The Breaking of the Fellowship
Division, Temptation, and New Paths
After Gandalf's fall in Moria, the Fellowship reaches Amon Hen and unravels under the weight of the One Ring and human frailty. Boromir's temptation and attempt to seize the Ring forces Frodo to choose secrecy and solitude; Sam follows in loyalty. Merry and Pippin are captured by orcs, while Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli strike out in pursuit, setting a hunt that stretches toward Rohan and Gondor. This breaking reshapes destinies across Middle-earth, spawning new quests, tests of courage, and the long march toward Mordor.