Summary
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is an incredibly complex world, and its history spans thousands of years, long before and long after the events ofLord of the Rings. The beloved trilogy takes place during the Third Age, an era marked by Sauron’s darkness, the rise and fall of empires, and the ultimate confrontation between good and evil. Yet, as Aragorn receives his crown and Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond sail away to the Undying Lands, a new era for Middle-earth arises. What are some of the events that define the Fourth Age?
While Tolkien’s best known work focuses on the Second and Third Ages, as shown in Amazon’sRings of Powerfor the Second Age, andThe Hobbit, and theLord of the Ringstrilogy for the Third Age, the Fourth Age, while less explored, is also covered in his work to some extent. The Fourth Age represents a peaceful era in Middle-earth, and it marks a new beginning for its inhabitants following the destruction left by the war.
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When Did the Fourth Age Start?
Middle-earth’s Third Age lasted 3021 years, and its ending came after the destruction of the One Ring and the defeat of Sauron in the year 3019, an event that changed the course of Middle-earth’s history. Following this triumph,Aragorn, the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor, was crowned King Elessar, and spent the beginning of his reign rebuilding his kingdom as the world recovered from the damages caused by the war. Aragorn’s claim to the throne signaled a new era of peace and prosperity for Middle-earth. When Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Elrond, and Galadriel went to the Grey Havens and departed to the Undying Lands in 3021, the Fourth Age officially began.
Also known as the “Age of Men,” the Fourth Age is characterized by the gradual decline of the Elves’ presence in Middle-earth. With the ultimate defeat of Sauron, their purpose in the mortal lands was fulfilled, andthey embarked on a journey to the Undying Lands, leaving behind a world ruled by Men. This was a bittersweet farewell, as the Elves took their magic and wisdom with them, but it also allowed the race of Men to inherit the world.
What Happened During the Fourth Age?
The Fourth Age represents an era of transition and change, where the dominion of Men takes center stage. One of the most significant events during this age isthe reunification of Gondor and Arnor. These two once-great Númenoréan kingdoms, separated for centuries, were reunited under the rule of Aragorn, creating the Reunited Kingdom. In particular, the restoration of Arnor,a kingdom that had been long lost to history, was a symbol of the healing and new beginnings that characterized this age. Aragorn’s reign was one of growth and restoration, as he rebuilt his war-torn lands from the ground up, giving his people hope in the new beginning.
As for other races, the Fourth Age represented a new stage in their history as well. The destruction of the One Ring markeda new beginning for all the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. While Dwarves, Hobbits, and other races were still in Middle-earth during this age, what is known about this age is mostly regarding the rise of Men. Many beloved characters meet new fates during this age. A lot of them marry and have children of their own, some continue to serve their lands in positions of power, and others settle down and opt for a quieter life. Although it is unknown exactly how many years the Fourth Age spans, it saw the deaths of most of the (mortal) characters from the trilogy. Merry and Pippin both died in Gondor at some point before the year 120, while Legolas, Sam, and Gimli departed to the Undying Lands at some point during this age. Aragorn died in the year 120, at the age of 210, andhis son Eldarion rose to the throne, becoming the second King of the Reunited Kingdom. A year after, Arwen died of a broken heart in Lothlórien.
This period of change and peace in Middle-earth’s history remains widely unknown, and while it is sad that most of the belovedLord of the Ringscharacters died during this age, it is comforting to know that they got to witness their lands unite and rise up after the war, and spent the remainder of their lives in a peaceful world. The Fourth Age is an era of healing and renewal for Middle-earth as it moves forward into an uncertain future.
