The Fate of Dunland after the Defeat of Sauron in The Lord of the Rings
In The Lord of the Rings and J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, the aftermath of the War of the Ring saw significant changes in the political and social landscape. One of the most interesting transformations was the relationship between the ancient enemies, the Dunlendings, and the emergent kingdom of Rohan.
The Defeat of the Dunlendings and Their Aftermath
Following the Battle of the Hornburg, the Rohirrim allowed the surviving Dunlendings to return to their homes on the condition that all hostilities cease and they retreat behind the Isen river. This was a tactical move by the Rohirrim to secure their own borders and maintain peace in the region. Initially, the relationship was tense, as it was during the events leading up to the War of the Ring. However, these arrangements were a step towards a more enduring peace.
King éomer and His Policy of Reconciliation
King éomer, the new king of Rohan, had a significant role in shaping the future of Dunland. He recognized the need for reconciliation and peace in the region. The themes of healing and unity that pervaded the end of the War of the Ring provided a foundation for éomer's efforts to integrate the Dunlendings into the broader kingdom. King éomer might have worked towards fostering cooperation rather than conflict, ensuring that the region could prosper under the new order.
The Dunlendings and the Reunited Kingdom
The ultimate fate of Dunland and the Dunlendings was a complex one. While Tolkien does not provide explicit details, we can infer from the broader context of his legendarium that the Dunlendings were granted a measure of protection and reconciliation. The Men of Dunland, the hill-folk in Dunland, were the ancient enemies of Númenóreans and later Rohan and Gondor during the Third Age. Their hatred of these Kingdoms was heightened by Saruman's manipulations, which are depicted in the books. Despite Saruman's portrayal of a merciless Rohan and Gondor, the Dunlendings were eventually defeated at the Battles of the Isen but showed mercy from the Rohirrim.
Post-defeat, the Dunlendings discovered the truth about Saruman's lies and began to fight alongside Rohan and Gondor against Sauron's forces. In recognition of their heroism during the War of the Ring, King Elessar (who is Boromir's son) granted the Dunlendings the return to their homes in Dunland. This action recognized them as Men of the West, part of the broader Reunited Kingdom.
The Reunited Kingdom and Dunland
The Dunlendings becoming a protectorate of the Reunited Kingdom was a significant development. This status implied a form of administrative and political oversight by the Reunited Kingdom, recognizing the Dunlendings' recovery and reintegration into broader society. The title "Men of the West" symbolically placed the Dunlendings within the cultural and political unity of Middle-earth, a testament to the reconciliation and healing that took place after the War of the Ring.
Conclusion
The transformation of Dunland and the Dunlendings from adversaries to protectates of the Reunited Kingdom is a powerful narrative of peace and reconciliation. It reflects the broader themes of unity and cooperation that were central to Tolkien's legendarium. While the journey was fraught with challenges, the eventual resolution provides a compelling story of redemption and shared prosperity.