Renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien initiated a sequel to The Lord of the Rings, titled The New Shadow, but ultimately abandoned it after drafting approximately 13 pages. This unfinished work would have deviated from the established traditions of the franchise by setting its storyline 200 years after the events of The Return of the King, focusing on two human characters, Borlas and Saelon, as they confronted a new malevolent force known as the Dark Tree.
While Tolkien’s acclaimed The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings unfold during Middle-earth’s Third Age, posthumously published texts such as The Silmarillion explore the First and Second Ages. Notably, The New Shadow would mark the author’s only narrative located in the Fourth Age, also known as the Age of Men. Although it seems reasonable for Tolkien to wish to extend his epic beyond the fall of Sauron, such a departure would have resulted in a fundamentally different tone and focus from its predecessors, as, by this time, both wizards and elves would have largely vacated Middle-earth.
Divergence from Tradition: The Focus on Men in Tolkien’s Unfinished Sequel
Men as Protagonists in the Next Undeveloped Sequel
The narrative arc of Tolkien’s prior works prominently featured Hobbits as the unexpected adventurers guided by wise wizards. This compelling motif has become iconic. In The New Shadow, however, the absence of Gandalf—who would have departed for Valinor centuries prior—signals a significant shift away from this successful formula. While Hobbits continued to exist in Middle-earth during the Fourth Age, it is evident from Tolkien’s brief manuscript that the protagonists of this tale would have been men.
With Sauron’s defeat, governance of Middle-earth fell to Men, and it was suggested in The Lord of the Rings that future threats would emerge, yet these would likely be manageable by human means alone. Tolkien sought to investigate these dynamics in The New Shadow, implying that an intriguing narrative could arise from it. Nevertheless, a sequel that strays from the established pattern of underdog heroes and their mentors would ultimately disrupt the thematic balance of the entire series.
The Underdog Characters: A Key Element of LOTR and The Hobbit’s Impact
Hobbits: The Unlikely Heroes of Tolkien’s Epic
Tolkien revolutionized the fantasy genre by selecting Hobbits as the central characters in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This choice is particularly significant in the latter, where one might expect a figure like Aragorn—the rightful king of Gondor—to fulfill the archetype of a typical hero. However, by positioning Hobbits in pivotal roles, Tolkien masterfully subverted convention. While Aragorn embodies the “chosen one”narrative, Frodo stands as the quintessential underdog.
Despite their diminutive stature, Hobbits possess a singular desire for simple pleasures, valuing tranquility over heroism. Characters like Frodo and Bilbo, although they indulged in adventure, ultimately prioritized community and fellowship. This makes their roles as heroes all the more extraordinary. Sauron, as a formidable threat, easily could have obliterated any Hobbit, yet their unassuming nature allowed them to remain under his radar—a deliberate tactic in Gandalf’s selection of them as Middle-earth’s champions.
The Impact of Wizard Mentors on Tolkien’s Narrative
Gandalf: The Mentor with Depth
Within Tolkien’s framework, Gandalf epitomizes the archetype of the wise mentor—a character typically portrayed as all-seeing and flawless. Yet Tolkien offers a refreshing twist to this archetype. Rather than being infallible, Gandalf is portrayed with vulnerabilities and uncertainties, allowing him to undergo a character arc that is rare for guides in literature. His journey to Middle-earth was met with trepidation, questioning his capability to combat Sauron’s darkness.
Ultimately, Gandalf’s recognition of the Hobbits’ potential played a crucial role in validating the wisdom of the Valar’s decision to send him. While other wizards, such as Saruman, dismissed Gandalf’s affinity for Hobbits, it was precisely this quality that enabled him to fulfill his mission. Gandalf’s magic contributes a distinctive fantasy essence to The Lord of the Rings, yet it is his unique bond with Hobbits that enriches Tolkien’s narrative.
A Fourth Age Story: Why Tolkien’s Choice was Beneficial
The Perfect Conclusion in The Lord of the Rings
As a devoted fan of Middle-earth, I would undoubtedly have embraced a Fourth Age sequel. This period is shrouded in mystery, with little known about the events leading to Dagor Dagorath. Imagining the brave heroes of Gondor rising to the occasion would be exhilarating. However, none of this would resonate as profoundly without the iconic partnership of a powerful wizard and an unassuming Hobbit.
Ultimately, the conclusion presented in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King provides a fitting closure to Tolkien’s saga. It reinforces the significance of Frodo’s sacrifices in defeating Sauron, implying that while challenges may persist, the collective effort of a wizard and a Hobbit has assured that humanity can stand resiliently on its own. Any subsequent writings hinting otherwise would risk undermining the emotional weight of Tolkien’s beloved saga.