Why Frodo Went to Valinor at the End of Lord of the Rings
Despite the Undying Lands being inaccessible to most mortal beings, Frodo and Bilbo Baggins are given passage to the realm after the events of The Lord of the Rings. The two Hobbits are exceptions to the rule because they’re Ring-bearers, a role that comes with great responsibility and takes a massive toll on the person stepping into it. Frodo leaves Middle-earth because he still suffers the devastating effects of wearing the One Ring, even years after destroying it. The injuries Frodo sustains carrying the ring and the emotional weight of his journey push him to seek peace.
The Undying Lands are the ideal place for Ring-bearers to go because Elves and other beings who venture there find rest and tranquility. Frodo is permitted to go there because he carried the One Ring, but he makes the choice to leave Middle-earth behind because he needs to heal. It’s a fitting and deserved end for Frodo, even if it’s a bit bittersweet.
Samwise Gamgee is also a Ring-bearer, which is why he eventually winds up in the Undying Lands. However, Merry and Pippin do not journey to the Undying Lands, even though they are both Hobbits who have shown great heroism during the War of the Ring. This is because heroics do not automatically grant one passage to Valinor, and even Aragorn does not go to the Undying Lands after The Lord of the Rings.
Pippin’s life after The Lord of the Rings sees him taking on an important position as the Thain of the Shire, overseeing its governing body and military. Merry and Pippin’s fates prove that there are many ways to be of use in Middle-earth, even if they don’t grant one access to the Undying Lands.
