LOTR, The Third Age (3021 Years)

Key Themes of the Third Age

• The Decline of Elves and the Rise of Men: The Third Age sees the gradual withdrawal of the Elves from Middle-earth and the increasing prominence of Men.
• The Long Shadow of Sauron: Though weakened, Sauron slowly regains his strength, working in secret until his open return to power in Mordor.
• The Influence of the One Ring: The One Ring lies hidden for much of the Third Age, only to be found and ultimately destroyed during the War of the Ring.
• The War of the Ring: This climactic conflict between the Free Peoples and Sauron brings the Third Age to a close.

Timeline of the Third Age

1. Early Decline of the Kingdoms of Men (TA 1–1300)

• TA 1: The Third Age begins with the downfall of Sauron and the victory of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. Isildur claims the One Ring, but refuses to destroy it. Soon after, Isildur is ambushed and killed at the Gladden Fields, and the Ring is lost in the river Anduin.
• TA 2–500: The Kingdoms of Arnor (in the north) and Gondor (in the south) thrive for a time, with Gondor achieving great strength. However, Arnor weakens due to internal divisions.
• TA 861: The northern kingdom of Arnor is divided into three smaller realms: Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. This division accelerates the decline of the North.
• TA 1050: The Periannath (Hobbits) begin migrating westward from the Vale of Anduin, eventually settling in the Shire.
  • Around the same time, Sauron establishes a new stronghold in Dol Guldur in southern Mirkwood, though he hides his identity as the Necromancer.

2. The Return of Evil and the Rise of Angmar (TA 1300–2000)

• TA 1300: The Witch-king of Angmar (Sauron’s chief servant and leader of the Nazgûl) establishes the kingdom of Angmar in the north and begins attacking the divided kingdoms of Arnor.
• TA 1409: Angmar destroys the kingdom of Cardolan. Only Arthedain holds out against the Witch-king’s forces.
• TA 1636: The Great Plague devastates much of Middle-earth, weakening Gondor and killing many people, including in the Shire. Gondor’s strength diminishes.
• TA 1974: The Witch-king captures Fornost, the capital of Arthedain, effectively ending the last remnant of Arnor.
  • TA 1975: The Witch-king is defeated by a force sent from Lindon and Gondor, but he escapes to Mordor. With the fall of Arnor, the northern lands are left mostly unprotected.

3. The Decline of Gondor and the Watchful Peace (TA 2000–2460)

• TA 2002: The Nazgûl capture Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon), turning it into Minas Morgul. The Palantír stone housed there is lost.
• TA 2063: Gandalf the Grey visits Dol Guldur, causing Sauron to withdraw temporarily. This begins the Watchful Peace, during which evil forces remain largely dormant.
• TA 2460: Sauron returns in secret to Dol Guldur, and the Watchful Peace ends.

4. The Finding of the One Ring (TA 2463–2941)

• TA 2463: The creature Gollum (formerly Sméagol) discovers the One Ring in the river Anduin and takes it to his lair beneath the Misty Mountains, keeping it for centuries.
• TA 2510: Gondor is saved from invasion by the Éothéod, a northern tribe of Men. As a reward, Gondor grants them the land of Rohan, establishing the kingdom of the Rohirrim.
• TA 2850: Gandalf enters Dol Guldur and confirms that the Necromancer is indeed Sauron. He urges the White Council (comprising Saruman, Gandalf, Galadriel, and others) to act.
• TA 2941: The events of The Hobbit take place:
  • Bilbo Baggins discovers the One Ring in Gollum’s cave.
  • The White Council drives Sauron out of Dol Guldur, though he returns to Mordor to begin rebuilding his strength.

5. The War of the Ring (TA 3018–3019)

• TA 3018: The Fellowship of the Ring is formed in Rivendell. The members are Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Merry, and Pippin.
• TA 3019: The War of the Ring unfolds:
  • The Battle of Helm’s Deep: Rohan, led by King Théoden, repels the forces of Saruman, who had betrayed the White Council.
  • The Siege of Gondor: Minas Tirith withstands an assault by the forces of Mordor.
  • The Battle of the Pelennor Fields: Gondor and Rohan defeat the armies of Mordor. Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor, plays a crucial role in the victory.
  • Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom in Mordor. Gollum, in a final struggle with Frodo, bites off Frodo’s finger and falls into the Cracks of Doom, destroying the One Ring and ending Sauron’s power.

6. The End of the Third Age (TA 3020–3021)

• TA 3020: The Scouring of the Shire takes place, as the hobbits, led by Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, overthrow the ruffians under Saruman who had taken over their homeland.
• TA 3021: The Third Age ends when Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond sail west to the Undying Lands.
  • Aragorn becomes King of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor, beginning the Fourth Age, known as the Age of Men.

Key Characters of the Third Age

• Gandalf: A Maia sent to Middle-earth to help combat Sauron.
• Aragorn: Heir of Isildur and the rightful king of Gondor.
• Frodo Baggins: The Ring-bearer who carries the One Ring to Mount Doom.
• Sauron: The Dark Lord, plotting to reclaim the One Ring.
• Saruman: A wizard corrupted by Sauron’s influence, seeking power for himself.
• Elrond, Galadriel, Legolas: Key Elven figures, working to preserve Middle-earth.

Legacy of the Third Age

• The destruction of the One Ring brings an end to Sauron’s dominion and diminishes the power of magic in Middle-earth.
• The Elves continue their departure to the Undying Lands, signaling the end of their dominion over Middle-earth.
• Men become the dominant race, with Aragorn’s reign marking the beginning of a new age of peace and renewal.