The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The later period of history, counted from the beginning of the Fourth Age
Race
Noted as marking the ascendancy of Men
Meaning
The most recent period of history, as opposed the Middle Days and the Elder Days
Other names
Effectively equivalent to the time known as the Dominion of Men

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About this entry:

  • Updated 4 August 2023
  • This entry is complete

Younger Days

The Fourth Age and beyond

"The Elder Days are gone. The Middle Days are passing. The Younger Days are beginning."
Words of Saruman, reported by Gandalf
The Fellowship of the Ring II 2
The Council of Elrond

The end of the Third Age saw many changes in Middle-earth, and one of these was the true beginning of the time known as the Dominion of Men. Saruman saw history divided into three long aeons, beginning with the Elder Days of the First Age, when the Elves dominated Middle-earth, followed by the Middle Days of the Second and Third Ages that saw the ascension of Men and the fading of the Elves.

As the Third Age came to a close the Elves were waning in Middle-earth and Men were coming to the fore, and this was especially true after the destruction of the One Ring caused the Three Rings of the Elves to lose their power. After Sauron's final defeat the Keepers of the Three Rings, including Galadriel and Elrond, departed Middle-earth aboard the White Ship. From this time Men became the dominant people of Middle-earth, heralding the beginning of the Younger Days, the time of the Dominion of Men.


See also...

Middle Days

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 4 August 2023
  • This entry is complete

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