The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 9: THE GREY HAVENS
Overview
The hobbits free prisoners, restore the Shire, and Sam uses Galadriel’s gift to heal its trees, bringing an extraordinary year of plenty. Frodo’s lingering wounds lead him to leave Middle-earth with Bilbo, Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf from the Grey Havens. Merry and Pippin bid farewell. Sam returns to Rose and Elanor, closing the tale.
Summary
After the Battle of Bywater, Frodo frees prisoners from the Lockholes, including a weakened Fredegar Bolger and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, who returns Bag End and later bequeaths her wealth to aid the homeless. Will Whitfoot recuperates while Frodo serves briefly as Deputy Mayor, reducing the Shirriffs as Merry and Pippin drive out the last ruffians.
Repairs advance swiftly as hobbits reclaim materials and restore holes, especially on the Hill and Bagshot Row, now New Row. Sam mourns the felled trees, then remembers Galadriel’s gift. He plants saplings across the Shire, using the dust sparingly and sowing the silver nut in the Party Field. Spring brings swift growth and a famed mallorn, and 1420 becomes a remarkable year of health and abundance.
Sam and the Gaffer move to New Row while Bag End is restored. Frodo suffers recurring illnesses on the anniversaries of Weathertop and the Ring’s destruction. Sam marries Rose Cotton; they settle at Bag End. Frodo writes quietly, resigns as Deputy Mayor, and often fingers a white jewel. In March 1421, Sam and Rose’s daughter Elanor is born, named by Frodo’s suggestion.
That autumn Frodo prepares to leave, entrusting keys and the nearly finished Red Book to Sam, reserving its last pages for him. Frodo and Sam set out near Bilbo’s birthday and meet a company of Elves with Gildor, Elrond, Galadriel, and a drowsing Bilbo. Frodo reveals he will go to the Havens; he comforts Sam, foretelling Sam’s future joy and service.
They ride unseen through the Shire to Mithlond. Círdan announces all is ready, and Gandalf, wearing Narya, will sail too. Merry and Pippin arrive to say farewell. Frodo boards; the ship departs into the West as Frodo beholds white shores. Sam, grieving, returns with Merry and Pippin. Reaching home, Sam is welcomed by Rose and Elanor. He breathes deeply and says, “Well, I’m back.”
Who Appears
- Samwise GamgeeRestores Shire’s trees with Galadriel’s gift; marries Rose; fathers Elanor; accompanies Frodo to the Havens and returns home.
- Frodo BagginsFrees prisoners, briefly serves as Deputy Mayor, suffers lingering wounds, finishes the Red Book, and sails West from the Grey Havens.
- Rosie (Rose) CottonMarries Sam, keeps house at Bag End, welcomes him home with Elanor.
- Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry)Helps hunt ruffians; later rides to the Havens to bid Frodo farewell; returns to Buckland.
- Peregrin Took (Pippin)Helps drive off ruffians; arrives at the Havens in haste to say goodbye to Frodo.
- Bilbo BagginsNow 131; meets Frodo and Sam with the Elves; sails West from the Grey Havens.
- ElrondLeads the westward company; bears Vilya; accompanies the Ring-bearers to the Havens.
- GaladrielPraises Sam’s use of her gift; bears Nenya; departs Middle-earth with the Elves.
- GandalfReveals Narya; joins the final sailing; arranges Merry and Pippin’s timely farewell.
- Círdan the ShipwrightGreets the company at Mithlond and readies the white ship for their departure.
- Gildor InglorionLeads Elves encountered on the road, heralding Frodo’s final journey West.
- Lobelia Sackville-BagginsFreed from the Lockholes; returns Bag End to Frodo; later bequeaths money to aid the homeless.
- Fredegar BolgerRescued from the Lockholes after leading Shire rebels; weakened but alive.
- Will WhitfootReleased Mayor; recuperates while Frodo serves as Deputy before resuming office.
- Hamfast Gamgee (the Gaffer)Restored to New Row; benefits from the rebuilding; remains near Sam.
- Farmer CottonFinds Frodo ill in March; his family hosts Sam and aids during the Shire’s recovery.
- Elanor GamgeeSam and Rose’s first child, named for the Lothlórien flower; symbolizes new hope.