FOURTH AGE

Samwise Gamgee entrusts the Red Book with Elanor and leaves the Shire to sail West never to be seen in Middle-Earth again.

Samwise Gamgee leaves Middle-earth, last of the Ring-bearers.

Dwalin dies at the age of 340 years.

Aragorn Elessar, High King of the Reunited Kingdom, dies at the age of 210 years.

A copy of the Red Book of Westmarch is made by Findegil, the King's Writer.

THIRD AGE

T.A. 3021

Sam returns to Bag End on his faithful pony, Bill, after seeing of many of his friends at the Grey Havens.

Gandalf, Frodo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins, Galadriel and Elrond leave Middle-earth and pass over the Sea.

Frodo and Sam meet the Last Riding of the Keepers of the Rings in Woody End.

Bilbo Baggins becomes 131 years old, the longeviest Hobbit in history.

Elanor the Fair, daughter of Samwise, is born.

The last day of the Third Age, according to the reckoning of Gondor.

Frodo gets ill again, on the anniversary of his poisoning by Shelob.

T.A. 3020

Frodo feels the pain return again.

Samwise Gamgee marries Rose Cotton.

The mallorn tree planted by Samwise Gamgee in the Party Field begins to flower.

Frodo gets ill, on the anniversary of his poisoning by Shelob.

T.A. 3019

Battle of Bywater and death of Saruman and Gríma Wormtongue. This marks the end of the War of the Ring.

The four Hobbits come to Bywater and rouse the Shire-folk.

Frodo, Sam, Pippin and Merry are arrested at Frogmorton.

Gandalf and the four Hobbits leave Bree. Gandalf leaves to visit Tom Bombadil.

Gandalf and the four Hobbits reach Bree at night, and find out much has changed since they last were there.

Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin leave Rivendell.

Saruman comes to the Shire.

Gandalf and the Hobbits arrive at Rivendell.

Celeborn and Galadriel depart, the rest of the escort set out for Rivendell.

Gandalf and the four Hobbits overtake Saruman. While Frodo and his friends go to Rivendell, Saruman heads straight for the Shire.

Treebeard releases Saruman from Orthanc.

Funeral of Théoden is held outside Edoras

Aragorn II finds the sapling of the White Tree.

The Escort of Arwen leaves Lothlórien.

Arwen and Elrond come to Lothlórien where they will stay for one week before continuing their journey to Minas Tirith.

Coronation of King Aragorn Elessar. He bids Faramir to remain Steward of Gondor.

Elrond and Arwen set out from Rivendell.

The Ring-bearers Samwise and Frodo are honoured on the Field of Cormallen.

The meeting of Celeborn and Thranduil takes place in the midst of Mirkwood.

Celeborn crosses the river Anduin and leads an attack on Dol Guldur. Galadriel throws down its walls.

Bard II and Thorin III Stonehelm drive the enemy from Dale.

Frodo and Samwise reach the Sammath Naur, the ring is destroyed, and Sauron defeated.

Beginning of the New Year in Gondor.

The Host of the West set up a camp outside of the Morannon.

Aragorn dismisses the faint-hearted among the Host of the West and commands them to to liberate Cair Andros.

Third attack on Lorien.

Faramir and Éowyn meet in the Houses of Healing.

Battle of Dale takes place where both King Brand and King Dain Ironfoot die.

Shagrat is slain after bringing Frodo's cloak, mithril shirt and sword to Barad-dûr.

The Last Debate is held outside Minas Tirith and it is decided that they shall muster an army and fight against Sauron.

The Witch King breaks the gates of Minas Tirith.

Denethor tries to burn himself and Faramir on a pyre. Faramir is rescued.

The horns of the Rohirrim echo in the sides of Mindolluin at cockcrow. King Théoden of Rohan dies on Pelennor Fields, mortally wounded by the Witch King.

The Battle Under Trees in Mirkwood. Thranduil can drive the enemy from Dol Guldur back.

Second assault on Lothlórien.

Minas Tirith is besieged.

Frodo is stabbed by Shelob and subsequently captured by the Orcs of Cirith Ungol.

Aragorn arrives at Pelargir and captures the fleet.

Beregond sees a strange light in the tower of Minas Tirith, being Denethor confronting Sauron.

Gollum leads Frodo and Sam into Shelob's Lair.

Denethor sends Faramir to Osgiliath.

Eastern Rohan is invaded from the north.

Orcs of Dol Guldur assail Lothlórien, but they are beaten back.

The Dawnless Day.

Frodo, Sam and Gollum pass the Cross-roads, and see the Morgul-host set forth, towards Minas Tirith.

