Watchful Peace

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The Watchful Peace was a relatively peaceful 4-century period during the Third Age, from T.A. 2063 until Sauron's return to Dol Guldur in 2460. During this time Dol Guldur was ruled by Khamûl the Easterling in the Absence of the Necromancer.

The Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened, but the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return.

Background

It was during this period that the Witch-king of Angmar had overthrown the Northern Kingdom of Arnor and its three successor kingdoms: Arthedain, Rhudaur, and Cardolan. The Elves of Rivendell however destroyed Angmar not long after.

The later years saw also the Nazgûl gathering back in Mordor and subsequently the capture of Minas Ithil, now renamed Minas Morgul. The Dwarves of Moria also suffered a big setback with the awakening of a Balrog and subsequently the evacuation of Khazad-dûm.

The last years before the Watchful peace, Gondor suffered the loss of its last childless King Earnur II, and the beginning of the Ruling Stewards.

Eventually the Wise feared that their enemy is active in Dol Guldur and in T.A. 2063 Gandalf went there; Sauron fled to the East so that he would not be identified.

History

The first ten Ruling Stewards had relative calm in which to renew their strength. During the Watchful Peace Gondor strengthened its borders, keeping a watchful eye on the east, as Minas Morgul was still a threat on their flank and Mordor was still occupied with Orcs. But no major escalations occurred except for minor skirmishes with the Haven of Umbar. Stewards of Gondor during the Watchful Peace included Mardil Voronwë, Eradan, Herion, Belegorn, Húrin I, Túrin I, Hador, Barahir, Dior, and Denethor I.

In the north, Arthedain and Arnor were long gone, but Angmar had also fallen. The first seven Chieftains of the Dúnedain reigned during the Watchful Peace: Aranarth, Arahael, Aranuir, Aravir, Aragorn I, Araglas, and Arahad I. The Hobbits of the Shire prospered and even expanded; Buckland was first occupied by Oldbucks at this time. Isumbras I became the first Tookish Thain of the Shire in 2340.

At the beginning of the Watchful Peace, the Dwarves of Durin's folk dwelt in both the Grey Mountains and in Erebor. Thráin I made his abode at Erebor, but the majority of his people inhabited the Grey Mountains and his son Thorin I moved there as well. He was followed as King of Durin's Folk by Glóin and Óin.

The Éothéod dwelt in the north vales of Anduin during the Watchful Peace.

Further south, some Stoors inhabited the areas near the Gladden Fields. Sméagol was born and spent his youth there toward the end of the Watchful Peace.

Sauron was not idle in the east: he created a strong alliance between the various tribes of Easterlings, so that when he returned he was more powerful and had many Men in his service.

It lasted until T.A. 2460, when Sauron returned with new strength. His return coincided with the One Ring revealed itself and Sméagol claimed it three years later.