In the Second Age, Sauron was not successful because of his raw power, but because of his cunning ability to manipulate the people of Middle Earth. He was defeated by the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

This was 2016.

Although his physical form was destroyed, he would rebuild himself at Dol Guldur, planting and waiting for his return.

Working from the shadows, he quietly undermined the kingdoms of Men and Elves alike.

He planted the seeds of doubt, fear, and division across ME.
2017-19

He made his return to Mordor, rebuilt the Tower of Barad Dur, preparing his final push for domination over Middle Earth.

He underestimated the resiliency of Man, and as his ally Isengard fell, he grew worried. The peoples of Middle Earth were stronger than he anticipated.

2020.

He grew restless as things began to turn against him, and he launched his final assault on Gondor, crossing the river Anduin, laying siege to the gates of Minas Tirith.

The people of Middle Earth seemed all but doomed. If Gondor fell, the rest of Middle Earth would follow.

You are here. We are at the final stand against the Great Evil. The enemy is at the gates. No, the enemy has battered down the gates.

You have a choice-
Stand and fight.
Or run and flee.

The message behind LOTR is that even in their darkest hour, when all seemed doomed to fail, the Children of Iluvutar never gave up.

They resisted all temptations, they never lost hope.

It was not the mighty elves, or the grand kingdoms of Men who defeated the great evil.....

You may feel you lack strength or power. You may feel there is nothing you can do.

It was the humble hobbits from the Shire, who ultimately endured over all obstacles to achieve victory and cast the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom.

You can do this.
We can do this.
No matter who you are, all hope is not lost.

As long as the sun shines and you have breath in your lungs you must fight with everything you have!

Take a lesson from Tolkien.

Anyone can be a hero, all it takes is a little courage.