The Muster of Rohan takes place. The Rohirrim ride from Harrowdale.

Faramir is rescued by Gandalf and Imrahil outside the gates of the City. He meets Pippin and reports to Denethor.

An army of Orcs from the Morannon takes Cair Andros and passes into Anórien.

Gandalf and Pippin reach Minas Tirith.

Faramir leaves Henneth Annûn for Cair Andros.

Frodo, Sam and Gollum reach the Morgul Road at dusk.

Darkness begins to flow out of Mordor.

Aragorn sets out from Erech and comes to Calembel.

Frodo and Sam leave Faramir at Henneth Annûn with Gollum as their guide.

Aragorn takes the Paths of the Dead at daybreak reaching the Stone of Erech at midnight.

Faramir takes Frodo and Sam to Henneth Annûn. He learns about Frodo carrying the One Ring but does not try to take it.

Aragorn is overtaken by the Grey Company in the early hours of the day.

Aragorn uses the Orthanc-stone and reveals himself to the enemy.

Théoden, Gandalf and company reach Isengard and parley with Saruman. Saruman's staff is broken.

Pippin looks into the Orthanc-stone and a short time later a winged Nazgûl passes over the camp. In response, Gandalf sets out with the Hobbit for Minas Tirith.

Frodo hides in sight of the Morannon, and leaves at dusk.

Gandalf and Erkenbrand show up and finish the Battle of the Hornburg.

The River Isen is restored to its original course.

Théoden retreats to Helm's Deep, where the Battle of the Hornburg ensues.

The Ents, led by Treebeard, change the course of Isen and complete the destruction of Isengard.

Frodo, Sam and Gollum finally reach the end of the Dead Marshes.

Gandalf comes to Edoras and heals Théoden. Éomer is released and Théoden holds his sword again.

Second Battle of the Fords of Isen, Erkenbrand is defeated.

Entmoot ends in afternoon. The Ents march on Isengard and reach it at night.

The Hunters enter Fangorn and meets Gandalf the White. They set out for Edoras.

Merry and Pippin escape the Orcs and Uruk-hai and meet Treebeard.

Orc skirmish, Grishnákh leaves. Pippin cuts his rope and drops his brooch.

The breaking of the Fellowship of the Ring. Merry and Pippin are captured by Orcs from the North, Mordor and Isengard. Boromir is slain trying to protect them and his horn is heard in Minas Tirith. Frodo and Samwise enter the eastern Emyn Muil.

The Three Hunters set out in pursuit of the Uruk-hai at evening.

First Battle of the Fords of Isen during which Théodred son of Théoden is slain.

The Fellowship passes the Argonath and reaches Nen Hithoel; they camp at Parth Galen.

The Fellowship are ambushed near Sarn Gebir at night. A frightened Gollum flees to the eastern bank and hides in the Emyn Muil. A flying shadow approaches but Legolas shoots it with the bow of Galadriel.

Gwaihir bears Gandalf to Lothlórien.

The Fellowship leave Lothlórien. Gollum observes their departure and follows them as they travel south over the Anduin by boat.

The Fellowship of the Ring rests in Lórien. Frodo is shown The Mirror of Galadriel.

Gandalf returns to life.

Gandalf casts down the Balrog from the peak of Celebdil, and passes away afterwards.

Gandalf pursues the Balrog to the peak of Celebdil.

Saruman hears of the Fellowship of the Ring and sends a company led by Uglúk to intercept them.

The Fellowship of the Ring pass the Silverlode and reach the Naith and Cerin Amroth. They come to Caras Galadhon in the evening.

Gandalf falls from the Bridge of Khazad-Dûm with the balrog "Durin's Bane".

The Fellowship leave Moria and enter Dimrill Dale. Gimli, Frodo and Sam gaze in Mirrormere.

The Fellowship of the Ring find the Chamber of Mazarbul and Balin's Tomb. Gimli takes the Book of Mazarbul.

The Fellowship is attacked by Wolves in the early hours of the day.

The Fellowship reach the West-gate of Moria at nightfall where they are attacked by the Watcher.

Gollum begins to trail the Ring-bearer.

Unable to cross the pass of Caradhras, the Fellowship of the Ring return to Hollin. In the night they are attacked by a pack of Wargs.

The Fellowship of the Ring camps at the foot of the Redhorn Pass. They try to cross the pass at night but are unsuccessful.

The Fellowship of the Ring reach Hollin and they spot the Crebain.

T.A. 3018

The Fellowship of the Ring leaves Rivendell.

The members of the Fellowship of the Ring are chosen.

Council of Elrond held in Imladris

Frodo Baggins awakes in Rivendell, recovered from his wound, and meets Gandalf.

