Literature
What Became of Radagast the Brown After the War of the Ring?
What Became of Radagast the Brown After the War of the Ring?
In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, Radagast the Brown, one of the five Wizards, plays a significant role in protecting and nurturing the natural world of Middle-earth. However, the specifics of his activities and fate after the War of the Ring remain somewhat nebulous. This article delves into the possible scenarios and the limited information available about Radagast's life and mission post-war.
Radagast's Mission and Purpose
Radagast, a Druid-like figure, was one of the Wizards sent from the West to aid in the struggle against Sauron. His mission entailed protecting the natural environment and the creatures that inhabited it. Unlike his fellow Wizard Saruman, Radagast's approach was more organic and less about direct confrontation. His love for the wild creatures was profound, and he often prioritized their well-being over direct conflict against Sauron.
Speculation on Radagast's Fate
Given Tolkien's utterance#8212;only a few allusions are made to Radagast after the second reference to his abandoned home, Rhosgobel, it is challenging to definitively state what happened to him. Some theories suggest that he could have returned to Aman (the Undying Lands), but this is not explicitly mentioned in any of Tolkien's works.
Other interpretations lean toward Radagast remaining in Middle-earth. His commitment to the natural world and wildlife might have been so intense that he chose to remain on the continent, particularly in areas populated by various flora and fauna. In these regions, Radagast potentially evolved into a supernatural figure, similar to the enigmatic Tom Bombadil, fading away with the passage of time alongside the Elves.
Tolkien's Writings and Hints
In Tolkien's posthumous works, such as Unfinished Tales, there are hints at Radagast's likely fate. The essay suggests that Radagast's love for the birds and beasts of Middle-earth led to his mission's failure, and by the end of the Third Age, he had largely abandoned the struggle against Sauron. Unlike Saruman, whose failure was more about ambition and power, Radagast's was rooted in his deep love for nature. It's believed that the Valar (the gods of Tolkien's world) might have allowed his return, but Radagast himself may have refused, choosing instead to remain in Middle-earth and fade away into legend and folklore as the Age of Men advanced.
Conclusion
The fate of Radagast the Brown remains one of the many mysteries of the Middle-earth legendarium. Whether he stayed in Middle-earth, returned to Aman, or became a figure of legend and folklore, his story continues to captivate fans of Tolkien's works and sparks endless speculation. Tolkien left a rich tapestry of characters and environments in his writings, allowing readers to ponder the untold stories and lost tales of the land he created.