Of Calendars

In the appendices of The Return of the King Tolkien gives many back-stories and timelines in regards to the histories of Middle-earth. If you had any question of the depth of Tolkien's 'sub-creation' there are extensive family trees for Hobbits, calendars--for Hobbits, Elves, and Men; grammar rules for Elven tongues, and various histories of other languages spoken in Middle-earth. It is extensive (nearly 40 pages worth) and detailed. I have the feeling it is only the tip of the iceberg in Tolkien's mind. If you've read Leaf by Niggle and see the artist's consumption with his ever expanding work of art you have to wonder if it Tolkien is writing a commentstory of his life. Here are some highlights I'd like to point out regarding the calendars:

• An Elvish year was 52, 596 days. Essentially 144 years to humans. Though being immortal I don't know that they even needed this delineation. 
• In the Shire calendar every month had 30 days; the beginning of the week was Saturday and the last day of the week was Friday. 
• To equal 365 days a year the Shire calendar had several holidays that did not fall on a day of the week: Lithe 1, followed by Midyear's Day, followed by Lithe 2 (these fell in between June and July), and at the end of the year was Yule 1 and Yule 2. 
• Shire Reckoning started in 1601 Third Age; when the Hobbits inhabited the Shire. Therefore there is a 1600 year difference between Shire Reckoning and Númenorean/Dúnedain calendar. For example, the overthrow of Sauron took place in 3019 Third Age or 1419 Shire Reckoning. 
• March 25th marked the New Year in the Númenorean/Dúnedain calendar
• "The Fourth Age was said to have begun with the departure of Master Elrond, which took place in September 3021; but for purposes of record in the Kingdom Fourth Age I was the year that began according to the New Reckoning in March 25, 3021 old style" (p. 390, The Return of the King). 
• In Aragorn's kingdom a feast was held at the end of September as festival honoring Frodo. In Leap Year's an extra day of feast was added called Cormare or Ringday. 

Middle-earth timeline: End of Third Age/Beginning of Fourth

Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 384-395

Of Gimli and Legolas

Two of my favorite characters from the Fellowship of the Ring: Legolas and Gimli. Elves have always been my favorite of the Middle-earth races. They are just so ethereal and high; graceful and noble, wise and immortal. It saddens me that the Third Age is the twilight of the Eldar and their time to depart from Middle-earth. The Silmarillion is my favorite of Tolkien's works with its myths and legends of the First Age dominated by Elves. In light of all this I appreciate Legolas' part in the Tale. Dwarves are an peculiar race to me but Gimli seems different than his kin. He seems to have a profound respect for that which is beautiful rather than the desire to hoard what is valuable. I remember three instances during his walking with the Fellowship (a most intense time that does not naturally lend itself to the appreciation of beauty) where he pauses when he encounters beauty: pausing to view the beautiful Mirrormere, his encounter with Galadriel, and his discovery of the Glittering Caves. What most strikes me is that Gimli is appreciative of natural beauty--items not made by the hands of Dwarves or any mortal.

Here lies the exploits of Gimli and Legolas after the War of the Ring. Gimli became renowned for his role in the Quest as well as his peculiar friendship with Legoas. "He was named Elf-friend because of the great love that grew between him and Legolas, son of King Thranduil, and because of his reverence  for the Lady Galadriel. After the fall of Sauron, Gimli brought south a part of the Dwarf-folk of Erebor, and he became Lord of the Glittering Caves. He and his people did great works in Gondor and Rohan. For Minis Tirith they forged gates of mithril and steel to replace those broken by the Witch-king. Legolas his friend also brought south Elves out of Greenwood, and they dwelt in Ithilien, and it became once again the fairest country in all the westlands" (p. 361-362, The Return of the King). Long they lived in friendship but when Aragorn died Legolas departed from Middle-earth, following the desire in his heart for the Sea. This final note concerning Legolas and Gimli reads:

"We have heard tell that Legolas took Gimli Gloin's son with him because of their great friendship, greater than any that has ever been between Elf and Dwarf. If this is true, then it is strange indeed: that a Dwarf should be willing to leave Middle-earth for any love, or that the Eldar should receive him, or that the Lords of the West should permit it. But it is said that Gimli went also out of desire to see again the beauty of Galadriel; and it may be that she, being mighty among the Eldar, obtained this grace for him" (p. 362, The Return of the King). What a great ending for their part in the tale!

