The Lord of the Rings is an EPIC fantasy novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien and first published in 1954. It is considered to be one of the most popular and influential works in the fantasy genre. The novel follows the quest of a group of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and humans as they attempt to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. The term 'EPIC' is often used to describe the novel, as it is a long and complex story with many characters and plotlines. Similarly, the term 'SAGA' is also used to describe the novel, as it is a narrative that follows the adventures of a group of characters over a long period of time.