The Fellowship AFTER The Lord of the Rings | Tolkien Explained

Summary

The video explores the post-War of the Ring lives of the Fellowship of the Ring members. It covers Boromir's death, Aragorn's reign as King Elessar, and the eventual departures of Frodo, Gandalf, Legolas, and Gimli. Sam becomes Mayor, Merry and Pippin take leadership roles, and all members lead long, significant lives. In the end, Legolas and Gimli sail west, making Gimli the first dwarf to journey to Valinor. The video highlights the fates of each character and the lasting impact of their friendship and deeds in Middle-earth.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ The Fellowship of the Ring consisted of nine companions who represented the free peoples of Middle-earth, standing against the nine ringwraiths of Sauron.
• 😢 Boromir was the only member of the Fellowship to die before the quest was completed, sacrificing himself to protect Merry and Pippin.
• 👑 After the destruction of the One Ring, the remaining Fellowship members attended Aragorn’s coronation and the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen.
• 🛤️ The Fellowship officially disbanded after a visit to Isengard, with Gimli and Legolas traveling to Fangorn, and Gandalf accompanying the hobbits back to the Shire.
• 🚢 Frodo and Gandalf eventually sailed west to the Undying Lands, where Frodo found peace after suffering from lasting wounds inflicted by the Witch-king and Shelob.
• 🌱 Samwise Gamgee became the Mayor of Michel Delving, restored the Shire, had 13 children, and eventually sailed west to reunite with Frodo.
• 📚 Merry and Pippin both played key roles in preserving historical records, and they spent their final days together in Gondor before being laid to rest in Rath Dinen alongside Aragorn.
• 🛡️ Aragorn ruled the Reunited Kingdom for 122 years, establishing peace with neighboring peoples and restoring key regions, including giving Orthanc to the ents.
• 🌳 Gimli became Lord of the Glittering Caves, contributing to rebuilding efforts in Gondor and Rohan, and was the only dwarf to sail west to the Undying Lands with Legolas.
• 🌊 Legolas settled in Ithilien and sailed west after Aragorn’s death, marking the final journey of the last two surviving members of the Fellowship.

Q & A

What was the composition of the Fellowship of the Ring, and how does it contrast with the Ringwraiths?

The Fellowship of the Ring was made up of nine companions, representing all the free peoples of Middle-earth. They were set against the nine Ringwraiths, who served as agents of the enemy.

What is significant about Boromir's death, and when did it occur?

Boromir, the heir of Denethor, dies on February 26, 3019, at Amon Hen while valiantly defending Merry and Pippin from the orcs. This marks the first death within the Fellowship, and he does not live to see the quest fulfilled.

When and where does the Fellowship formally disband?

The Fellowship formally disbands on August 22, 3019, at Isengard after a journey that included Aragorn’s coronation and the funeral of King Théoden.

What was the fate of Frodo after the War of the Ring?

Frodo returned to the Shire and served briefly as Mayor of Michel Delving. However, he suffered recurring ailments from his past injuries, leading him to sail to the Grey Havens on September 21, 3021, where he would live his final days in peace on Tol Eressëa.

How did Samwise Gamgee contribute to the restoration of the Shire?

Sam used the soil from Lothlórien given by Galadriel to restore the Shire after its scouring. He also served as the Mayor of Michel Delving for seven consecutive terms and had a large family with his wife, Rosie Cotton.

What was the later life of Merry and Pippin, and how did they die?

Merry and Pippin became important leaders in the Shire, with Merry becoming the Master of Buckland and Pippin the Thain. In their later years, they traveled to Gondor to spend their final days with King Aragorn, and they were eventually laid to rest beside him in Rath Dínen.

What were some key actions taken by Aragorn as King of the Reunited Kingdom?

As King, Aragorn made peace with the Easterlings and Haradrim, freed the slaves of Mordor, restored Orthanc, and ensured the lands of the Druedain and the Shire were protected. He also rebuilt the gates of Minas Tirith with the help of Gimli’s dwarves.

What was the role of Gimli and Legolas after the War of the Ring?

Gimli became the Lord of the Glittering Caves and helped rebuild Minas Tirith, while Legolas settled in Ithilien with his people. After Aragorn’s death, both Gimli and Legolas sailed to the Undying Lands, making Gimli the only dwarf to do so.

How did Aragorn’s reign come to an end, and what followed?

Aragorn willingly gave up his life at the age of 210, as was the custom of the great kings of Númenor. His wife, Arwen, died the following year, and they were survived by their son Eldarion, who became the High King of the Reunited Kingdom.

What did Gandalf do after the defeat of Sauron, and how did his time in Middle-earth end?

After Sauron’s defeat, Gandalf spent time visiting Tom Bombadil before eventually sailing to the West with Frodo on September 29, 3021. Gandalf returned to Valinor, having fulfilled his mission to aid the free peoples in their victory over Sauron.