Elrond makes a feast where Frodo meets Glóin. Elladan and Elrohir return and talk to Aragorn. Evening at the Hall of Fire where Frodo meets Bilbo Baggins.

Glorfindel, Strider and the four hobbits reach the Ford of Bruinen where they are attacked by Black Riders. Frodo reaches the other riverside but the Riders are cast back by the water, their horses drown and their robes are destroyed.

Gandalf reaches Rivendell from the North and sends Shadowfax back to Rohan.

The four Hobbits and Aragorn cross the Last Bridge and find the beryl left by Glorfindel.

Glorfindel drives three Riders off the Last Bridge of Mitheithel and pursues them westward. He meets two others who flee southward. He leaves a beryl on the Bridge. He starts looking for the travellers.

Glorfindel and other High Elves leave Rivendell in search of the Ring-bearer.

The four Hobbits and Aragorn reach Weathertop at noon. Their camp is raided by the Black Riders at night and Frodo is stabbed with a Morgul Blade by the Witch King.

Gandalf arrives at Weathertop and leave a marked stone for Aragorn. Gandalf is attacked by the Black Riders at night.

Crickhollow is raided by three Black Riders in the early hours and Fatty Bolger alerts the village. The Black Riders run away.

Frodo and his companions reach Bree at night and stay at the Prancing Pony.

Gandalf visits the Gaffer (Hamfast Gamgee).

Strider hides behind the hedge on the Road west of Bree and eavesdrops on "Mr. Underhill". In the inn Frodo arouses attention by his sudden disappearance whereupon Strider warns him to be more careful and reveals himself as being Gandalf's friend.

Frodo and his companions traverse the Barrow-downs and are captured by a Barrow-wight. Tom Bombadil rescues them, gives them weapons and four ponies and suggests to visit the Prancing Pony at Bree.

Gandalf reaches Sarn Ford.

Gandalf crosses River Greyflood.

The four Hobbits encounter the evil tree Old Man Willow and are rescued by Tom Bombadil. They spend the night at Tom's house.

Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin enter the Old Forest leaving Fredegar Bolger behind to impersonate Frodo.

Two Nazgûl come to Bree from the South road.

The Hobbits reach Farmer Maggot's estates in the afternoon; they meet Merry near the Ferry and Crickhollow in the night.

Gandalf crosses the River Isen.

The Hobbits encounter the Nazgûl near Woody End but the chanting of approaching elves scare them away. The Hobbits meet Gildor and the High Elves and camp with them during the night.

One of the Black Riders comes to Hobbiton at nightfall.

Gandalf leaves Rohan after taming Shadowfax.

The Black Riders reach Sarn Ford and drive off the Rangers guarding it.

Birthday of Frodo Baggins. Merry and Fredegar leave for Crickhollow with a cart of Frodo's belongings.

Gandalf gains entrance to Edoras and warns Theoden of Saruman. Theoden refuses to listen and sends Gandalf away.

Two covered carts leave Bag End for Frodo's new house in Crickhollow. They convey the furniture and goods that Frodo has not sold by way of the Brandywine Bridge.

Gandalf arrives at Edoras but is denied entrance.

The Black Riders cross the Fords of Isen.

Gandalf is rescued by Gwaihir from the top of Orthanc in the early hours.

The Black Riders visit Saruman who lies that Gandalf has "confessed", and gives them directions to the Shire.

Gandalf imprisoned in Orthanc by Saruman.

Boromir sets out from Minas Tirith.

Gandalf meets Radagast.

Sauron launch an attack on Osgiliath.

Thranduil is attacked in Mirkwood and Gollum escapes.

Faramir dreams of Isildur's Bane for the first time.

Aragorn and Gandalf meet at Sarn Ford. Gandalf tells Aragorn of Frodo's plan to leave the Shire.

Gandalf examines Bilbo's Ring and determines from its inscription that it is the One Ring. He tells Frodo of the Ring's history and Frodo volunteers to leave the Shire in order to secure the Ring.

Gandalf reaches Hobbiton.

Gandalf leaves Mirkwood for the Shire.

Gandalf arrives in Mirkwood and begins the questioning of Gollum.

Aragorn delivers Gollum as a prisoner to Thranduil of Mirkwood.

T.A. 3017

Aragorn captures Gollum in the Dead Marshes.

T.A. 3001

The day after the Birthday Party, Frodo manages the inheritance of Bilbo's belongings, and keeps keen treasure-seekers out of Bag End.

Bilbo turns 111 and throws the Farewell Party at which he announces his intention to leave the Shire. He leaves behind the One Ring and sets off. Frodo turns 33 and comes of age. He inherits Bag End and all the things Bilbo leaves behind.