Middle-earth timeline: Fourth Age, circa 120-125
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 361-362

The Passing of Aragorn and Arwen

Aragorn and Arwen had lived together for 60 years. She was now a mortal woman forsaking the gift of Erú for the Eldar: immortality. She had parted from her father Elrond in bitterness. For it was her doom to lose all that she had gained. Aragorn felt that his life was waning and she understood. She asked if he would pass before his time when all the people looked to him. Aragorn was confident their son, Eldarion, was ready to be King. Aragorn gave the crown to his son and laid himself down in the House of Kings. Arwen, now understanding the sting of death, went with him. "'Lady Undomiel,' said Aragorn, 'the hour is indeed hard, yet it was made even in that day when we met under the white birches in the garden of Elrond where none now walk...Take counsel with yourself, beloved, and ask whether you would indeed have me wait until I wither and fall from my high seat unmanned and witless. Nay, lady, I am the last of the Númenoreans and the latest King of the Elder Days; and to me has been given not only a span thrice that of Men of Middle-earth, but also the grace to go at my own will, and give back the gift'" (p. 343, The Return of the King).

Arwen finally understood the fall of the Númenoreans and had pity on them. Still she said to Aragorn: "'For if this is indeed, as the Eldar say, the gift of the One to Men, it is bitter to receive'" (p. 344, The Return of the King). Aragorn encouraged her not to despair; they would not be bound to the confounds of Middle-earth. He was certain there was more than just memories once they passed the threshold of death. He kissed her hand and the passed away. "Then a great beauty was revealed in him, so that all who after came there looked on him in wonder; for they saw that the grace of his youth, and the valour of his manhood, and the wisdom and majesty of his age were blended together" (p. 344, The Return of the King). Arwen was left grief. Saying goodbye to Eldarion she walked the abandoned woods of Lorien until winter came. She died on Cerin Amroth.

Middle-earth timeline: Fourth Age, 120
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 342-344

Of King Eomer

Here lies the account of Eomer Eadig, King of the Mark. "Eomer became a great king, and being young when he succeeded Theoden  he reigned for sixty-five years, longer than all their kings before him save Aldor the Old" (p. 351, The Return of the King). He gained renown in the War of the Ring and the friendship of Aragorn and Imrahil of Dol Amroth. "In the last year of the Third Age he wedded Lothiriel, daughter of Imrahil. Their son Elfwine the Fair ruled after him" (p. 352, The Return of the King). Eomer's friendship with Aragorn lasted throughout his life. In fact he reaffirmed the Oath of Eorl. "Often he fulfilled it. For though Sauron had passed, the hatreds and evils that he bred had not died, and the King of the West had many enemies to subdue before the White Tree could grow in peace. And wherever King Elessar went with war King Eomer went with him; and beyond the Sea of Rhûn and on the far fields of the South the thunder of the cavalry of the Mark was heard, and the White Horse upon Green flew in many winds until Eomer grew old" (p. 352, The Return of the King).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2991 to Fourth Age, 63
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 351-352

Sam Gamgee and His Children

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

King Aragorn's Edict

"And so indeed it has befallen: the One and the Seven and the Nine are destroyed; and the Three have passed away, and with them the Third Age is ended, and the Tales of the Eldar in Middle-earth draw to their close" (p. 299, The Silmarillion). I thought this was an eloquent synopsis of the beginning of the Fourth Age. King Aragorn issued an edict declaring the Shire was the domain of Hobbits alone and not for the dominion of Men. What follows is the Shire perspective of Aragorn: "'Our King, we call him; and when he comes north to his house in Annuminas restored and stays a while by Lake Evendim, then everyone in the Shire is glad. But he does not enter this land and binds himself by the law that he has made, that none of the Big People shall pass its borders'" (p. 324, The Return of the King). It's noted that Pippin and Sam would visit Aragorn often; and Sam had good reason. "His daughter Elanor the Fair is one of the maids of Queen Evenstar" (p. 324, The Return of the King).

