The Grey Havens

From Tolkien Gateway
The name The Grey Havens refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see The Grey Havens (disambiguation).
Ted Nasmith - Departure at the Grey Havens.jpg
The Grey Havens
Chapter of The Return of the King
Number19
Synopsis
EventThe Ring-bearers depart into the West.
Date4 November 3019-6 October 3021
LocationGrey Havens
PerspectiveSamwise
Navigation
<  The Scouring of the Shire

The Grey Havens is the ninth and final chapter of the second book of The Return of the King, the final volume of The Lord of the Rings.

Summary[edit | edit source]

Now that the Shire's brief police state had been overthrown,[1] the Hobbits rebuilt the villages of the region. Sam opened the box Galadriel had given him[2] and found a small silver seed, which he planted. In the Party Field, a Mallorn sprang up to replace the old tree that had been cut down. Many children were born that year. Merry and Pippin became heroes in the Shire, but Frodo quietly retired. That spring, Sam married Rose Cotton, Farmer Cotton's daughter, and they lived at Bag End with Frodo.

Frodo decided to travel to Rivendell to see Bilbo Baggins. Frodo entrusted to Sam a history of the War, written in part by Bilbo. Frodo, Sam, and others set out. As they entered the Woody End, they met Elrond and Galadriel, who now wore two of the Three Elven Rings. Riding slowly behind the two elves was Bilbo himself. Sam and Frodo accompanied the travellers to the Great Sea. When they reached the gates of the Grey Havens, they found Gandalf, wearing the last of the Three Rings, waiting for them. Beyond him was a great white ship, ready to sail to the West across the sea.

Pippin and Merry appeared, wishing to be present at Frodo's departure. Frodo sadly bade farewell to his three friends, kissed them, and boarded the ship. Gandalf entreated the three hobbits to enjoy each other's friendship as they quietly returned to the Shire. Sam entered his warm home, where he found Rosie waiting. She put their young daughter, Elanor, in his lap, and Sam drew a deep breath and said, "Well, I'm back."

References