One of the fun aspects of reading Middle-earth chronologically has been discovering bits of the mythology outside of Tolkien's main published works. Some could argue that these bits are not really canon since they were abandoned, however, my goal has been to gain a fuller view of this universe. With that in mind readings like today are super fun.
Several years after Frodo departed from Middle-earth we catch a glimpse of Sam Gamgee at home with his children: Elanor, Rose, Goldilocks, Daisy, Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Hamfast (with five not yet born!). There are two versions of the story but each revolves around the children asking their Sam-dad about his adventures in the wide world beyond the Shire. "He had been reading aloud (as was usual) from a big Red Book on a stand..." (p. 114, Sauron Defeated). The children ask all sorts of questions about Elves, horses, members of the Fellowship, Orcs, Entwives, etc. One version of the story (I haven't yet made up my mind which I rather like better) shows a delightful conversation while the other has Sam jotting down notes, based on the children's questions, in preparation for his entries into the Red Book. I will highlight some of Sam's answers:
Concerning Moria and Orcs: "'I guess it will take a lot of trouble and daring deeds yet to root out the evil creatures from the halls of Moria. For there are certainly plenty of Orcs left in such places. It is not likely that we shall ever quite get rid of them'" (p. 122, Sauron Defeated).
Concerning Ents and Entwives: "'I should like the Entwives to be found too; but I am afraid that trouble is too old and deep for Shire-folk to mend. I think, maybe, the Entwives do not want to be found; and maybe Ents are now tired of look'" (p. 123, Sauron Defeated).
Concerning a secret he tells Elanor: "'I am a very rich hobbit. And there is another reason, which I shall whisper to you, a secret that I have never told before to no one, nor put in the Book yet. Before he went Mr. Frodo said that my time maybe would come. I can wait. I think we haven't said farewell for good. But I can wait'" (p. 125, Sauron Defeated).
At the end of each version it's revealed that King Aragorn has requested to meet with Sam and his family in about one week's time. They most go and meet him at the borders of the Shire because of the law of the land. Sam suspects they will go with Aragorn and Arwen to a lake house for a season. Finally, after the children are in bed, there is a tender moment between Sam and his Rose. This would have been the end of The Lord of the Rings, had Tolkien not been persuaded to cut out this epilogue.
"'March the twenty-fifth!' he said. 'This day seventeen years ago, Rose wife, I didn't think I should ever see thee again. But I kept on hoping.' 'I never hoped at all, Sam,' she said, 'not until that very day; and then suddenly I did. About noon it was, and I felt so glad that I began singing. And mother said: 'Quiet, lass! There's ruffians about.' And I said: 'Let them come! Their time will soon be over. Sam's coming back.' And you came.' 'I did,' said Sam. 'To the most belovedest place in all the world. To my Rose and my garden.' They went in, and Sam shut the door. But even as he did so, he heard suddenly, deep and unstilled, the sigh and murmur of the Sea upon the shores of Middle-earth" (p. 128, Sauron Defeated). I must admit I wish this ending was included, although, I suppose now it is.
Middle-earth timeline: Fourth Age, circa 15
Today's reading comes from: Sauron Defeated, pages 114-119 and 121-128
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