Third Age
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| The History of Arda |
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| Ainulindalë |
| Valian Years |
| Years of the Lamps Years of the Trees |
| Years of the Sun |
| Ages |
| First Age Second Age Third Age Fourth Age |
| Dagor Dagorath |
| Timeline of Arda |
The Third Age began after the first downfall of Sauron, when he was defeated by the Last Alliance of Elves and Men following the downfall of Númenor.
This age was characterized by the waning of the Elves, the rise and decline of the exiled Númenorean kingdoms, and the slow recovery of Sauron's power.
It lasted for 3021 years, until Sauron was again defeated, this time finally, when his Ruling Ring was destroyed. When Elrond and the Three Rings left Middle-earth for the Uttermost West, the Fourth Age began.