Introduction
Beyond the familiar landscapes of the West, celebrated in song and story, lies a land shrouded in mystery and whispered tales of shadow: Rhûn. While the victories and struggles of the Free Peoples against Sauron are well-documented, the fate of this vast eastern territory remains largely unknown. The question lingers in the minds of many Tolkien enthusiasts: What *actually* happened to Rhûn during and after the climactic events of the War of the Ring?
Rhûn, situated to the east of Middle-earth beyond the expansive Sea of Rhûn, is a region known for its diverse cultures, its historical allegiance to the dark lord Sauron, and its role as the source of the fierce warriors known as Easterlings. This article delves into the fragmented history of Rhûn, examining what little has been revealed about its past, its connection to Sauron, and exploring possible scenarios for its fate following the downfall of the Dark Lord in the West. Our aim is not to provide definitive answers, as much of Rhûn’s story remains veiled, but to explore the possibilities and consider the potential future of this enigmatic region.
Rhûn Before the Shadow of War
Rhûn’s existence stretches back into the deep history of Middle-earth, its lands likely inhabited since the First Age, long before the rise of Gondor or the forging of the Rings of Power. Unlike the Elves of the West, who crossed the Great Sea to Valinor or established realms in Middle-earth, Rhûn seemingly remained apart, its people developing in isolation, largely untouched by the high civilizations of the Elves and the struggles against Morgoth. The early history of the region is obscure, leaving many questions about the origins and cultural development of its inhabitants. The tales that survive, often filtered through the perspectives of the West, hint at a complex tapestry of tribes and cultures, each with its own customs and traditions.
A turning point in the history of Rhûn came with the re-emergence of Sauron. While the specifics remain unclear, it is known that Sauron, in his various guises, exerted a powerful influence over the East. He likely established his dominion through a combination of fear, manipulation, and promises of power. This influence extended to the creation, or perhaps more accurately, the corruption of certain tribes, twisting them to his will and fostering a desire for conquest and domination. The exact motivations for Rhûn’s allegiance to Sauron are complex, possibly involving a blend of perceived advantages, fear of his power, and the allure of wealth and land.
Among the peoples of Rhûn, the Easterlings stand out most prominently in the records of the West. These diverse tribes and cultures, united primarily by their geographical origin and their service to Sauron, played a significant role in the wars against Gondor. The term “Easterlings” itself is a broad label, encompassing a wide range of groups, each with its own distinct customs, weaponry, and fighting styles. They were not a monolithic entity, but rather a collection of disparate peoples bound together by a common cause, or rather, a common master.
The Easterlings’ involvement in the wars of Middle-earth is well-documented in the histories of Gondor. They repeatedly launched incursions into Gondorian territory, threatening its borders and testing its defenses. From the Wainriders who ravaged Gondor’s northern provinces to the fierce warriors who fought at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the Easterlings posed a constant threat to the stability of the West. Understanding their motivations and societal structures provides crucial context to the overarching narrative of Middle-earth.
Piecing together a comprehensive picture of Rhûn’s culture and society before the War of the Ring proves challenging. The West’s understanding of Rhûn was primarily shaped by warfare and conflict, leading to a biased and often negative portrayal. However, scattered clues and hints within Tolkien’s writings offer glimpses into the daily lives of the people of Rhûn. Their societies likely ranged from nomadic tribes to settled agricultural communities, each with its own social hierarchies and religious beliefs. They were undoubtedly skilled artisans and craftsmen, producing weapons, armor, and other goods necessary for survival and warfare. Trade and interaction with other regions of Middle-earth, beyond the immediate conflict zone with Gondor, likely occurred, although the extent and nature of these exchanges remain largely unknown.
Rhûn During the Shadow of War
The War of the Ring saw the Easterlings playing a significant role in Sauron’s overall strategy. As Gondor struggled to defend itself against Mordor’s onslaught, the Easterlings launched a simultaneous attack from the East, stretching Gondor’s resources to their breaking point. The Battle of the Pelennor Fields, a pivotal moment in the war, saw Easterling warriors fighting alongside other forces of Mordor, threatening to overwhelm the defenses of Minas Tirith.
