If you're unfamiliar with Lord of the Ringsthen you need to come out of your hobbit hole. Written by J.R.R. Tolkien, the story follows Frodo Baggins on his quest to destroy the One Ring. On his journey, he struggles with the power of choice to overcome Sauron's forces of evil. Tolkien's fantasy masterpiece has inspired modern greats of the same genre, such as Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. The written novels were adapted into live action movies, and an Amazon Prime television series set in the Second Age will premiere in 2021.

RELATED: 10 Fantasy Comics To Read If You Like Netflix's The Witcher

Obviously Frodo couldn't have destroyed the Ring without some help. At the Council of Elrond, the Fellowship of the Ring is formed. Also known as the Company of the Rings, the Nine Walkers, or more simply, the Company, its goal was to take the One Ring to Mordor and cast it into Mount Doom. This would ultimately kill Sauron, the main antagonist. But how well did the members of the Fellowship adhere to their goal? In order from worst to best, here is our ranking of the group.

9 Boromir

Heir to Denethor II, Boromir is a noble man with staunch nationalism in the kingdom of Gondor. His stamina and physical strength make him a fierce warrior, and an even better commander of the Gondorian army. Denethor made it clear he preferred Boromir to his other son, Faramir. Despite the admiration from his father and fellow soldiers, he is ultimately flawed.

As a member of the Fellowship, his desperation to save his country ultimately drives him to betray his companions. He isn't as compassionate towards the other members, especially the hobbits, whom he once accused of deceit. At the end of The Fellowship of The Ring, he falls prey to the temptation of the Ring and tries to seize it from Frodo. This disloyalty puts him last on the list, yet he gets redemption. As he succumbs to his battle wounds, Boromir apologizes to Aragorn for his betrayal. He says he failed his country, but Aragorn disagrees and says "few have gained such victory."

8 Gimli

Gimli with his Ax in Lord of the Rings

In the series, Gimli is chosen to represent the race of dwarves. He volunteers to join the Fellowship and accompany Frodo in his quest. Gimli played a critical role in the defeat of the forces of Isengard at Helms Deep, despite his separation from Aragorn and Legolas. When the forces of Isengard were driven from Helm's Deep, he fought alongside Eomer, son of Theoden. His skill with an axe is especially impressive, and he wins the bet between Legolas as to who could kill the most orcs.

While not the strongest character in neither Middle-Earth nor the Fellowship, Gimli demonstrates character growth. In the beginning, he was hostile towards Legolas because his father, Thranduil, imprisoned his father, Glóin. As they work together in battle, he puts aside these hostilities and befriends Legolas. Alongside his admiration for Galadriel, his relationships helped resolve the strained relationship between Elves and Dwarves of Middle-Earth.

7 Merry

As they are often paired together, it was hard to separate our favorite hobbit pranksters, Meriadoc 'Merry' Brandybuck and Peregrin 'Pippin' Took. Although it seems Merry does best on his own. He was well prepared for the quest, as he assembled gear and ponies. His shortcut through the Old Forest benefited the Fellowship because they met Tom Bombadil, who would become their ally, while also avoiding the Black Riders.

RELATED: 10 Comics To Read For Goth And Dark Fantasy Lovers

He exhibits character growth and a loyalty to the Fellowship when he decides to fight in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. He demonstrates bravery by overcoming his aversion to fighting, as hobbits are peaceful by nature. He even helps Éowyn defeat The Witch King.

6 Pippin

Pippin during the siege of Minas Tirith and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields

Like Merry, Pippin demonstrates the most faith to the Fellowship when alone. He's separated from Merry at Gondor, and decides to serve under Denethor to repay for Boromir's death. This shows loyalty to the Fellowship, as he will play a part to save his friends. His loyalty prevails when he saves Faramir from being killed, even if he disobeys Denethor in doing so.

During battle, Pippin even managed to take down an Olog-hai, a mighty troll-race Sauron had created. He was the first hobbit ever to do so. He goes from immature to experienced and courageous. Combined with a better job serving the purpose of the quest, we put Pippin over Merry.

5 Legolas

Orlando Bloom's Legolas eyes his target in The Lord of the Rings

Legolas was chosen to represent the race of elves in the Fellowship. Despite his status as prince of Mirkwood, he is most notable for his impeccable marksmanship as an archer. Combined with keen eyesight and hearing, Legolas was a valuable asset to the Fellowship.

Legolas cares about the well-being of the other members of the Company. He and Aragorn sang a song of lament following Boromir's death. He went on to lead the Fellowship through Rohan when Merry and Pippin had been taken by the Uruk-hai. He also served as a messenger for the Company, most referenced with his famous quote: "They're taking the hobbits to Isengard!" And he's pretty. Like, blonde is such a good color on him. We know this doesn't relate to loyalty, but it needed saying.

4 Frodo

We know what you're thinking. How isn't Frodo at the top of this list? He was the one to cast the Ring into the fire! Well -- not necessarily, at least not without difficulty. He wouldn't have even been able to reach the top of Mount Doom without the help of Sam.

RELATED: Top 10 Greatest Fantasy Anime From The 2000s

Like Boromir, he falls prey to the power of the Ring, so far as to proclaim "the ring is mine." At the same time, he is the chosen one to carry out this quest, and succeeds. So in terms of upholding the purpose of the Fellowship, we'll say mostly.

3 Aragorn

Where men are concerned, Aragorn has inherent advantages. First, because he is part elf, he is on good terms with other elves like Legolas and Elrond. He has a certain strength which men such as Faramir and Boromir don't have. And like Gandalf and Galadriel, he could discern the true destructive power of the ring. He has the fortitude to admit that he can’t take the corruptible nature of the Ring, and his job is not to bear or use it, but to selflessly defend it, and its passage to Mordor.

Another reason why Aragorn ranks high on this list is his diplomacy and mercy, both of which help the Fellowship. He is quick to forgive Boromir for his betrayal, respects authorities such as Elrond and Theoden. When he takes his place as the rightful King of Gondor, he immediately acknowledges Frodo.

2 Gandalf

Gandalf

When it comes to upholding the Fellowship, Gandalf shall pass. After all, he's the one who assembled its members. He is the original leader until his confrontation with the monstrous Balrog, and Aragorn takes over. They presume him dead until finding him in the Fangorn Forest, where he returns as Gandalf the White.

As an Istari, Gandalf is the most powerful member of the Fellowship. He breaks Wormtongue's hold over Théoden, and convinces the king to join in the fight against Sauron. From organizing Théoden's men to putting defences at Minas Tirth, his battle strategy is unbeatable. Not to mention he singlehandedly defeats Saruman. He is steadfast to the purpose of the Fellowship, refusing Mordor's terms of surrender until the Ring destroyed. He then sends the Eagles to rescue Frodo and Sam from the erupting Mount Doom.

1 Sam

sam-carrying-frodo

"I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" Everyone needs a friend like Samwise Gamgee. His unwavering loyalty to Frodo, his master, translates into loyalty for the Fellowship. Like Aragorn, he is able to resist the temptation of the Ring, but not because of magic ability. He is able to resist because he knows he must protect Frodo and fulfill the quest. His emotional strength is simply indefatigable, enduring no matter the circumstances. Samwise proved a dependable companion, and without his help, Frodo wouldn't have gotten very far. This secures his spot as the best member of the Fellowship.

NEXT: 5 2010s Fantasy Anime That Got Overlooked (& 5 That Were Way Too Popular)