Migrations and monuments: Conclusion

Migrations and monuments: the story of the First Age in Eriador and Rhovanion

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“Migrations and monuments” quick links:

Contents | Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 |
Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Conclusion | Addendum 1 |
Addendum 2 | Bibliography
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📗 Conclusion

The migrations of the First Age created, at first, pockets of populations within Eriador and Rhovanion created when obstacles restricted movement or suitable land was discovered. In all of these migrations Melkor had a part to play, causing strife and conflict within the groups of Elves and Men, though for the Elves it was the arrival of one of the Valar, Oromë, which began their migration. The Valar never came to the Men in the East, something that was never forgotten or understood by the Men.

In the migrations we can clearly see the impact of natural barriers such as mountains and rivers made on the continuing movement of peoples and when some deem the barrier too challenging, they settle nearby or find suitable land behind their current path.

We also see the formation of the various races of Men along the migration route which includes both the Drúedain and Hobbits, though they are also distant from their relatives in many ways.

The Elves also see divisions which in later years has implications and a racial bias towards those that had journeyed towards and also been to Aman and against those who had not. In Mirkwood it is the Sindar who rule the Silvan elves, whilst the Avari are treated often with disdain for refusing to leave at all.

The Dwarves remain consistent throughout. Of all the races they create mansions and fortresses in stone first within Eriador and Rhovanion, early in the First Age (Years of Trees). They build road networks across the lands. They are also some of the first peoples to great both Elves and Men as they travel.

Both Tom Bombadil and the Ents wander as they please until they are restricted by land loss and encroachment of territory. They are the most long-lived in the lands of Eriador and Rhovanion.

This blog essay has been a journey in itself, much longer than I had anticipated but a thoroughly worthwhile endeavour. Gathering Tolkien’s textual evidence has brought me closer to the stories I love, though has also caused headaches when information is conflicted or development goes in more than one direction. There have been a tew rewrites of sections based on a re-reading of Tolkien’s words leading to a clear understanding. This is the nature of Tolkien’s works, which though collectively are a wonderous thing, they are not necessarily cohesive at times, to the frustration to the reader and the researcher.

We have seen the creation of Barrows, watch-stones of the Drúedain, the Dwarf-road from Beleriand to the Iron Hills, Mount Doom (in Addendum 1 below) and more. We have learned about the nomadic simple lifestyles of several groups and most importantly we have learned that “Not all those who wander are lost…”

I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog essay!

Next: 
📜 Addendum 1] “red flame” – a volcano crafted by evil

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“Migrations and monuments” quick links:

Contents | Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 |
Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Conclusion | Addendum 1 |
Addendum 2 | Bibliography
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