Third Age 3000

Timeline of Arda
Age:	First Age Second Age Third Age Fourth Age
Year of the Sun:	2997 2998 2999 3000 3001 3002 3003

Third Age 3000 (abbreviated to T.A. 3000) is the 3000th year of the Sun of the Third Age of Middle-earth. Third Age 3000 was also known as S.R. 1400 in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

• From that time on the shadow of Mordor lengthens.^[1] The following years see many Dwarves from the East traversing the Shire seeking refuge to the West and the Blue Mountains bringing news about Mordor; and Elves traversing the Shire on their way to the Grey Havens.^[2]
• Around this time Saruman dares to use the palantír of Orthanc, but becomes ensnared by Sauron, who has the Ithil-stone. He becomes a traitor to the White Council. His spies report that the Shire is being closely guarded by the Rangers.^[1]
• One day, Bilbo Baggins sees the Sackville-Bagginses approaching along the road. Using his Ring he evades an unwanted meeting with them. Unbeknownst to him, the whole scene is witnessed by a young Meriadoc Brandybuck.^{[3][note 1]}
• In preparation for his party next year, Bilbo orders special gifts from Erebor and Dale.^[4]
• Death of Wilibald Bolger.^[5]

Notes

1. ↑ Merry reveals the incident to Frodo Baggins in Crickhollow, as having happened "a year before the Party".

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Shadow of the Past"
3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Conspiracy Unmasked"
4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Long-expected Party"
5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix C, "Bolger of Budgeford"