TIME Classroom: When did you first discover Tolkien's books, and what impact did they have on you?

Elijah Wood: The first Tolkien that I actually read was The Hobbit, and I read that when I was quite young–I think I was 11 or 12, and I loved it. I promptly got a copy of The Lord of the Rings, but oddly enough, it took me years and years before I got around to reading it. I didn't actually start reading it until I got to New Zealand, and the impact was pretty massive. It's an unbelievable book that reads more like a work of history than a work of fiction. And I think that that was what I most impressed by–how detailed it was, how much research Tolkien did, and how deeply involved he became in this world, and the individual histories of these peoples. That was absolutely incredible to me.

For people who are reading the books, I'd recommend picking up The Unfinished Tales, which is a collection of stories and expository material that Tolkien had written but hadn't released. His son actually released it, and it gives readers a little more insight into the world of The Lord of the Rings.

TC: Frodo seems like such an unlikely hero. What would you say drives him as a character, and what leads him to embark on his quest?

WOOD: I think there is a wisdom within Frodo–a knowledge about what destiny means that is quite subtle at first but really begins to play out when he realizes that it is his destiny to take this ring and try to destroy it. There's also quite a lot of courage within Frodo to accept the journey and the path that makes him stand apart from the other Hobbits. I think he is fighting for the salvation of his people, and for Hobbiton and the shire, which he holds quite precious. It's in some ways like those who want to protect our Earth, which seems to be constantly challenged and threatened. In a very similar way, I think Frodo wants to protect the shire, and that is part of the driving force behind his decision.

TC: Could you talk about the bond of fellowship that developed among the actors?

WOOD: The Fellowship is a massive part of the first story. After working in New Zealand for nearly a year and a half, we all became quite close–much closer than most people do on a film experience. We became very much like a family, and I think the relationships mirrored those of the actual Fellowship at its height. That's an incredible thing, and it's certainly something I've never experienced before. We were all away from home, and we tended to rely on each other; it was a closeness that transcended friendship. That theme of fellowship, and the idea that in this story, these people rely on each other and work together to overcome evil, is also an important theme in the story.

TC: What is the story behind the tattoo that the actors got?

WOOD: We recognized the reality of the Fellowship, and the fact that we had all become so close–and that we were enjoying an adventure and an experience that was unlike anything that we had ever done or would ever do again. And that's pretty profound. So we all got together and agreed on an Elvish symbol for the word "nine," which stood for the nine members of the Fellowship. And we all went to a tattoo parlor together and got tattooed in various places, but all with that one symbol. The significance behind it, I think, is that those that have it know what that experience meant. It also recognizes our friendship, and the fact that we will always be the Fellowship of the Ring.

TC: What is your impression of Peter Jackson and his vision for translating the books into films?

WOOD: I've actually been a fan of Peter's work for a long time. And that was one of the driving forces behind me wanting to be a part of this. Working with Peter is pretty amazing. He's absolutely passionate about filmmaking, and particularly passionate about The Lord of the Rings; it's something that he was actually working on before the actors got there. So it's really been a labor of love for him for a very long time. His passion for filmmaking–and for the novel–is what kept him going. He's just a joy to work with.

TC: Do you think Tolkien's vision of good and evil has relevance to our world today?

WOOD: In an odd sort of way, I think Tolkien's vision is more relevant today than it's ever been. The first time I saw the film was after the events of September 11, and it struck me that the themes in the story–and this grand evil that the characters are fighting against–are incredibly similar to what is going on in the world today. There's actually an incredible quote from the next film: at one point, Frodo decides to give up the ring because he can't handle the responsibility. And Sam says, "There are things that people hold onto that keep them going." And I say, "Well, what are we holding onto?" And he says, "That there is some good in this world. And that's worth fighting for." That idea also seems quite relevant.