What Happens in the 3rd Age of Middle-earth?

Lasting 3,021 years, the Third Age of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth is the best known era, as it contains the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It is a time of decline for the older races and a slow but steady rise to power for Men, marked by a final confrontation with the shadow of Sauron.

Quick Summary

This period of Middle-earth history covers the slow decay of the Númenórean kingdoms, the waning of the Elves, the reemergence of Sauron, and his final defeat during the War of the Ring. It culminates in the departure of many powerful figures and the establishment of the Fourth Age.

Key Points

• Start and End Points: The Third Age begins with Sauron's defeat by the Last Alliance and ends with his final downfall after the War of the Ring.

• Decline of Elves and Rise of Men: This era is marked by the waning power and eventual departure of the Elves and the increasing dominance of the race of Men in Middle-earth.

• Rise and Fall of Human Kingdoms: The great Númenórean kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor see periods of greatness and immense decline, plagued by internal strife and attacks from enemies.

• Resurgence of Sauron: Though initially defeated, Sauron secretly regains strength and resurfaces as the Necromancer in Dol Guldur before returning to Mordor.

• Pivotal Events: Major events include the loss of the One Ring, the arrival of the Wizards, the founding of the Shire and Rohan, and the War of the Ring.

• Climax in The Lord of the Rings: The famous events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings occur in the final years of the Third Age.

• Conclusion and Transition: The age ends with the destruction of the One Ring, the departure of the Ring-bearers, and the crowning of King Aragorn, ushering in the Fourth Age.

The Legacy of the Last Alliance and the Founding Years

Following Sauron's defeat at the end of the Second Age, the Third Age of Middle-earth began. The great Númenórean kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, founded by the heirs of Elendil, started strong but faced challenges. Early events included Isildur's death and the loss of the One Ring in the Gladden Fields (TA 2). Arnor later divided into smaller realms, and the Istari, including Gandalf and Saruman, arrived around TA 1000 to aid against rising evil.

The Resurgence of Evil and the Time of Decay

Peace was temporary as darkness returned. Sauron secretly resided in Dol Guldur in Mirkwood, while the Witch-king of Angmar threatened the north. Major events included a Great Plague that weakened Gondor and the Northmen (TA 1636), the Witch-king's destruction of Arnorian kingdoms by TA 1974, and the Dwarves awakening a Balrog in Moria, forcing them to flee (TA 1980).

The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms

The Third Age saw a shift in power. Human realms struggled with internal and external threats, while the Elves began their decline. The founding of Rohan (TA 2510) and the Shire (TA 1601) marked new developments.

Comparison of Early and Late Third Age Kingdoms

Feature	Early Third Age (TA 1-1500)	Late Third Age (TA 2400-3021)
Gondor	Flourishing realm; conquers Harad and reaches height of power.	Decaying kingdom ruled by Stewards; abandons territories like Ithilien.
Arnor	Divided but still a presence in the north; struggles with internal conflicts.	Destroyed by the Witch-king; remnants become the hidden Rangers of the North.
Elves	Prominent leaders like Elrond, Galadriel, and Thranduil maintain strongholds.	Waning power, preparing to leave Middle-earth as their rings lose power.
Dwarves	Prosperous in Khazad-dûm (Moria) and Erebor.	Driven from Moria by the Balrog; Erebor sacked by Smaug.
Hobbits	Begin migration into Eriador and settle the Shire.	Established and largely unaware of the wider world's threats.

The Age of Prophecy and the War of the Ring

As the age ended, Sauron's power grew, leading to the final conflict detailed in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Key events included Bilbo Baggins's journey to Erebor, leading to Smaug's death and the Battle of Five Armies (TA 2941). In TA 3018, the Fellowship of the Ring was formed to destroy the One Ring. The War of the Ring culminated in major battles like the siege of Minas Tirith and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

The End of an Era and the Dawn of a New Age

The destruction of the One Ring in TA 3019 marked Sauron's final defeat. Aragorn became King of the Reunited Kingdom, and the power of the Elven rings faded. Many Elves, along with Frodo, Bilbo, and others, sailed to the Undying Lands, ending their time in Middle-earth. This transition ushered in the Fourth Age, the Age of Men.

Conclusion

The Third Age of Middle-earth is a period of transition, witnessing the decline of the Elves and the rise of Men. It is marked by the slow return and eventual final defeat of Sauron, culminating in the War of the Ring. The age concludes with the establishment of the Reunited Kingdom under King Aragorn and the departure of the ancient races, setting the stage for the Age of Men.

Important Outbound Link

Learn more about the detailed chronology of events in the Third Age of Middle-earth on the Tolkien Gateway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the defining characteristic of the Third Age?

The Third Age is primarily defined as a transitional period, characterized by the decline of the ancient Elves and the ascendancy of Men, along with the hidden regrowth and eventual downfall of Sauron's power.

Which of Tolkien's stories take place during the Third Age?

The events of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are set in the later years of the Third Age, providing the most detailed account of this era.

What happened to the Númenórean kingdoms during the Third Age?

The kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, founded by Númenórean survivors, went through a period of both prosperity and decline during the Third Age. Arnor ultimately collapsed, while Gondor was weakened by plague and internal conflict before being restored at the very end of the age.

Why did the Elves leave Middle-earth?

The power of the Elves was sustained by their three rings, but with the destruction of Sauron's One Ring, the power of their rings waned. This, along with the general decline of magic in the world, prompted many of them to sail to the Undying Lands, ending their era of prominence in Middle-earth.

Who found the One Ring during the Third Age?

The One Ring was lost by Isildur at the beginning of the Third Age. It was found thousands of years later by a Hobbit named Déagol, who was then murdered by his cousin Sméagol, who kept the ring for himself and later lost it to Bilbo Baggins.

What was the War of the Ring?

The War of the Ring was the final confrontation of the Third Age, during which Sauron openly declared himself in Mordor and gathered armies to conquer Middle-earth. His plans were ultimately foiled by the hobbits Frodo and Sam, who destroyed the One Ring in Mount Doom.

How did the Third Age conclude?

The Third Age ended with the final defeat of Sauron and the destruction of the One Ring. Aragorn was crowned king, ushering in a new era dominated by Men, and the remaining Elves, along with the Ring-bearers, departed from Middle-earth.

What was the 'Watchful Peace'?

The 'Watchful Peace' was a period of over 400 years during the Third Age when Sauron, having been driven from Dol Guldur by Gandalf, withdrew his power. This allowed for relative calm in Middle-earth before his eventual return.