The original Fellowship of the Ring in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings has nine members.
The Fellowship consists of Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck, Pippin Took, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf. They leave Rivendell together to carry the One Ring toward Mordor, although their intended route and mission change as events unfold.
The group’s number deliberately contrasts with the nine Nazgûl, or Ringwraiths. The Fellowship therefore represents a small company assembled to oppose the servants of Sauron. Its members also represent different peoples and traditions: Hobbits, Men, an Elf, a Dwarf, and a wizard.
The Fellowship does not remain united throughout the whole quest. Gandalf falls in Moria, Boromir dies after attempting to take the Ring, and the party eventually divides at Amon Hen. The title “Fellowship” refers to the original company, not a permanent nine-person team.