Sherlock Holmes is one of the most iconic fictional characters ever created. The brilliant private detective and his trusty sidekick Dr. Watson captivated readers when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first introduced them in 1887’s A Study in Scarlet. Holmes went on to be featured in 4 novels and 56 short stories by Doyle, solving all manner of mysteries and crimes in late Victorian England. But what ultimately happens to Sherlock Holmes? Does he meet his demise on one of his dangerous cases? Does he retire happily from his detective work? Let’s take a look at the details around the great detective’s final fate.
The Final Sherlock Holmes Stories
The vast majority of the Sherlock Holmes stories take place between 1881, when Holmes and Watson first meet, and 1893. The last set of 12 short stories Doyle wrote are collectively known as The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes and were published between 1921 and 1927.
In The Case-Book stories, Holmes is at the height of his deductive powers, taking on some of his most intriguing mysteries yet. Cases involve everything from determining the fate of a missing bicyclist to uncovering a secret agent plot to spy on the British navy. Holmes is as sharp as ever.
The final tale, “Shoscombe Old Place,” was published in 1927. In the story, Holmes is tasked with investigating mysterious happenings around a racing stable. He and Watson must get to the bottom of things before the hugely important Shoscombe race. Holmes, ever the brilliant sleuth, solves the case and prevents disaster.
Holmes’ Fate in Doyle’s Writings
Arthur Conan Doyle actually “killed off” Sherlock Holmes way back in 1893’s short story “The Final Problem.” In it, Holmes meets his apparent demise after a confrontation with his nemesis Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. Watson believes Holmes fell to his death along with Moriarty.
However, there was such a massive public outcry over losing the beloved character that Doyle brought Holmes back to life in 1901’s “The Adventure of the Empty House.” Doyle explained Holmes had faked his death to escape Moriarty’s gang. He then had several more years of adventures before making his final 1927 bow in “Shoscombe Old Place.”
So within Doyle’s writings, Holmes lives on seemingly in good health after his last case at age 58-60. Doyle leaves the great detective’s future open ended, but he clearly survives his adventures and there is no indication he plans to retire. Doyle let Holmes go out while still working on an exciting case.
Later Portrayals of Holmes’ Fate
While Doyle never showed Holmes’ passing, other writers took up the task of depicting the detective’s final fate in their own works. These later stories show different versions of how Holmes’ life comes to an end.
Some examples include:
The Final Problem (1942 film)
In this film adaptation, Holmes and Moriarty do indeed both perish together in Switzerland.
“The Final Problem” (1976 TV adaptation)
This follows Doyle’s original story, showing Holmes disappear at Reichenbach Falls presumed dead. However, there is a hint he may have survived.
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970 film)
In this take, Holmes is forced to fake his death at Reichenbach to prevent the theft of British state secrets. He then retires quietly to live anonymously as a beekeeper.
Sherlock Holmes: The Authorized Biography of the World’s Most Famous Detective (1944 book)
This book depicts Holmes retiring in 1903 after a long and successful career to live quietly in Sussex, taking up botany and writing books on apiculture under a pseudonym.
Sherlock Holmes and the Limehouse Horror (1994 book)
In this story, Holmes passes away peacefully in his armchair at home in 1927 after a long illness. Watson inherits most of his estate.
Key Takeaways on Holmes’ Fate
In summary, here are some key points on what happens to the great detective Sherlock Holmes:
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s last Holmes story in 1927 ends with the detective alive and still actively solving cases.
- Doyle originally “killed off” Holmes in 1893, but brought him back due to public demand.
- Later adaptations depict different versions of Holmes’ death, often at Reichenbach Falls or in retirement.
- No definitive account exists of Holmes’ fate. He lives on as an immortal legend.
The enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes means various interpretations of his ultimate fate will continue. But in Doyle’s original canon, the brilliant sleuth lives and works right to the very end, never losing his zeal for mystery-solving. Holmes embodies the timeless literary figure who seems destined to cheat death itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Sherlock Holmes really die at Reichenbach Falls?
In Doyle’s stories, Holmes only pretended to die at Reichenbach Falls and went on solving cases for decades afterwards. He returned in 1901’s “Adventure of the Empty House.” Some later adaptations did have Holmes perish in Switzerland.
How old was Sherlock Holmes when he retired?
There is no definitive retirement age for Holmes in Doyle’s writings. Many accounts have him working vigorously on cases into his late 50s or 60s. Retirement ages in the different portrayals of Holmes vary widely.
What did Sherlock Holmes do after he retired?
Different portrayals show Holmes taking up activities like beekeeping, botany, writing, and traveling during his retirement. But Doyle never actually showed Holmes retiring from sleuthing.
Did Sherlock Holmes marry?
No, Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes remained a bachelor devoted to detection until the end. Though he had some romantic interests, he never pursued marriage, preferring to remain wedded to his work.
When and how did Sherlock Holmes die?
Doyle’s stories never depict Holmes’ death. Later adaptations provide different accounts, including perishing at Reichenbach Falls, dying peacefully of old age at home, or living anonymously into an old age.
Conclusion
The brilliant Sherlock Holmes remains eternally active in the minds of readers. While Arthur Conan Doyle opted to have Holmes exit the literary stage still vigorously solving crimes, other storytellers chose to depict the great detective’s passing in different ways. But Holmes’ legend will never fade. Through the original stories as well as the myriad adaptations and re-imaginings, Holmes lives on forever as the quintessential master sleuth.