Object: Bilbo Baggins’s Cane Before Going West
Medium: Oak shaft with Brass Knob Gilded in Gold
Creator: Unknown, but thought to be one of Galadriel’s maidens
Date of Manufacture: Unknown, but has been seen in Lothlorien for known memory.
Place of Creation: Assumed to be Lothlorien, but has been rumored to come directly from Valinor.
Artifact Number: M-h 472
Collection: Permanent
Source: Donated by Samwise Gamgee on behalf of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins.
Gifts are an important part of both Hobbit culture as well as that of Galadriel and Celeborn of Lothlorien. While many others gifts were given to the Fellowship of the Ring during the War of the Ring, this cane was given specifically to Bilbo to aid his final days before going West with one of the final journeys of Elves leaving Middle-Earth. Despite the value of this item to the Elves, being inscribed with tree-like etchings to denote its connection with Lothlorien, it was given to him to honor his dedication to elven lore and the preservation of their culture. Upon his departure, it was left with specific instructions to be sent to the Mathom House, so the Elves are never forgotten by the Shire.
Image Copyright Information:
Photographs. ‘Cane’. Medium: Oak with Brass Knob. Manufacturer: Unknown, thought to be a local artist. Description: Cane, functional. Date: ca. 1990s. Original Owner: Unknown. Photographer: Chris Isaak. Source of Object: Cane used by Chris Isaak during his adolescence. Date Created: November 8, 2024. License: May not be reproduced without permission of this page’s creator.
The Last March of Bilbo Baggins: His Adventures after the War.
Bilbo Baggins, aged beyond his years, had finally decided to travel back to the Shire. His time in Rivendell had been an appreciated respite from the pain and fatigue inherent in a life too long, but it was finally time to travel West. He had wondered if Frodo would come with him on this journey, but there was no use dwelling on it, as what would be would be. One of Elrond’s pages came up to him, a bit intimidated by the great Hobbit, and waited to be acknowledged.
“Yes, my boy? What is it?” inquired Bilbo, irritated at being postponed in his departure.
“Galadriel has sent you a package as thanks to aid you in your journey,” stated the page humbly, “it will help you remember your time with us, and you have done much to preserve our memory in times to come.”
The page handed over a long object that, to Bilbo, reminded him of his many journeys in the forests of Middle-Earth, from his travels to the lonely mountain, all the way to his journeys after handing over his ring, his precious, to Frodo on that fateful night and beyond. A tear came to his eye, as he quickly turned away and busied himself with his bags. The page had glanced out the window, gazing at the mountains, glistening in the golden sunlight, seeming to ignore Bilbo’s moment of vulnerability.
The object was a cane, ornately carved with a head etched with images of greenery, reminiscent of the trees of Lothlorien and reminded Bilbo of those written about in elven legend which once sat in Valinor, trees he had always wanted to see, but which had been destroyed long ago, forever out of his touch. The head seemed to be gold, but was light in weight, revealing its true nature as being gilded. There was a power inherent in this cane, Bilbo could feel it, but it was a subtle power which made him confident that one day he would finally be able to see Valinor, the West often spoken about by the Elves.
Now that it was finally time to leave, Bilbo was reluctant to go from this land of marvels which had healed his soul and body after all those years being the Ringbearer as much was possible. He knew that he would never be fully healed, even if he went West, but he believed he would finally be able to rest and be content with his contributions to the world and that, after all, what he cared about would survive in the years to come, his existence not being a complete waste of time. Still, there was Frodo, who had not carried the Ring for so long, who might be able to heal across the Sea, in the land of myth and dreams believed to be the heaven spoken of in the ancient scrolls.
“I suppose it is time to go,” muttered Bilbo, reluctantly, “no time putting it off.”
The page, knowing how hard it was for Bilbo to leave Rivendell, this land where many creatures had come to rest, simply said “very good,” and left to prepare for Bilbo’s departure. He knew it was the last time he was going to see the old Hobbit and, even though Bilbo was only alive for a brief time compared to Elves, he knew that he would always remember how Bilbo’s poetry brought joy to the halls during the War and prevented despair from overcoming those lucky enough to meet him.
* * *
Bilbo’s travels lasted many years in which he visited all his friends, both past and present, and brought closure to his life. He enjoyed these years, confident that this cane would keep him alive long enough to finish his business and finally see the Sea of which so many tales of the Shire spoke. He had heard of it many times, even dreamed of it in his darkest hours, yet he knew that when he saw it, it would be both the first and last time before he left this world he had known for so long, forever.
Bilbo visited the Shire for the last time before his final journey to the Sea but made sure that no one saw him. He knew that if his friends saw him that he would never be able to leave; he would never be able to let go. This thought reminded him of the Ring, all those years ago when he had touched it for the last time. This time, it was his choice, and he left the cane in Bag End while those he loved slept with a sign to send it to the Mathom House. It saddened him, but he was glad that this little token of the elder days, of the elves that he loved so much, would be left in the Shire to remind others of the times of legend left behind with the coming of the Fourth Age. He left the Shire, never to return, sure this time that he would see those that he cared for most before the end.