T.A. 2994

A Dwarf (possibly Ori) writes in the Book of Mazarbul about Balin's death the previous day.

Balin, Lord of Moria, is killed by an Orc archer as he stood to watch in Mirrormere.

T.A. 2980

Samwise Gamgee is born.

T.A. 2968

Frodo Baggins is born.

T.A. 2954

Orodruin re-awakens.

T.A. 2953

Last meeting of the White Council.

T.A. 2951

Sauron reveals himself in Mordor and starts to rebuild Barad-dûr.

T.A. 2942

Bilbo Baggins returns to Bag End after the Quest of Erebor and learns he has been declared dead.

Bilbo and Gandalf reach Rivendell after their adventures at the Lonely Mountain.

Sauron returns to Mordor.

T.A. 2941

Battle of Five Armies is fought.Thorin Oakenshield, Fíli and Kíli are slain. Beorn kills Bolg son of Azog.

Smaug launches an attack on Esgaroth and is killed by Bard the Bowman.

Thorin and the company arrive in Lake-town.

Bilbo meets Gollum under the Misty Mountains and finds the One Ring.

Bilbo starts together with the dwarves and Gandalf his journey to the Lonely Mountain.

Thirteen dwarves and Gandalf arrive at Bag End. Bilbo learns of the Lonely Mountain and Smaug and agrees to accompany the dwarves and Gandalf on their adventure.

Gandalf visits Bag End looking for somebody to take part in an adventure but Bilbo rejects the offer.

Gandalf visits Bag End but Bilbo Baggins is missing. He talks with Holman Greenhand and realises Bilbo is the right person for the Quest for Erebor.

Thorin Oakenshield meets with Gandalf at the Prancing Pony in Bree. They agree on setting out on the Quest of Erebor.

T.A. 2931

Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Heir of Isildur, is born.

T.A. 2890

Bilbo Baggins is born.

T.A. 2841

Thráin sets out for the Lonely Mountain.

T.A. 2799

The Battle of Azanulbizar is fought and Azog is killed.

T.A. 2770

Destruction of Dale and Erebor by the dragon Smaug.

T.A. 2670

Tobold Hornblower plants Pipe-weed

T.A. 2510

Battle of the Field of Celebrant

The Balchoth and a great host of Orcs attack the inferior host of Gondor on the Field of Celebrant. All seems lost for Gondor until the Éothéod under leadership of Eorl come to its aid. Together with the Éothéod Gondor is victorious and Cirion, steward of Gondor, gives Calenardhon to Eorl which becomes the later Rohan.

Eorl the Young sets out with the Éothéod towards Calenardhon.

Cirion sends Borondir and his companion in search of the Éothéod.

T.A. 2460

Sauron returns to Dol Guldur, The Watchful Peace ends.

T.A. 1999

Erebor founded and the Arkenstone is discovered.

T.A. 1980

The Balrog Durin's Bane is awakened by the Dwarves of Moria killing Durin VI. The Nazgûl return to Mordor.

T.A. 1975

Kingdom of Angmar is destroyed in the Battle of Fornost.

T.A. 1944

In the last stages of the Disaster of the Morannon, Minohtar is slain by an arrow, and his forces are routed. Eärnil arrives at the battlefield, and is victorious in the Battle of the Camp.

The Disaster of the Morannon. Death of Ondoher, King of Gondor, and his sons Artamir and Faramir.

News of the oncoming of the enemy from the south-east reaches Eärnil. He and his Southern Army are already in position, and plan to meet the Wainriders at the river Poros.

T.A. 1601

Creation of the Shire; the count of years in Shire Reckoning begins with year 1.

T.A. 1448

The Sons of Castamir the Usurper and most of the fleet of Gondor flee south and seizes Umbar.

T.A. 1447

Battle of the Crossings of Erui and the Siege of Pelargir. Castamir is killed and Gondor reclaimed by Eldacar.

T.A. 1437

Castamir the Usurper usurps the throne of Gondor.

T.A. 1409

The Witch-king of Angmar invades Arnor.

T.A. 1300

Nazgûl reappear in Middle-earth and the realm of Angmar is founded by the Witch-King.

T.A. 1000

The Istari arrive to Middle-earth around this time.

T.A. 933

Haven of Umbar is taken by Eärnil I.

T.A. 541

Easterlings invade Gondor for the second time and slay King Rómendacil.

T.A. 490

Easterlings invade Gondor.

T.A. 3

Ohtar brings Shards of Narsil to Imladris.

T.A. 2

Death of Isildur in the Battle of the Gladden Fields. The One Ring is lost in the Gladden river.