Samwise Gamgee's Post-War Journey: Unveiling the Untold Tales of Middle-earth

In The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien, Samwise Gamgee is depicted as the primary hero in The Lord of the Rings. Serving as both friend and gardener to Frodo Baggins, Sam remained steadfastly by his side throughout the entirety of their journey. Like his Hobbit companions, Sam took pleasure in the simple joys of the Shire, and even his affection for Rose Cotton was characterized by Tolkien as a genuine, rustic love. The pure-hearted nature of this unassuming halfling was evident when he expressed his amazement at being farthest from home he had ever been, at the outset of their quest. Sam quickly proved himself to be indispensable during the War of the One Ring, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to Frodo on numerous occasions, from rescuing him at Cirith Ungol to carrying him up Mount Doom.

However, as The Lord of the Rings came to a close, Sam found himself torn between his desire to remain close to his master and his longing to return to the Shire. Frodo, understanding Sam's inner conflict, reminded him that his skills and resourcefulness would be invaluable everywhere, and that he would find purpose and contentment in his many endeavors. Frodo's words would prove to be prophetic, as Sam went on to lead a fulfilling and joyful life, embracing the responsibilities that awaited him beyond the Shire.

What Happened to Sam After the Lord of the Rings?

After the defeat of the Dark Lord Sauron, Sam and Frodo returned to their homeland in November, T.A. 3019, along with Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. However, they were dismayed to find that the Shire was now under the oppressive rule of Lotho Sackville-Baggins. With the assistance of Ruffians, Dunlendings, and half-orcs sent by Saruman, Lotho had taken control of the Shire with the aim of industrializing it. The once lush lands suffered extensive damage until Saruman himself arrived to assert his dominance. In what later became known as the Scouring of the Shire, Sam and his fellow Hobbits played a crucial role in liberating their homeland from this totalitarian regime.

Upon discovering that the Party Tree had been felled on the orders of Saruman, Sam replaced it with a silver nut gifted to him by Lady Galadriel in Lothlórien. This nut grew into a magnificent Mallorn tree, attracting visitors from far and wide who came to marvel at its beauty. Sam had also been given soil from Galadriel's own garden, which he used to restore the Shire's ravaged landscape. He scattered a grain of this precious soil wherever "especially beautiful and beloved trees had been destroyed", thus contributing to the Shire's resurgence. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, Sam was bestowed with the surname 'Gardner'.

He married Rosie, his long-time love, on May 1, T.A. 3020, and they moved into Bag End with Frodo. Their first child, Elanor the Fair, was born in 3021. Later that year, on September 29, Frodo announced his departure for the Undying Lands. This deeply saddened Sam, but Frodo reassured him, saying, "You will recover. You were destined to be strong and complete, and you will be." Frodo left Bag End to Sam and entrusted him with the Red Book of Westmarch, which contained his memoirs, saying, "The final pages are for you, Sam."

In addition to Elanor, Sam had twelve more children: Frodo, Rose, Merry, Pippin, Goldilocks, Hamfast, Daisy, Primrose, Bilbo, Ruby, Robin, and Tolman. In the sixth year of the Fourth Age, Sam was elected as the Mayor of Michel Delving, the unofficial capital and largest town of the Shire. He served for a remarkable seven consecutive seven-year terms, a feat only matched by Jerry Gergich of Pawnee, Indiana, who held office for ten terms. King Elessar appointed Sam as Counselor of the North Kingdom and bestowed upon him the Star of the Dúnedain, a prestigious honor among rangers, in Fo.A. 15. Sam even journeyed to Gondor in Fo.A. 21 and spent a year in the company of the King, accompanied by Rosie and Elanor. However, perhaps his greatest accomplishment was fulfilling Frodo's prophecy and becoming "the most renowned gardener in history."

Did Sam Join Frodo in the Undying Lands?

After Rosie's passing in Fo.A. 61, Sam made the permanent decision to leave the Shire. The last sighting of him was at Tower Hills, where he entrusted the Red Book to Elanor. His journey then took him to the Grey Havens, where he was granted passage to the Undying Lands. This opportunity arose because he, though briefly, also carried the burden of the One Ring as a Ring-bearer. When Frodo was thought to be dead after an encounter with Shelob, Sam willingly took hold of the Ring to continue their mission. Remarkably, Sam, along with Bilbo Baggins, was one of the very few Ring-bearers who never succumbed to the Ring's temptations or fell prey to its deceitful visions. He returned the Ring to Frodo upon discovering him alive at the Tower of Cirith Ungol. Though the specifics of Sam's journey to the Undying Lands are not recorded, his choice to follow his former master to the literal ends of the earth serves as a fitting conclusion to his tale.