Now may be a good time to talk about unique attributes of the Northern Dúnedain. For they were taller and lived longer than any other mortals in Middle-earth. Even so, through the long years of the Third Age their lifespan diminished. "The dwindling of the Dúnedain was not a normal tendency, shared by peoples whose proper home was Middle-earth; but due to the loss of their ancient land far in the West, nearest of all mortal lands to the Undying Realm" (p. 287, Unfinished Tales). One of the reasons the Dúnedain (or Númenoreans you may recall) lost their land was due to the fact that they would not lay down their lives and accept their mortality. Because of this the Valar began to take away their lifespan. Yet they still lived twice as long as other Men by the beginning of the Fourth Age. "Aragorn indeed lived to be one hundred and ninety years old, longer than any of his line since King Arvegil; but in Aragorn Elessar the dignity of the kings of old was renewed" (p. 324, The Return of the King).

One other people group in Middle-earth, beside the Dúnedain, dwindled as well: Hobbits. "The much later dwindling of hobbits must be due to a change in their state and way of life; they became a fugitive and secret people, driven (as Men, the Big Folk, became more and more numerous, usurping the more fertile and habitable lands) to refuge in forest or wilderness: a wandering and poor folk, forgetful of their arts, living a precarious life absorbed in the search for food, and fearful of being seen" (p. 287, Unfinished Tales). No timetable is given for this dwindling of the hobbits so I would assume it's much later in the Fourth Age. But this is a sad note for a people so renown in the defeat of Sauron.

Middle-earth timeline: Fourth Age, 5 and beyond
Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, page 299; The Return of the King, page 324; Unfinished Tales, page 287

Poems of Gondorian Influence

I have decided to insert a couple of poems here from The Tolkien Reader. These two poems are clearly influenced by Gondor. Since Merry and Pippin visited Rohan and Gondor often and spent their remaining years in Gondor I can picture the inclusion of these poems in the Red Book through them.

One poem is called The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon and it was about the Man in the Moon longing for more and taking a rather disappointing adventure to the earth. It was an easy read (some of Tolkien's poetry is not for me) but nothing really stood out to me.

Not so with the second. It is called The Last Ship. It is about a mortal woman who encounters a ship of Elves leaving Middle-earth so it must be dated early in the Fourth Age as the Elves faded and began to leave Middle-earth. Fíriel, the woman wanders to a river and hears music followed by the sight of a ship. She asked if they were going to some secret forest or uninhabited isle and the Elves answered:

"'Nay!' they answered. 'Far away on the last road faring, 
leaving western havens grey, the seas of shadow daring,
we go back to Elvenhomme, where the White Tree is growing,
and the Star shines upon the foam on the last shore flowing'" (p. 249, The Tolkien Reader).

The Elves, in turn, declare their ship is not full and has room for one more. The ask Fíriel if she hears the call and invite her to board their ship. She responded:

"Fíriel looked from the river-bank, one step daring;
then deep in clay her feet sank, and she halted staring.
Slowly the elven-ship went by whispering through the water:
'I cannot come!' they heard her cry. 'I was born Earth's daughter!'" (p. 250, The Tolkien Reader).

One more look at the difference between Elves and Men. Erú gave each race a separate gift: to Elves immortality to walk in Middle-earth until the end; to Men the gift of death and freedom beyond the confines of Middle-earth.

Middle-earth timeline: Fourth Age, circa 1-60
Today's reading comes from: The Tolkien Reader, pages 221-224 and 248-251