Did J. R. R. Tolkien Ever Write an Epilogue to Lord of the Rings?

J. R. R. Tolkien, the beloved author of the classic The Lord of the Rings, did indeed consider creating an epilogue for his monumental work. Although he ultimately rejected it, this decision provides fascinating insights into his vision for the story and its characters.

Tolkien's Rejection and His Vision

In his correspondence with Naomi Mitchison, Tolkien expressed his reluctance to include an epilogue. He dropped the idea 'against his better judgment' and suggested that such an epilogue could have provided a satisfying conclusion to the story. In another letter to Milton Waldman, Tolkien emphasized the importance of the epilogue for understanding his characters and the themes of The Lord of the Rings.

Tolkien's epilogue would have focused on a day fifteen years after the events of The Return of the King. In this newly released content, he wanted readers to follow Mayor Samwise Gamgee and his daughter, Elanor, on her 15th birthday. Tolkien felt that Hobbit-children were delightful, but, with the exception of the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring, very few scenes featuring Hobbit-children were included in the published text. As a result, the epilogue would have given a glimpse into the lives of these characters beyond the conclusion of the story.

A Walk with Sam and Elanor

What would this day have looked like for Sam and Elanor? According to one account included in this video, their routine would have involved various everyday activities, such as preparing for a meal, enjoying time with their extended family, and participating in the local village life of Bree. This epilogue would have allowed readers to see the continued development and growth of a character like Samwise, who had played such a significant role in the journey against Sauron.

Words from Tolkien

In a letter to Katherine Farrer, Tolkien lamented that the epilogue was 'so universally condemned that I shall not insert it.' Yet, he also recognized the value of stopping at a certain point to avoid overstepping the boundaries of the original work. This decision was one of many that illustrates Tolkien's meticulous approach to storytelling and his concern for maintaining the integrity of his creation.

The Role of the Appendices

While Tolkien did not write a formal epilogue, the text is far from without additional endings. The Appendices of The Lord of the Rings provide detailed information about the lives and fates of many characters after the fall of Sauron. For instance, Samwise himself takes a journey to the True West, a place described as a vision of immortality and peace.

The Appendices also describe the fates of other significant characters. Merry and Pippin, for example, eventually marry and have large families, continuing the legacy of the Hobbits. Aragorn, as king, takes his rightful place on the throne, and Galadriel and other Elves leave Middle-earth for the True West, a mystical realm beyond the reach of mortality.

These extensions to the narrative, while not in the form of an epilogue, offer a sense of closure and provide a richer understanding of the characters' lives beyond the main story. They reveal the lasting impact of the journey against Sauron and the enduring legacy of those who fought.

The Unfinished Work

Beyond the Appendices, Tolkien had other unfinished works that delve into the post-The Return of the King period. One such work is the unfinished The New Shadow, which may have offered a different perspective on the events after the One Ring was destroyed. Some of Tolkien's other works, such as Samwise Gamgee's People, provide additional insights into the lives of Hobbits beyond the boundaries of the primary text.

These documents and stories, while not complete, offer valuable supplementary information and help fans and scholars understand the world of Middle-earth even more deeply.

While Tolkien did not write a formal epilogue for The Lord of the Rings, the Appendices, other unfinished works, and his correspondence provide a rich tapestry that offers a satisfying ending to this epic tale. Through these extra elements, readers can continue to explore and appreciate the enduring legacy of J. R. R. Tolkien's masterpiece.