Exploring the Aftermath of The Lord of the Rings in The Silmarillion

While The Silmarillion primarily focuses on the First and Second Ages of Middle-earth and offers some early hints of the Third Age, it does not delve deeply into the events of the War of the Ring or the subsequent Fourth Age. Despite this, Tolkien's vast body of work leaves room for speculation and reinterpretation, inviting fans to ponder the continuing narrative and broader implications.

The Disposal of the Silmarils

At the conclusion of The Silmarillion, the fate of the three Silmarils is sealed. The first Silmaril is lost in a chasm deep within the earth, the second is cast into the sea, and the third is taken to the Undying Lands by E?rendil. Here, the Valar place it aboard a ship, where E?rendil sails the sky, becoming the Evening Star and the Morning Star.

The Prophecy and the Future of the Silmarils

While the Silmarils remain in their respective places during The Lord of the Rings, there is a semi-canonical prophecy that foretells the Silmarils' recovery at the end of the world. This prophecy suggests that the Silmarils will be crucial in recreating the Two Trees of Valinor using the light from the Silmarils. Although Tolkien wrote a story about a final battle called Dagor Dagorath, this event is not considered part of the main canon. Nevertheless, it offers an intriguing vision of the world's future.

The Final Battle and Redemption

Tolkien's detailed world-building includes a story about a final battle known as Dagor Dagorath. In this event, after Morgoth (Sauron) is defeated, F?anor (Fanor) is given a new body and the Silmarils are gathered once again. F?anor, as the Noldor Elf, is then offered a chance to redeem himself by remaking the Silmarils in such a way that Varda, the goddess of the stars, can use their light to recreate the Two Trees of Valinor.

With F?anor's help, the world is remade through the Second Music of the Ainur, in which the Children of Ilúvatar (including the Elves, Men, and other ancient peoples) participate alongside the Valar and Maiar. While this narrative is a fascinating part of Tolkien's mythology, the exact nature of F?anor's role and the precise way the world is remade remain open to interpretation. This story serves as a testament to Tolkien's expansive imagination and his deep philosophical and spiritual beliefs.

The Fate of Middle-earth

Given J.R.R. Tolkien's own musings about the eventual fate of Middle-earth, it is said that Middle-earth and all of Arda (the world of the Elves) transforms into the modern world we know today. More specifically, Middle-earth becomes modern-day Europe, which is significant for those interested in Tolkien's vision of the Earth's progression through time. This transformation occurs over the span of about 6,000 years, further enriching the narrative and providing a sense of continuity in Tolkien's legendarium.

Tolkien's work not only invites us to imagine the future of Middle-earth but also provides a rich tapestry of myths, legends, and cosmic events. Whether exploring the final battle of Dagor Dagorath or the gradual transformation of Middle-earth into our modern world, there is much to discover and contemplate in Tolkien's expansive universe.