An encyclopedia of Middle-earth and Numenor
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An encyclopedia of Middle-earth and Numenor |
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Anárion |
Decipher
card of Anarion
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Second
King of Gondor through whom the line of Kings
descended. Anarion was born in Numenor in 3219
of the Second Age. He was the son of Elendil
and he had an older brother Isildur. Anarion
had four children. The three eldest were most likely daughters, and the
fourth was a son named Meneldil who was the last
man born in Numenor in 3318.
Anarion and his family were among the Faithful who rejected the efforts of Sauron to corrupt the Men of Numenor. Sauron convinced Ar-Pharazon, King of Numenor, to wage war against the Valar in a misguided attempt to attain immortality. When Ar-Pharazon's fleet set out for the Undying Lands in 3319, the Faithful remained in Numenor. The fleet was destroyed and Numenor sank beneath the Sea, but the Faithful had prepared their own ships and were able to escape to Middle-earth.
Anarion had two ships of his own, Isildur had three, and Elendil had four. Elendil's ships landed in northern Middle-earth and Anarion and Isildur sailed to south to the Bay of Belfalas and up the Anduin. In 3320, the North-kingdom of Arnor and the South-kingdom of Gondor were founded. Elendil was the High King and lived in Arnor, while Isildur and Anarion jointly ruled Gondor in the south.
The capital of Gondor was Osgiliath on the Anduin. Isildur and Anarion each had a throne there in the Great Hall. Anarion built the stronghold of Minas Anor in the region of Anorien on the west side of the Anduin. He kept the palantir called the Anor-stone there.
Unknown to Isildur and Anarion, Sauron had returned to Mordor. In 3429, Sauron attacked Gondor and captured Isildur's stronghold Minas Ithil. Isildur went north to Arnor to consult with Elendil. Anarion remained behind to defend Gondor. He was able to hold Osgiliath and drive Sauron's forces back to Mordor for the time being, but he feared he would not be able to withstand another assault.
Elendil formed the Last Alliance with Gil-galad of the Elves. They came south in 3434 and joined with Anarion's forces and fought the War of the Last Alliance against Sauron. The Last Alliance defeated Sauron's forces in the Battle of Dagorlad and entered Mordor. They besieged Sauron in Barad-dur for seven years. Sauron attacked the siege army from above with fire and projectiles.
In 3440, Anarion was killed by a stone cast from the Dark Tower that crushed his helmet. The siege ended the next year in 3441 when Sauron came down and fought Elendil and Gil-galad, who were both killed. Sauron also fell and Isildur took the One Ring from him, which allowed Sauron's spirit to survive.
Isildur intended to be High King of both Gondor and Arnor and to live in the North-kingdom while Anarion's son Meneldil directly ruled Gondor. But Isildur was killed by Orcs in the Gladden Fields in the year 2 of the Third Age. Isildur's only surviving son Valandil was still a child, and when he came of age he took up the kingship of Arnor but did not claim the High Kingship.
Meneldil therefore remained the sole ruler and Anarion's descendants continued to rule Gondor until the line of Kings ended with Earnur in 2050. At the end of the Third Age, the kingship was resumed by Aragorn who was a direct descendant of Isildur but was also a descendant of Anarion through Firiel, daughter of King Ondoher of Gondor, who married Arvedui of the North-kingdom.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Anárion means
"Sun son" in Quenya from Anar meaning "the Sun" and the masculine
ending -ion denoting "son of."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Akallabeth," p. 272, 279-80; "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age,"
p. 290-97
The Fellowship
of the Ring: "The Council of Elrond," p. 256-58; "The Great River,"
p. 409
The Two
Towers: "The Window on the West," p. 278, 286
The Return
of the King: "The Pyre of Denethor," p. 130
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 317; "The Realms
in Exile," p. 318; "The North-kingdom and the Dunedain," p. 323 note 1;
"Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 324, 329-30; "The Stewards," p. 336-37
Appendix
B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 365
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for NAR and YON
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 191-92, 195, 197
Unfinished
Tales: "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields," p. 271, 279 note 10
Meneldil was the last man to be born in Numenor.* Numenor was destroyed in 3319, the year after his birth. Meneldil was brought to Middle-earth by his father Anarion and they lived in Minas Anor. Anarion and his brother Isildur jointly ruled Gondor, while their father Elendil was High King and lived in the North-kingdom of Arnor.
In 3434, the Men of Gondor and Arnor joined forces with the Elves to wage war against Sauron. Anarion was killed during the Siege of Barad-dur in 3440. Elendil was killed in 3441, but Sauron was defeated. Isildur took the One Ring and Sauron's spirit went into hiding in the East.
Isildur intended to be High King of both Gondor and Arnor and live in the North like Elendil had. He committed the direct rule of Gondor to Meneldil. Isildur remained in Gondor for about two years to order the realm and instruct Meneldil. Together they journeyed through all the lands of Gondor. They buried the remains of Elendil on Halifirien and Isildur advised Meneldil that he and his heirs should occasionally visit the hallowed place.
Isildur set out for Arnor on September 5 of the year 2 of the Third Age. Meneldil was courteous and bid Isildur farewell, but he was glad to see him go and he hoped that Isildur would not interfere too much in the rule of Gondor.
