Explain · Like I'm five version
The Lord of the Rings in terms of a Duke of Edinburgh expedition
Is walking to a scary mountain just like going on a very long school trip in the woods?
The Lord of the Rings is basically a Duke of Edinburgh expedition where the map is drawn by a wizard and nobody has brought enough snacks. Frodo and Sam are the two pupils who have been left behind by the main group because they insist on carrying the heaviest bag of gear. They have to walk across huge fields and muddy hills while dodging bullies who want to steal their lunch boxes. It is a very long walk, and their feet are always hurting.
The group is lead by a teacher called Gandalf who keeps popping up to give vague directions before disappearing to do his own paperwork. They have to sleep in damp tents and share tiny amounts of food. While the other pupils are busy fighting big trolls or marching into shiny castles, Frodo and Sam just want to get to the end so they can go home. They do not have a mobile phone to call their mums when things get spooky.
By the time they reach the big volcano, the boys are covered in mud and definitely need a bath. They have completed the task, even though they spent most of the time wandering in circles and worrying about the dark. They are very brave for carrying that heavy gold ring all that way without losing it in the long grass. They finally finish their challenge, get their certificates, and head home for a nice hot tea.
Where the analogy breaks downThe pupils on a real expedition are not followed by a giant spider or an evil eye.