Lord of the Rings is in many places unexceptional, but I think the parts that stand out, particularly the themes of duty and camaradarie, like Frodo's personal

Lord of the Rings is in many places unexceptional, but I think the parts that stand out, particularly the themes of duty and camaradarie, like Frodo's personal struggle to resist the ring's effects, and Sam's love for Frodo, make it a seminal work. The moral fiber of Tolkien shines through in passages like this: Frodo: 'What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature when he had a chance!' 'Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity.' 'I am sorry,' said Frodo. 'But I am frightened; and I do not feel any pity for Gollum.' 'You have not seen him,' Gandalf broke in. 'No, and I don't want to,' said Frodo. 'I can't understand you. Do you mean to say that you, and the Elves, have let him live on after all those horrible deeds? Now at any rate he is as bad as an Orc, and just an enemy. He deserves death.' 'Deserves it? I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.'