42 Across

NYT Daily • September 3, 2025

Tolkien trilogy, to fans

Answer:

LOTR

Hint:

This three-letter shorthand refers to the epic fantasy saga centered on a certain ring, often used in online discussions about Middle-earth. Think of how fans abbreviate the title when chatting about hobbits and orcs.

Explanation:

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy works often shorten The Lord of the Rings—his famous trilogy—into the abbreviation "LOTR." The clue plays on this common shorthand, which is widely recognized in fan communities, gaming, and pop culture. It’s a straightforward reference where the answer isn’t the full title but the casual, insider term for it.

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