At the end of the Lord of the Rings series, both in the books and the movies, Frodo leaves Middle Earth. His friends, especially Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) are shocked to see Frodo (Elijah Wood) go. However, what happens afterward? Does Frodo become immortal when he reaches the Undying Lands? Or does he simply live in peace for a while there before eventually passing? Does he ever reunite with Sam or other members of the Fellowship? What happens to Bilbo (Ian Holm)? Some fans might be wondering the answers to these questions. Only Tolkien would truly know, of course. Yet it is possible to discuss what might have happened based on the information that is known.
Firstly, it is important to understand why Bilbo and Frodo are able to go to the Undying Lands in the first place. Both of them had the Ring for a while, and therefore suffered its negative effects. It wouldn't be possible for even the greatest healer of Middle Earth to undo the effects of the Ring. Therefore, sailing with the Elves to the Undying Lands is the only option for both Ring-bearers if they want to truly heal. Frodo also gets to take Arwen's place on the boat, as in the books she offers it to him after her marriage to Aragorn. She sees how Frodo suffers from his wounds and all of the events of Lord of the Rings and wants to help him. Thanks to her, Frodo is able to go to the Undying Lands. But what fate awaits him and Bilbo there? Do they become immortal, or just live as long as they can and then pass away? Does Frodo ever reunite with his closest and most loyal friend, Sam?
What about Legolas and Gimli? Do they ever see Frodo again? To answer these questions, it is important to understand certain facts about the Undying Lands. Firstly, the reason for the name "Undying Lands" is not because the land grants anyone who goes there immortality. Rather, those who live in the Undying Lands are already immortal. So Frodo and Bilbo would not have become immortal upon reaching their destination. However, that does not necessarily mean that either Hobbit would meet their fate right away. Bilbo was very old, probably older than most Hobbits. However, with the right atmosphere, and enough healing, he might've been able to thrive for a year or two. Frodo was only 52 years old when he went to the Undying Lands. He probably would have, with the right conditions, survived for 50 or more years at least.
If not more. Depending on how much the Undying Lands and the people in them were able to aid in Frodo's healing. If they were able to heal Frodo enough, he might have lived to a good old age there. Which leads to Sam, Legolas, and Gimli. Do they ever see their friend Frodo again? According to Sam's daughter Elanor, her father went to the Grey Havens at the age of 102. Since Sam was 12 years younger than Frodo, he would've been 40 years old when Frodo left. Sixty-two years would've gone by since then, and that definitely would've been an old age for Frodo. That would make the older Hobbit 114. However, it is definitely a possibility that the two friends met in the Undying Lands, if Sam ever reached them.
Indeed, all Lord of the Rings fans know for sure is that Sam went to the Grey Havens. He unfortunately might not have gotten as far as the Undying Lands. If he did, however, it would have been nice if the two friends met again before Frodo's passing. It's definitely a possibility. Stranger things have certainly happened in fantasy worlds. As far as Legolas and Gimli are concerned, it seems less likely that they would be able to reunite with Frodo. Since they did not leave until Aragorn's passing, which takes place 59 years after Sam possibly left Middle Earth. So most likely, Legolas and Gimli wouldn't be able to see Frodo who would need to survive to the age of 173. Sam might be able to reunite with them but only if he survived to the age of 161, which seems unlikely. However, Lord of the Rings fans can still imagine that Sam might have reached Frodo in time to reunite with his closest friend.
It is not a sure thing, but based on the information that is known, it's a possibility. After all, going to the Undying Lands, for Frodo, is meant to be a reward for saving Middle Earth from Sauron's evil. It seems reasonable to conclude, therefore, that Frodo could've lived to a nice old age if his wounds were sufficiently healed. That would've been a nice reward, especially if it meant he could see Sam again. Of course, not every Lord of the Rings fan will agree. Some might feel that Frodo does not survive that long in the Undying Lands, due to his wounds and all he's been through. And if that was the case then he probably would not reunite with Sam. Some fans might feel the opposite, as well, and believe that Frodo and Sam would reunite with Legolas and Gimli in the Undying Lands. Everyone's different. Yet it seems possible that Frodo could've gotten to a good old age. And if he did, why wouldn't he meet Sam before he passed, if Sam indeed reached the Undying Lands.
Many things are possible in the world of Lord of the Rings. And even though Legolas and Gimli wouldn't be likely to meet the two Hobbits, they would at least have each other. It would be a truly bittersweet ending for these members of the Fellowship of the Ring. And that is likely what is intended.