On Tol Eressëa

In Middle Earth, years have come and gone since the War of the Ring, and it is now the year 1430 in the Shire. On Tol Eressëa, however, time moves to a different rhythm. To Frodo, it seems as if only a few seasons have passed. His hurts have been healed and he is well in mind, body and spirit. Bilbo, who has been returned to the state of hearty middle age he enjoyed just before passing on the ring, is his constant companion. They both take great joy in the beauty and peace of this blessed isle. But all is not well. Though Frodo is healed, he is not completely happy.

His friends are concerned. Gandalf asks Bilbo, "What does Frodo lack? How can we help him?" Bilbo knows Frodo best, and his answer is, "He misses the Shire. He misses Bag End. I had a full long life and dwelt long among the Elves, and am content with my life here. But Frodo was young, and in his short mortal time many earthly delights were denied him. But alas, how can we mend that here?"

Gandalf, Elrond and Galadriel take counsel together. They obtain permission to create a special haven for this young mortal who lives among them. One last time, the three Elven rings are wielded. When their creation is complete, they and Bilbo go to Frodo together. "Frodo," says Galadriel, "Come with us this fine morning. We have prepared a special corner of Tol Eressëa for your express use - we want you to see it."

Frodo is glad to travel once again with his beloved friends. Though Tol Eressëa is an island, it is a large one with many mysterious and unexplored corners. He is curious. After a long journey they come to a green wood. This wood separates a small peninsula from the rest of the island. There is only one path, and it is always shrouded in mist. The old friends follow this path, and at the end the mist lifts and they look upon rolling green hills with the sea in the distance. Built into one of the hills is... Bag End!

Frodo exclaims with joy. The travelers move closer - yes, it is Bag End just as Frodo remembers it, only somehow more... beautiful, joyous, almost luminous. Gandalf says, "This is the place we have prepared for you, Frodo. You may stay here as long and as often as you like - though of course you may also return to any other part of the island when you wish." Elrond adds, "In this place the passages between the worlds are closer than elsewhere. If you wish to see your friends in Middle Earth, you may call them up just by thinking about them. They can come to you for as long as you like. To them, it will seem as but a happy dream - but they will really be with you here in spirit."

Frodo thanks them - this is exactly what his heart has been missing. But wait... who are these lovely hobbit lasses he sees peeking out of the windows? "Ah," says Galadriel, "These lasses have elected to dwell with you here, to care for you and ease your hurts and loneliness. Each was chosen for one thing alone: her love for you. Come and meet them!"

The lasses come forward. They are dressed in hobbit style, but in beautiful Elven fabrics. They appear to be simple hobbit lasses, but their beauty is beyond that of ordinary mortals. Galadriel introduces them, "Here are Pearl, and Ghyste, and Chica and Maura - Elda and Cion, Cindy, Elevensies and Niphredel..." she names all their names, and to Frodo they seem at once strange and wonderful, yet utterly familiar.

Gandalf says, "My old friend, we hope you will be happy. Here is your beloved home, and your garden, and your loving caretakers, and afar is a view of the sea - which we know you would never be happy without. We will come to visit often. Be well!"

Frodo embraces Gandalf, Elrond and Galadriel, who turn to leave. Bilbo will stay for a time with Frodo in this perfect replica of their old home. The lasses will care for them both, and Frodo will at last be truly healed and happy.

As they walk into dear, familiar Bag End, Frodo notices a book lying open on a small table. Ethel takes Frodo aside. "Let me explain about the appointment book!" she says.

Ethel
Haremite

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Last Updated: 01/27/2005