J.R.R. Tolkien's Unfinished Masterpiece: The Return of the New Shadow

While J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for the epic fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings, he also left behind an unfinished and deeply sinister sequel that hints at a much darker tale of Middle-earth. Several references in his letters and manuscripts suggest that The New Shadow was a profound exploration of the post-war era in Middle-earth, but what exactly did Tolkien's work reveal? Let's delve into the intriguing possibilities.

Post-War Middle-earth

The aftermath of the War of the Ring left the lands of Middle-earth in a state of profound change. While the shadow of Sauron was vanquished, the seeds of discontent and revolution began to sprout among the populations. Many questions arise regarding the future of Gondor, the kingdom of men, and the legacy of Aragorn and his descendants.

A Snapshot of Middle-earth

According to The Peoples of Middle-earth, specifically Volume XII of the The History of Middle-earth (HoMe), The New Shadow is set 100 years after the downfall of Sauron during the reign of Eldarion, the son of Aragorn and Queen Arwen. During this time, Tolkien outlined a story that divided Middle-earth itself: a tale of paranoia and tension among the Men of the West, including Gondorians and Rohirrim.

The Fall of Man and Political Strife

In The New Shadow, Tolkien envisioned a world where the Men of the West, particularly the people of Gondor, experienced a 'quick satiety with good.' This complacency led to political unrest and discontent among the citizens, which culminated in revolutionary plots. These plots were centered around a secretive, Satanic religion, and teenage boys mimicking orcs, engaging in vandalism and other forms of mischief.

Tolkien himself wrote in Letter 256: 'I found that even so early [100 years post-defeat of Sauron] there was an outcrop of revolutionary plots about a centre of secret Satanistic religion while Gondorian boys were playing at being Orcs and going around doing damage.' To Tolkien, this was a powerful juxtaposition of childhood innocence and adult malice, and he found it too depressing and sinister to continue further.

Altered Characters and Continuity

Significantly, The New Shadow presents a different perspective on the characters we know and love from the books. Eldarion, the son of Aragorn and Arwen, would have faced a world far removed from the peace and glory brought by his father. Instead of a seamless continuation of peace and prosperity, Middle-earth would have seen the rise of new political challenges and internal strife.

This also casts a different light on the Defeat of Sauron. While Sauron's defeat brought hope and a new era of peace, The New Shadow suggests that such tranquility might be short-lived. This nuanced portrayal of Men and their fall from grace adds depth and complexity to the post-war narrative.

Key Themes and Assertions

Several key themes emerge from The New Shadow:

Political Instability: The story highlights the unpredictable nature of political power. Even under a fair and just ruler like Aragorn, the underlying dissatisfaction among the populace can erupt into conflict. Coming of Age: The idea that even in times of peace, a new generation can be unruly and rebellion is a natural part of growth. This is perhaps most evident in Tolkien's depiction of teenage boys playing as orcs and engaging in destructive behavior. Dark Religion: The presence of a 'secret Satanistic religion' introduces a darker element to Middle-earth, suggesting that the triumph over Sauron did not eradicate all forms of evil. This adds a layer of tension and fear to the post-war era.

Conclusion: Why Did Tolkien Abandon It?

Tolkien's decision to abandon The New Shadow was not due to a lack of ideas or creativity. Instead, it was likely a reflection of his belief that the narrative resonated too closely with the darker aspects of humanity. The devastating consequences of having a 'quick satiety with good' and the emergence of revolutionary plots and secret religions were too depressing and sinister for Tolkien to continue.

However, the concept of The New Shadow holds significant value for fans and scholars alike. It expands our understanding of Middle-earth and offers a more complex and nuanced view of the post-war era. Whether or not we get to see this story in full, its existence challenges us to re-examine the legacy of the characters and events from The Lord of the Rings.