A descendant of the lost line of the ancient kings of Men, Aragorn is fated to one day claim the empty throne of Gondor. Few know his secret heritage and destiny, amongst them the wizard Gandalf and the elf-lord Elrond, and some of the Dúnedain, better known as Rangers, who follow him. At Gandalf's advice, Aragorn and his followers take up the defense of the Shire, a small land full of very small people known as Hobbits, and he became known among the peoples just outside the Shire's borders as Strider.

In the common room of the Prancing Pony, an inn in the town of Bree, just outside the Shire, Strider befriends Frodo Baggins and his three hobbit companions. Strider leads the party in their difficult journey to reach Rivendell, elf-haven and home of Elrond. Once there, they join with an elf, a dwarf, a wizard, and the son of the Steward of Gondor to become the Fellowship of the Ring.

An Elf prince from the forest kingdom of Mirkwood, Legolas joined the Fellowship as a representative of his people, and vowed to protect Frodo in his quest through the power of his mighty bow. Legolas possesses the keen eyesight and sharp ears characteristic of his race. His endurance, keen sight, and fighting skills were of great help to the Fellowship, but his loyalty and friendship were even greater assets to his companions. Legolas grew fond of the Hobbits and he loved and supported Aragorn, but the strongest bond he formed was his unlikely friendship with Gimli the dwarf.