Nine members form the Fellowship of the Ring in J.R.R. Tolkien’s story.
The company is created at the Council of Elrond in Rivendell to carry the One Ring toward Mordor. Its members are Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck, Pippin Took, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf.
The number nine is deliberately set against the nine Nazgûl, or Ringwraiths, who serve Sauron. The Fellowship therefore represents a counterforce made up of different peoples and traditions: Hobbits, Men, an Elf, a Dwarf, and a wizard. This composition also gives Tolkien opportunities to explore friendship, loyalty, courage, and tension between allies.
The Fellowship does not remain together throughout the entire quest. It breaks apart after the conflict at Amon Hen, when Boromir dies, Frodo and Sam leave for Mordor, and the remaining companions pursue different paths. The title of the first volume refers to this company and its mission.