Middle Earth was led by the Wizard Saruman. The council included bearers of the three Rings of Elves and other notable characters of Middle Earth. It was formed after the end of a period of relative concord and its aim was to provide meaningful opposition to the growing threat from Dol Guldur. What we need you to do in order to prove your worth, is tell us what was the name of the council that Gandalf joined after arriving at Middle Earth?
How old was Gollum when he died?
The effects of the Ring had distorted the Hobbit Sméagol. Because of his isolation he had taken to talking to himself with great regularity which, after many, many years of having doing so, created a very definite split-personality within him. Sméagol would exhibit rational thought and actions but Gollum was short-tempered and violent to the point of being murderous. One aspect of his possession of the Ring was his longevity. Can you recall how old Gollum was when he died?
The peaceful period after Gandalf’s visit to Dol Guldur was called what?
After Sauron retreated from Dul Guldur to the East (anticipating the arrival of Gandalf) Middle Earth enjoyed a time of reasonable and much needed peace. The Kingdom of Gondor - which had previously been hammered by strike upon strike from armies directed by the powerful Sauron - was able to largely rebuild their defenses and maintain a stronghold. But after a time those defenses were once again weakened… But what was this peaceful period after Gandalf’s visit to Dol Guldur referred to as?
What was Gandalf known as to the Dwarves?
Gandalf possessed many powers which he utilised to great effect in order to offer protection to the band of 13 Dwarves he assembled during their Quest of Erebor - the quest to reclaim the Dwarves' lost treasure from Smaug. He was able to create beams of light, generate force fields and talk to animals. Because of his habit of carrying a staff wherever he went, the Dwarves had a name for him in their own language. Can you remember what it is?
Tolkien based his character of Smaug on which dragon legend?
Little did Thorin know that his crusade to reclaim the Lonely Mountain for the Dwarves would ultimately lead to his death. Despite it having been the site of the greatest city of Middle Earth, Lonely Mountain was beset by regular attacks by dragons. In TA 2770, the last great dragon, the infamous Smaug, assumed the wealth contained within the mountain for itself, forcing many of the inhabitants into exile in the Blue Mountains. Do you know which dragon legend Tolkien based his character of Smaug on?
Thorin II was also known as...
Son of Thráin II, Thorin was known as a great leader. He was proud and vengeful and fought for values such as fairness and family. He was also known for his greed which some say was ingrained in him by his father. At the Battle of the Five Armies his last words to Bilbo were: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But, sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell.”
Sauron took many forms. Which one is correct?
Originally a Maia, Sauron became a great craftsman and was highly regarded in the ways of craft and architecture. In the Second Age of Middle Earth - then calling himself Annatar - he was able to deceive the Elves of Eregion, who had made the Rings of Power. He forged one other Ring in secret and became known as "The Lord of the Rings". He was also known as a shapeshifter and, as a result, could take on many forms, but what could he turn into?
What was Gollum’s favourite food?
Living for so long in the Misty Mountains, Gollum’s choice of food was limited. But his diet was something he didn’t dwell on, except when it came to singing songs. He found the food of the Hobbits and Elves repulsive, like the elven bread Frodo offered him and the rabbit stew Samwise had prepared. And perhaps that was because such foods reminded him of his past life. Despite that he did have a preference – so, what was it that Gollum considered as his favourite food?
What were the Black Pits?
Barad-dûr (or: the Dark Tower) was the fortress of Sauron and it was from here that the symbolic, all-seeing Eye of Sauron scoured the landscape for the last Ring. Built on the Plateau of Gorgoroth it was known across the land as the greatest fortress ever built and, it was said, was constructed from steel and iron rather than rock. The Black Pits were located beneath Barad-dûr but what were the Black Pits? And by that, we mean, what was their significance?
What other family descendant influenced Bilbo’s character?
Bilbo was an oddity among other Hobbits in that he craved adventure. His travels led him from The Shire on numerous occasions, most notably in the epic Quest of Erebor. Here he joined, somewhat reluctantly, Gandalf, Thorin and 13 dwarves on an adventure through the Lone Lands. It was said his thirst for adventure came from one side of his family. Do you know what other family descendant influenced Bilbo’s character? And if so, what was the surname of that part of the family?
What was Saruman’s Quenya name?
Before his fall from power, the wizard Saruman (originally a Maia) was vehemently opposed to Sauron. His knowledge of his enemy was said to be rivaled by no one, but his interest in the One Ring and Sauron's powers began to corrupt him. With this corruption came a lust for power which Gandalf soon noticed. His downfall came soon after an effort to betray both good and evil. What we’d like to know is, how was he better known in Quenya?
By what name were the Balrog also known?
Formed by the Council of Elrond, the “Fellowship” of the Ring consisted of Hobbits, Men, an Elf, a Dwarf and Gandalf. In TA 2019, having crossed the Misty Mountains chased by Orcs and a Balrog, the Fellowship reached the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. Gandalf turned. As the Balrog lunged at him he hammered his staff down onto the bridge causing it to disintegrate, killing the Balrog. To notch up another correct answer, we need you to tell us by what name were the Balrog also known?
In the Third Age 2463 Gollum became which bearer of the Ring?
It was Sméagol's birthday when he, along with his cousin Déagol, went fishing in the Gladden Fields. This was a place with many dark pools and islets complemented by reeds, rushes and wildflowers. Déagol was pulled into a stream by a large fish and, as he swam back to safety, he saw a ring partially covered by the silt of the river bed. Sméagol coveted the Ring to such an extent that he killed his cousin to get to it.
The name Gollum came from where?
An early Hobbit type called a Stoor, Sméagol was enslaved by the power of the Ring and went to very great lengths to try to find it after Bilbo Baggins had taken it. He began to follow the Fellowship as they made their way to Mordor with every intention of stealing the Ring from them. He was confronted by Frodo Baggins whose kindness towards him persuaded Gollum to join the Fellowship. Do you know where the name Gollum came from?
What happened to Frodo Baggins’s parents?
Bilbo Baggins adopted Frodo after his parents died. Frodo lost parents at age 12 but, at the time he came to live at Bag End he was 21 and shared many interests with Bilbo. 12 years later Bilbo left the Shire for good granting Frodo the house and its contents, including the Ring. Gandalf warned of the Rings powers and soon discovered that it was the One Ring of the Dark Lord Sauron. What tragic fate befell the parents of Frodo Baggins’?
Which people were allied to Sauron?
Although Sauron had lost the Battle of Pelennor Fields, those forces to the West of Middle Earth were much weakened by the conflict. As Sauron rallied his forces once more for a further attack, he was countered by the Free Peoples who had been urged by Gandalf to rise up against the powerful Sauron. In doing so, Gandalf was also able to divert Sauron’s focus from Frodo’s journey to destroy the Ring. Do you remember which people were allied to Sauron?
Which is the correct answer to this Riddle?
Bilbo stumbles across Gollum in his effort to escape from the Misty Mountains. The pair exchange riddles with Bilbo stating that if he wins he is shown the way to safety. Gollum agrees and they begin. Here is one of the Riddles but we want you to tell us what the answer is. “Voiceless it cries, Wingless flutters, Toothless bites, Mouthless mutters…” We don’t mind giving you a bit of a clue on this one, as it’s a little tough – you experience it practically every day, and it even moves the things around you, but it can never be seen…