LOTR Discussion: Appendix B - The Tale of Years

[Valandil]

Appendix B – The Tale of Years

Introduction:

Appendix A gives a broad general account of events and peoples in the historical background of Middle Earth. Appendix B however, gives very specific information on when many of these things happened. As a “chronicle of years” Appendix B can be somewhat tedious to just read straight through – but you should try it at least once. As a reference however, it’s invaluable – and it give us further glimpses of how thoroughly JRR Tolkien had developed historical Middle Earth.

The Ages:

First Age – We learn little more of this time here – no dates or years. Just that there was a great Battle, after which many Noldor and Sindar (Elves both) went into the Far West.
Second Age – This ended with the first overthrow of Sauron and the taking of the One Ring.
Third Age – This ended with the War of the Ring – but was not considered truly over until the departure of Elrond from Middle Earth.
Fourth Age – This was the time for the dominion of Men and the decline of other ‘speaking peoples’ in Middle Earth.

The Second Age:

Narrative – We’re initially told that these years were dark times for the men of Middle Earth, but years of glory for Numenor. We’re also told of Elven Lords: Thanduil in the north of Greenwood the Great, Gil-galad in Lindon and Celeborn and Galadriel in Lorien. Galdriel is said to be sister of a “Finrod Felagund” who gave his life to save Beren. In this age some of the Noldor moved near to the Misty Mountains and founded Eregion near the Dwarven realm of Moria – for the Dwarves had found Mithril there. Celebrimbor, a descendant of Feanor, was King in Eregion.

Next follows a timeline from the founding of Lindon and the Grey Havens in year 1 to the overthrow of Sauron in 3441.

Note how the timeline shifts in focus. Initially it is more Elven-centered – but becomes much more centered on Numenor as the years of the Second Age progress.

The Third Age:

Narrative – We’re told that these are fading years for the Eldar. They wield their Three Rings, but attempt nothing new. Eventually evil begins to stir once more – and dragons come forth to plunder the ancient treasures of the Dwarves. About 1000 years into this ago, the Istari, or Wizards, arrive from the Far West – and among them are Saruman and Gandalf. The Three Elven Rings were initially in the keeping of Gil-galad, Cirdan and Galadriel. Gil-galad gave his to Elrond – and when Gandalf arrived in Lindon from the West, Cirdan gave him his own Ring to support him in his labours.

Next follows a timeline from the last actions of Isildur to his death in year 2 to year 3017 when Gollum is taken by Aragorn and left in the keeping of Thranduil, and when Gandalf reads the scroll of Isildur in Minas Tirith.

The dates here largely chronicle the rise and fall of Gondor. There are increased events involving Gollum, Rohan and the Dwarves in latter part. Also the births of many major characters are given - and even those of some minor ones we don’t meet in the story (like Finduilas, wife of Denethor, and Gilraen, mother of Aragorn).

The Great Years:

This section chronicles the main events of LOTR by exact date from Gandalf’s arrival in Hobbiton on April 12, 3018, up to the Ring’s destruction on March 25, 3019.

Note that there’s a February 29 and 30 – not a mistake – we’ll get to that when we cover Appendix D.

A narrative follows which gives resolution to the War of the Ring. Accounts of war at other places are given, including; Lorien, Mirkwood and Dale-Erebor.

Chief Days from the Fall of the Barad-dur to the End of the Third Age:

Chronicle of main events by exact date after the Ring’s destruction – from March 27, 3019, to the departure of the Ringbearers from the Havens and Sam’s return to Bag End on October 6, 3021.

Later Events Concerning the Members of the Fellowship of the Ring:

Chronicle of the next 120 years (in Shire Reckoning) – we learn the fates of Sam, Pippin, Merry, Eomer, Legolas & Gimli – and that Aragorn’s passing, recorded in Appendix A – had come on his 210th birthday.

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Discussion Questions:

1. If you’re familiar with Appendix B – had you actually read through it, or just used it as a reference?
2. What, if anything, is most striking to you – as far as when it happens, or for what duration?
3. Do you notice any “clusters of activity” – lots of things happening around the same time?
4. What historical event recorded here most inspires or intrigues you?
5. ‘Fess up – did you really suspect that Gandalf wielded one of the 3 Elven Rings?
6. How does this chronology presented in Appendix B further shape your perspective or appreciation of Tolkien and/or the story?