The Life of Legolas After the War of the Ring

J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium provides limited information about Legolas' life after the War of the Ring. In Tolkien's universe, elves are often portrayed as being more focused on their duties and the well-being of their people than on marriage and family.

Elvish Loyalty and Duties

The legendary works of Tolkien suggest that elves like Legolas prioritize their responsibilities and the advancement of their people. After the war, the fate of Legolas is somewhat ambiguous, but it is known that he eventually sailed to the Undying Lands.

Legolas' Journey and Colonization

At least, Legolas did not remain in Middle-earth. He led elves from Greenwood to Ithilien, where they established a colony. Legolas and his companions worked to restore the former beauty and fertility of Ithilien. His close friendship with Gimli son of Gloin was renowned, and Gimli became the Lord of the Glittering Caves in Rohan.

Sea-longing and Final Voyage

Legolas' spirit was stirred by the cry of seagulls when Aragorn and his companions captured the Corsair ships, signaling the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Following Galadriel's vision, this event awakened a sea-longing in Legolas. After Aragorn's death, Legolas built a ship in Ithilien and set sail down the river Anduin to the sea and eventually to the Undying Lands of the West.

According to the accounts, Legolas took Gimli with him as a sign of their great friendship. There is no mention of Legolas having taken a wife, suggesting he may have remained single.

Speculation and Records

It is possible that Legolas could have married and started a family in the Undying Lands, but there would be no records of this event in Middle-earth. The appendices and other writings of Tolkien mainly focus on his characters' roles in the mainland, leaving his fate unexplored to a certain extent.

The life of Legolas post-war is both a tale of service and a journey of individual choice and destiny. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers, making him a beloved figure in the rich tapestry of Tolkien's legendarium.