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"The Lord of the Rings": Struggling to Surrender Sin

In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, author J. R. R. Tolkien portrays the classic conflict between good and evil set in a mythical land called Middle Earth. After a great battle in ancient times, the Dark Lord Sauron was temporarily defeated and his most dreaded weapon, the Ring of Power, was lost for many ages.

A Hobbit from the Shire named Bilbo Baggins finds the ring and, unaware of its true identity, passes it on to his nephew, Frodo, as part of an inheritance. Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), the hero, is full of humility and uncertainty as he embarks on an epic quest to destroy the Dark Lord's most powerful tool—the Ring.

In one scene, Bilbo converses with his wise and trusted friend Gandalf about departing on a long journey and leaving his inheritance behind for Frodo. The Ring is part of that inheritance, and ever so subtly the Ring begins to exert itself on Biblo, as it does with everyone who comes near it.

As Gandalf encourages Bilbo to leave behind the Ring, Bilbo grasps it and clamors, "It's mine! My own! My precious. What business is it of yours what I do with my own affairs?"

Bilbo casts a suspicious eye on Gandalf and accuses, "You want it for yourself!"

Firmly, Gandalf responds, "Bilbo Baggins, do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks. I'm not trying to rob you. I am trying to help you. All your long years we've been friends. Trust me, as you once did. Let it go."

Gradually Bilbo's defiance fades, and he embraces Gandalf, saying, "You're right Gandalf, the Ring must go."

Elapsed time: Measured from the beginning of the opening credit, this scene begins at 20:59 and ends at 23:48.

Content: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is rated PG-13 for epic battle scenes and some frightening images.

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