The Complete Timeline of Middle-earth: Unveiling the Epic Events of Each Age in LOTR

Highlights

The lore of The Lord of the Rings franchise spans multiple ages, with the films only scratching the surface of the rich history and mythical figures that exist in Middle Earth.

In the First Age, renowned races such as Elves and Dwarves were brought into existence, alongside the emergence of the malevolent Morgoth. The era concluded following Morgoth's ultimate downfall in the War of Wrath, albeit after enduring countless centuries of relentless warfare.

The events detailed in The Lord of the Rings trilogy revolve around the Third Age, which primarily chronicles the ascent of Sauron and the perilous expedition to obliterate the One Ring. The age drew to a close with Sauron's eventual defeat and the restoration of Middle Earth, ushering in an era of tranquility known as the Fourth Age.

The lore found in The Lord Of The Rings franchise is extensive and intricate. It stands as one of the most meticulously crafted worlds ever conceived, with evidence of numerous ages that have unfolded over Middle Earth's long and storied existence. Devoted fans of The Lord Of The Rings may already possess some knowledge regarding the second and third ages, thanks to the films. However, there is a wealth of additional information waiting to be discovered behind the scenes.

Throughout this rich tapestry, there are frequent references to ancient kings and heroes who lived in different times from the central protagonists of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. While it may be tempting to assume that the films have covered all the momentous events, it becomes evident that Middle Earth, with its abundance of action, drama, and treachery, has even more secrets to unveil.

What Happened During The First Age?

The First Age of Middle Earth marked the emergence of beloved races and the rise of the first dark lord, Morgoth. While the Years of the Trees preceded the First Age, they served as the origins of the mythical beings that dwell in the background of the franchise.

The true beginning of the first age occurred when the Elves awakened and established their unique community in a dark world, followed shortly by the Dwarves. Meanwhile, Morgoth, known as Melkorm at the time, set a benchmark for evil that Sauron would later surpass. Engaging in battles with the Valar, Morgoth was eventually defeated and imprisoned, but he would continue to pose a threat. Released from captivity, Morgoth unleashed chaos once more, coinciding with the emergence of the sun and moon, which in turn brought forth the race of Men.

What Happened During The Second Age?

Morgoth's insatiable desire for power and possession drove him to seek the coveted Silmarils, resulting in a relentless conflict against formidable opponents that spanned countless centuries. Despite Morgoth's formidable forces, which included Balrogs and dragons, his reign of terror met its decisive end in the War of Wrath, leading to his expulsion by the Valar into an unfathomable void. The First Age merely provided a glimpse of what lay ahead for the world, even though it endured for thousands of years.

While the average individual may have limited knowledge about the Second Age in The Lord Of The Rings, they are likely familiar with its conclusion, depicted in The Fellowship Of The Ring as the War of the Last Alliance. This particular era was characterized by significant events, but the most notable among them was the ascension of Sauron to power and the subsequent creation of the Rings of Power. Although it may seem that the Second Age passed by swiftly, it actually spanned several millennia.

During Sauron's ascension, Numenor emerged and gradually gained influence over thousands of years. Regrettably, despite Numenor's prosperity, the entire land would ultimately face total destruction through a devastating flood orchestrated by one of the mythical figures from The Lord of the Rings. Not surprisingly, Sauron dedicated ample time to manipulating and influencing the people of Numenor to fulfill his own sinister desires before the kingdom's downfall.

During this time, Sauron's rise to power went largely unchallenged as he effortlessly manipulated Men, and his cunning even allowed him to sway the Elves to his will. It was Sauron's manipulation of the Elves that resulted in the creation of the Rings of Power, a collection of magical rings that granted him greater control over influential individuals. The Elves realized the manipulation too late, but it was arguable that Men suffered the greatest consequences of the rings' power, as those who were deceived became Sauron's feared Nazgul.

Sauron's conflict with the people of Middle Earth ultimately led to a war, but the unwavering determination of the free individuals proved insurmountable. Although Sauron appeared to have been destroyed in the War of the Last Alliance, he had actually suffered an earlier defeat at the hands of the Elves. This defeat, however, differed from his later downfall. Following a significant defeat, Sauron made another attempt to conquer Middle Earth, only to have his physical form annihilated by Isildur, thereby marking the end of the Second Age.

What Happened During The Third Age?

The Third Age is widely recognized for its prominent role in The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit movies. It was during this era that the Men of Middle Earth flourished, although their prosperity was interrupted when Sauron began to regain power. Throughout this age, the iconic One Ring was in possession of notable characters such as Smeagol (also known as Gollum), Bilbo, and ultimately Frodo. In a momentous quest, Frodo bore the immense responsibility of carrying the ring to Mount Doom to ensure its destruction.

What Happened During The Fourth Age?

Despite its imperfections, the Fourth Age is widely recognized for the peace that ensued after Sauron's defeat in the War of the Ring. This particular era lacks extensive documentation, likely due to the abundance of tranquility it brought forth. Tolkien's unfinished narratives hint at his desire to further expand upon his universe, but unfortunately, the specifics remain scarce.

In this age, Aragorn reigned as king for a considerable period before he and Arwen eventually passed away. Several other heroes from the War of the Ring, such as Samwise Gamgee, Gimli, and Legolas, journeyed to the Undying lands at different times. Although it is somewhat saddening that the heroes of The Lord Of The Rings meet their end in this era, there is solace in knowing they lived fulfilling lives after their arduous journey.

Stream The Lord Of The Rings on Amazon Prime Video.