Summary

  • The Fourth Age of Middle-earth begins immediately after The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but there are fewer details about what happens after Aragorn's crowning and Frodo's departure.
  • Aragorn becomes the King of Gondor and rebuilds Arnor, uniting the two kingdoms to create the Reunited Kingdom. He takes on the title of High King and leads the Reunited Kingdom in retaking their previously occupied lands.
  • The departure of the Elves for the Undying Lands marks the dawn of the Fourth Age, characterized by the Dominion of Men. The Dwarves also begin to die off, leaving humanity as the most important race in Middle-earth. The Shire becomes a sanctuary for Hobbits, with Aragorn banning humans from visiting to ensure the Hobbits' peaceful existence.