The conclusion of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ marks Aragorn’s rise to king and Frodo’s farewell as he heads to Valinor, leaving the Fourth Age largely unexplored. Aragorn establishes the Reunited Kingdom, while the decline of Elves and Dwarves begins. The Shire flourishes under Hobbit leadership despite Frodo’s departure. Although a sequel was briefly considered by Tolkien, ‘The New Shadow’ hints at future challenges. Fans can enjoy the trilogy and the prequel series on Amazon Prime Video.
The Aftermath of ‘The Lord of the Rings’
As ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ reaches its climax, we witness Aragorn ascending as the king of Gondor, Frodo’s poignant farewell as he embarks on a journey to Valinor, and the conclusion of the Third Age of Middle-earth. Yet, what transpires in the Fourth Age remains largely a mystery, as J.R.R. Tolkien primarily concentrated on the first three ages in his literary works, leaving the events of the Fourth Age largely unexplored.
While ‘The Silmarillion’ and various adaptations shed light on the First and Second Ages, ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ capture the final moments of the extensive 3021-year-long Third Age. Despite the absence of a fourth installment in the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ saga, subtle clues hint at the evolution of Middle-earth following the defeat of Sauron.
The Reunited Kingdom and Its Legacy
Following his coronation, Aragorn’s reign extended beyond Gondor, as he was also the rightful king of Arnor, the kingdom that had once flourished under Elendil and Isildur. With determination, Aragorn reclaimed Arnor, leading his forces to restore the territories that once belonged to this ancient realm. This led to the creation of the Reunited Kingdom, a realm that encompassed both Arnor and Gondor, where Aragorn ruled alongside his beloved Arwen until his passing at the venerable age of 210.
In the Fourth Age, the dominance of Elves began to fade. Many departed for Valinor, while others chose to stay in Middle-earth in places like Rivendell and Lothlórien. As Sauron fell, the magical rings lost their potency, prompting even the last of the Elves to seek a peaceful existence in Valinor. The Dwarven population, too, dwindled due to low birth rates and a lack of interest in family life among the Dwarven women, ultimately leading to their decline in Middle-earth.
Peace and Prosperity in the Shire
Despite the ascendancy of Men in the Fourth Age, the Hobbits thrived in the Shire. After a tumultuous period under Lotho Sackville-Baggins and Saruman, peace was restored thanks to the efforts of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, who fought valiantly during the War of the Ring. Although Frodo would soon depart for Valinor, his Hobbit friends remained rooted in the Shire, where Sam became a devoted father to thirteen children with Rosie and served multiple terms as mayor. Following Rosie’s passing, Sam also journeyed to Valinor.
Merry built a family of his own, penning the book ‘Old Words and Names in the Shire,’ while Pippin chose a solitary life. The two friends eventually passed away peacefully in Gondor, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and bravery. Under Aragorn’s rule, the Shire was expanded and granted independence, with a decree that prohibited Men from entering, ensuring the Hobbits’ tranquil way of life.
The Unwritten Sequel
Although Tolkien contemplated a sequel to ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ his efforts were short-lived, as he found the narrative too somber after writing just 13 pages. However, ‘The New Shadow’ offers tantalizing glimpses into the world of Middle-earth post-Sauron, hinting at new challenges and even the possibility of a dark return.
For fans eager to explore these adventures, the complete ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, alongside the prequel series ‘The Rings of Power.’ Excitingly, work is already underway for Season 3 of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ series, promising more tales from this enchanting universe.