The Fate of the Easterlings After the Defeat of Sauron
The victory over Sauron brought about significant changes in Middle Earth, but the fate of the Easterlings remained a subject of debate among scholars and readers. While the narrative of the The Lord of the Rings predominantly culminates with the fall of the Ring and the subsequent defeat of Sauron, the subsequent developments involving the Easterlings are often overlooked or discussed in detail through fan theories and interpretations. This article aims to explore the post-Sauron era of the Easterlings in a more comprehensive manner.
Post-War Reactions and Actions of the Easterlings
Following the fall of Sauron, the Easterlings returned to their homelands, hoping to resume their lives as they saw fit. However, their existence as subjugators and aggressors towards the Westerners continued unabated. This aggressive behavior extended even into the Fourth Age, when King Aragorn (Aldárion in newer interpretations) initiated several campaigns to bring peace and stability to the region. These actions were successful in pacifying the Easterlings, but the exact sequence of events is often a matter of speculation.
While the definitive solution to the Easterling threat can be attributed to Aragorn's efforts, the narrative of the movies tends to simplify the situation, omitting the complexities involved. In the aftermath of the War of the Ring, the remaining forces aligned with the Dark Lord faced various fates. Some were killed, while others surrendered. Aragorn, as the High King Elessar, accepted their surrender, ensuring a peaceful yet firm approach to their reintegration into Middle Earth.
Post-Surrender and Integration
The surrender of the Easterlings to Aragorn was a turning point. The High King Elessar, recognizing the necessity of rehabilitation, granted them a complete pardon for their past actions. This act of amnesty marked the beginning of a new era of coexistence and cooperation. Additionally, the Easterlings were no longer fighting a war of their own initiative but had been manipulated and used by Sauron’s forces. This realization and the subsequent pardon allowed them to return to their own kingdoms and rebuild their lives.
With the protection and support of the High King, the Easterlings gradually returned to their communities. Many of their leaders and key figures perished during the war, leading to the establishment of a new leadership. These changes brought about a cultural renaissance, with the Easterlings embracing a more civil and ordered way of life. Trade and diplomatic relations between the Eastern and Western kingdoms flourished under the rule of King Elessar.
Continued Existence and Future Possibilities
The Easterlings were never fully dependent on Sauron for their survival. They received support and supplies, including weapons, gold, and logistical support, which ensured their continued existence. However, their allegiance was always conditional and based on the mutual benefits of the alliance. As such, they maintained their status as independent nations and tribes, ready to form alliances as they deemed necessary.
Several of the Easterling populations paid tribute and promised peace to Aragorn’s realm, while others remained unaffected by the war's outcome. These regions continued to operate independently, with little interference from the central powers. One intriguing possibility is the involvement of the Blue Wizards (Istari), who, according to Tolkien’s writings, had supposedly taken on a more independent role. If the Blue Wizards did indeed carve out their own empires, it’s possible they would pose a new threat to the peaceful existence of the Easterlings and the Western realms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fate of the Easterlings after Sauron's defeat was marked by a complex series of events, including surrender, pardon, and reintegration. Under the benevolent leadership of King Elessar, the Easterlings gradually transformed into more civil and ordered peoples, fostering relationships and trade with their Western counterparts. However, the future still held the possibility of new conflicts, especially if the Blue Wizards carved out their own territories and sought to challenge the peace of Middle Earth.