The Aftermath of Aragorn's Coronation: Rhun's Fate After King Elessar

As the Hobbits and the Fellowship formally bid farewell, Aragorn is crowned King Elessar of Gondor at the end of the Third Age, securing peace and stability for Middle-earth. However, what happens to Rhun, a character from the past, remains an intriguing question. In the context of LOTR ancillaries, a key event involving King Elessar and King éomer of Rohan marked a significant turning point. Without Sauron's influence, the Easterlings, particularly Rhun, took a notable path towards demilitarization and reduced aggression. This article delves into the post-Sauron era in Gondor and its implications for Rhun and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Strength in Battles: Gondor's Military Expeditions

Before Sauron's defeat, the Easterlings, led by figures like Rhun, were formidable opponents, driven not only by their own martial prowess but also by Sauron's manipulative will and the fear of retribution. The flows of tension and conflict were orchestrated around the Easterlings as a test of the resolve of Gondor and its allies. In the appendices of the Lord of the Rings, it is evident that Gondor's military expeditions were a testament to the strength and unity of the realms. These invasions included early incursions by groups like the Wainriders, who were undoubtedly guided by Sauron to gauge the mettle of the kingdoms, particularly Gondor. Each successful campaign, be it led by King Elessar himself or by King éomer in alliance with Gondor, served as a striking demonstration of the diminished threat Rhun's faction posed.

In the Wake of Sauron's Defeat: Post-Sauron's Resolve

With the overwhelming defeat of Sauron, a significant shift in the psyche and actions of the Easterlings occurred. King Elessar, understanding the ramifications of such a monumental victory, orchestrated military expeditions that not only displayed the might of the combined forces of Gondor and its allies but also served as a clear deterrent. The primary intention of mounting these expeditions was to communicate to any remaining Easterlings that the era of domination was over, and they would face united resistance if they sought to behave as before. This period marked the beginning of a new era where the once antagonistic Easterlings, including Rhun, sought to reintegrate into the broader coalescing fabric of Middle-earth.

Rhun's Turn for Peace

Rhun, along with his people, realized the futility of belligerence. The successful military campaigns led by Gondor and the untainted resolve of King Elessar acted as powerful catalysts for change. Rhun's faction, like many others, shifted from aggression to a more peaceful approach, understanding the perilous consequences of continued hostility. Under the leadership of King Elessar, the realms of Gondor and Rohan sought to foster a new era of friendship and mutual respect. This was not merely a change in governance but a fundamental transformation in the societal mindset of the Easterlings, with Rhun at the forefront of embracing this new path.

Conclusion

While the parade and public festivities celebrated the unification and stability of Middle-earth, the quiet explorations into the minds and hearts of the Easterlings like Rhun revealed a profound shift in the balance of power. The legacy of King Elessar and the military expeditions led by Gondor post-Sauron established a precedent of peace that set the stage for the future. The intricate interconnectedness of the story of Rhun, King Elessar, and the Easterlings serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey of Middle-earth towards a more harmonious existence.