The Scouring of the Shire | Tolkien Explained

Nerd of the Rings8 minutes read

The hobbits return to the Shire to find it controlled by Saruman, expelled by Gandalf, leading to a final battle before a bountiful harvest year after his defeat in 3020 TA.

Insights

  • Frodo's act of mercy towards Saruman, despite the evil wizard's malevolence, highlights the theme of compassion prevailing over vengeance, showcasing the hobbits' moral strength.
  • The symbolic planting of the mallorn seed by Sam, resulting in a prosperous harvest, signifies the renewal and rejuvenation of the Shire after the dark times, underlining the resilience and hope inherent in Tolkien's narrative.

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Recent questions

  • What happens when the hobbits return to the Shire?

    They find it under control of an evil force.

  • Where do Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas go after the fellowship splits up?

    Aragorn returns to Gondor, Gimli and Legolas leave for Fangorn.

  • How does Frodo react to Saruman's cruelty in the Shire?

    Frodo shows mercy towards him, sparing his life.

  • What happens to Wormtongue under Saruman's influence?

    He kills the wizard and is then struck down by hobbit arrows.

  • What leads to a bountiful harvest year in the Shire after Saruman's defeat?

    Sam spreads soil from Galadriel's box and plants a mallorn seed.

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Summary

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Hobbits face evil in the Shire

  • The hobbits return to the Shire after the destruction caused by Saruman, presumed defeated, and find it under control of an evil force.
  • After the battle for Middle-earth, the hobbits face the battle for the Shire, encountering Saruman who was expelled by Gandalf.
  • The fellowship splits up, with Aragorn returning to Gondor, Gimli and Legolas leaving for Fangorn, and Gandalf and the Hobbits accompanying Elrond to Rivendell.
  • The hobbits encounter Saruman in the Shire, where he reveals his bitterness and hatred towards them.
  • Despite Saruman's cruelty, Frodo shows mercy towards him, sparing his life even after an attempt on his own.
  • Wormtongue, under Saruman's influence, kills the wizard and is then struck down by hobbit arrows.
  • A grey mist gathers around Saruman's body, but it dissipates into nothing after a cold wind blows from the West.
  • Sam spreads soil from Galadriel's box and plants a mallorn seed, leading to a bountiful harvest year in the Shire after Saruman's defeat in 3020 TA.
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