While the Easterlings undoubtedly sought to weaken Gondor and pave the way for Sauron’s victory, it is plausible that they also harbored their own objectives. Some tribes may have sought to reclaim lost territories, while others may have been driven by a desire for plunder and conquest. The war provided an opportunity for the Easterlings to expand their influence and secure their own power within the region.
Rhûn After the Fall of the Dark Lord
The downfall of Sauron marked a profound turning point in the history of Middle-earth, but its impact on Rhûn remains largely a matter of speculation. The immediate aftermath of Sauron’s defeat likely created a power vacuum in the East. The Easterlings, who had long relied on Sauron’s leadership and support, were suddenly left to their own devices.
Several scenarios are plausible for the fate of Rhûn after the War of the Ring. One possibility is that Gondor, under the leadership of King Elessar, attempted to exert influence or control over the region. Perhaps Gondor sought to establish trade relations, negotiate treaties, or even launch military expeditions to pacify the Easterlings and prevent future conflicts. Any success that Gondor might have had is unwritten.
Another possibility is that Rhûn descended into internal conflict, with various tribes and factions vying for power in the absence of Sauron’s authority. The Easterlings, who had been united by their allegiance to a single master, may have turned against each other, engaging in tribal warfare and vying for control of resources and territories. Perhaps the strongest warlords built their own petty kingdoms, creating new shadows of fear and oppression.
Conversely, it is also possible that new leaders emerged in Rhûn, leaders who were less inclined towards war and conquest, and more interested in peaceful coexistence with the West. These leaders may have sought to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Gondor, fostering a new era of cooperation and understanding. A new path away from darkness might have started.
A final scenario is that Rhûn remained largely isolated from the West, continuing its own path, relatively untouched by the events that transpired in Gondor and Mordor. The Easterlings may have retreated back into their traditional territories, focusing on internal affairs and maintaining a degree of autonomy from the influence of the West. A deliberate decision to rebuild without the temptation of outside influence could have been a beneficial path forward.
The lack of concrete information about Rhûn’s fate highlights the limitations of our knowledge about the East. Tolkien primarily focused on the events in the West, leaving the story of Rhûn largely untold. This ambiguity, however, adds to the region’s mystique and provides fertile ground for speculation and interpretation.
Theories and Fan Speculation
Given the scarcity of information in Tolkien’s writings, numerous fan theories and interpretations have emerged regarding Rhûn’s fate. Some speculate that the descendants of the Easterlings eventually formed their own kingdoms and empires, mirroring the rise and fall of civilizations in the West. Others believe that Rhûn remained a land of perpetual conflict, with various tribes and warlords constantly vying for power.
Some scholars point to passages in Tolkien’s letters and other writings that hint at the possibility of redemption for some of the peoples of Rhûn. Perhaps some Easterling tribes eventually abandoned their allegiance to Sauron and embraced a more peaceful way of life. It is important to remember that Tolkien’s world is not black and white, and even those who served the forces of darkness could potentially find redemption.
Conclusion
The question of what happened to Rhûn remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in the history of Middle-earth. While the West experienced a time of relative peace and prosperity following the War of the Ring, the fate of Rhûn remains largely unknown. The region’s complex history, its diverse cultures, and its connection to Sauron all contribute to its enduring appeal.
The absence of definitive answers about Rhûn’s fate allows for a wide range of interpretations and theories. Did Gondor establish a lasting presence in the East? Did Rhûn descend into internal conflict? Did new leaders emerge, guiding the Easterlings towards a more peaceful future? Or did Rhûn simply remain a land apart, continuing its own path, untouched by the events in the West?
Ultimately, the fate of Rhûn serves as a reminder that even after great victories, the world is a complex and ever-changing place. The shadows of the past may linger, and new challenges may arise. While the West celebrated its triumph over Sauron, the story of Rhûn serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the struggle between good and evil is an ongoing process, and that the fate of entire regions can hang in the balance, waiting to be written. Rhûn is not just a place on a map; it is a question mark in the vast history of Middle-earth, inviting us to imagine its future and ponder the enduring legacy of the War of the Ring.
