What happens after the War of the Ring?

The War of the Ring marks the culminating event of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." Once the One Ring is destroyed and Sauron defeated, a new era begins for Middle-earth. Here is an overview of the main events that follow this decisive period.

The Restoration of the Kingdom of Gondor and the Reunification of the Realms

After the fall of Sauron, Aragorn is crowned king under the name Elessar Telcontar. His reign marks the reunification of the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor, thus bringing peace and prosperity back to these long-divided lands. Aragorn marries Arwen, daughter of Elrond, sealing the alliance between Men and Elves.

Under Aragorn's reign, the borders of Gondor are strengthened, and he works to restore justice and security throughout the kingdom. The abandoned lands of the north, especially the ancient kingdom of Arnor, are repopulated.

The Departure of the Elves and the End of the Third Age

With the fall of Sauron and the end of the evil influence of the One Ring, the power of the Three Rings of the Elves also vanishes. The great Elven lords, such as Galadriel, Elrond, and Círdan, choose to leave Middle-earth to journey to the Undying Lands beyond the sea.

The departure of the Elves symbolizes the end of the Third Age and the advent of the Fourth Age, also known as the Age of Men. This change marks the gradual decline of magic and mythical creatures in Middle-earth.

The Scouring of the Shire

Upon returning to the Shire, the Hobbits — Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin — discover that their home has been invaded and corrupted by men under Saruman's orders. This part of the story, known as "The Scouring of the Shire," sees the Hobbits lead a revolt against the invaders. They succeed in restoring peace and beauty to their homeland.

Samwise Gamgee plays a key role in the reconstruction of the Shire by using a gift from Galadriel: blessed earth that allows crops and nature to regrow quickly. He subsequently becomes Mayor of the Shire and holds this position for many years.

The Fate of the Ring-Bearers

Frodo, who suffered severe psychological and physical consequences from his mission, never truly finds peace in Middle-earth. In the year 3021 of the Third Age, he embarks with Bilbo, Gandalf, Elrond, and Galadriel for the Undying Lands to find rest.

Sam, after a long life dedicated to his family and the Shire, eventually journeys to the Undying Lands himself, also being a former Ring-bearer.

The End of the Other Protagonists

• Legolas and Gimli travel together through the lands of Middle-earth before departing, much later, for the Undying Lands.

• Merry and Pippin become important figures in their respective kingdoms: Merry in Rohan and Pippin in Gondor.

• Aragorn reigns until his death in the year 120 of the Fourth Age. His son, Eldarion, succeeds him.

Conclusion

After the War of the Ring, Middle-earth enters a new era of peace under the rule of Men. The Elves gradually depart the world, marking the end of a magical era and the emergence of a period dominated by Men. The legend of the Lord of the Rings thus concludes on a melancholic note, with the decline of ancient peoples and the advent of a new world.