Isildur and his three eldest sons were killed by Orcs during his journey home. Isildur's youngest son Valandil was still a child. When Valandil came of age in the year 10, he assumed the Kingship of Arnor but did not claim to be High King of Gondor and Arnor. Meneldil was therefore left on his own to rule Gondor and the Crown passed to his descendants.
Meneldil died in 158 and was succeeded by his son Cemendur.
*Note: In an earlier draft of the chronology, Meneldil's birth date was given as 3299 while Isildur's eldest son was said to be the last man born in Numenor in 3318 (HoME XII, p. 208). But in a later draft it is Meneldil who was the last born in Numenor in 3318 (HoME XII, p. 191, 197).
Names &
Etymology:
The name Meneldil means "heaven
friend" or "astronomer" in Quenya from menel meaning "heaven" and
the ending ndil meaning "friend, devoted to."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
The Fellowship
of the Ring: "The Council of Elrond," p. 265
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 329-30
Unfinished
Tales: "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields," p. 271, 279 note 10; "Cirion
and Eorl," p. 308
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 191, 197, 208, 212
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for menel
and ndil
The Letters
of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297 (meaning of Meneldil)
Names &
Etymology:
The name Cemendur means "Earth
servant" from kemen meaning "earth" and the ending ndur meaning
"to serve." Also spelled
Kemendur, as it is pronounced.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
The Letters
of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297
Names &
Etymology:
The name Eärendil means
"lover of the Sea" in Quenya. The word
eär means "the Sea"
and the ending ndil means "devotion." Eärendil
was the name of a famous mariner in the First Age.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
The Letters
of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297
Names &
Etymology:
The name Anardil means "Sun
friend" in Quenya from Anar meaning "the Sun" and the ending -dil
meaning
"devotion."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for nar
and (n)dil
In 490, Gondor was attacked for the first time by the Easterlings. Ostoher died two years later in 492 at the age of 270 and was succeeded by his son Tarostar, who defeated the Easterlings in 500 and took the name Romendacil I.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Ostoher is composed
of the Quenya words osto meaning "fortress" and her from
heru
meaning "lord." This may be a reference to the rebuilding of Minas Anor
during Ostoher's reign.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 324
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197; "The Tale of Years of the Third Age," p. 228
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for os(t)
and heru
In 490, Gondor was attacked by hostile Men from the East known as Easterlings. Tarostar led the defense of Gondor in place of his elderly father. Ostoher died two years later in 492 and Tarostar succeeded him as King. In 500, Tarostar defeated the Easterlings and drove them out of Gondor. He took the name Romendacil meaning "East-victor."
Romendacil I was the first King to appoint a Steward. One of the duties of the Steward was to remain in Gondor while the King went to war. Romendacil I also began the tradition of leaving written instructions to be used by the King's heir in case of the King's untimely death.
In 541, the Easterlings attacked again and Romendacil I was killed in battle. He was succeeded by his son Turambar, who avenged his father and won territory for Gondor in the East.
Names &
Etymology:
The first element in the name Tarostar
is tar meaning "high, noble" in Quenya. The second element ostar
is unclear. In early works, the word Ostor meant "the East" - which
could be a reference to his future victory over the Easterlings - but the
word for "East" was changed to Rómen in later works. It seems
more likely that ostar is from the root ost meaning "fortress"
as in the name of his father Ostoher. In one source (BoLT
2, p. 336) the word ostar is said to mean "township."
The name Rómendacil means "East-victor" from Rómen meaning "East" and dacil from nacil meaning "victor." Also spelled Rómendakil as it is pronounced. He was the first King of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 324
Unfinished
Tales: "Cirion and Eorl," p. 308-9, 319 note 53
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. I, The Book of Lost Tales Part One: "Appendix
- Names in The Lost Tales Part One," p. 264
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. II, The Book of Lost Tales Part Two: "Appendix
- Names in The Lost Tales Part Two," p. 336
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for romen
Quenya
Affixes
Names &
Etymology:
The name Turambar means "master
of doom" in Quenya from
tur meaning "power, mastery" and ambar
meaning
"doom." Turin Turambar was the name of a legendary figure in the
First Age.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 324
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for amarth
and tur
Names &
Etymology:
The name Atanatar means "father
of Men" in Quenya from
Atani meaning "Men" and atar meaning
"father." He was the first King of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
The Silmarillion:
Index, entries for Atanatari, Atani; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya
and Sindarin Names," entry for atar
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
Siriondil succeeded his father as King in 748. During Siriondil's reign, his son Tarannon expanded Gondor's territory westward and southward along the coasts. Siriondil died in 830. Tarannon became King but had no children of his own and was followed by Tarciryan's son Earnil I.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Siriondil might
mean "friend of the Great River." The ending ndil means "friend,
devotion." The Sirion was a river in Beleriand. Its name meant "great river"
in Sindarin. The names of the Kings of Gondor were in Quenya, but the root
sir
meaning "flow" is also found in Quenya. Siriondil's name could be an allusion
to the Anduin which also means "great
river."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318
The Silmarillion:
Index, entry for Sirion; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarion
Names," entry for sir
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for SIR
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
When Tarannon became King in 830, he took the name Falastur meaning "Lord of the Coasts." He was the first of the four Ship-kings who increased Gondor's fleets and sea power. Tarannon Falastur lived near the Sea south of Pelargir in a house that stood on arches in the waters of the Anduin.
Tarannon Falastur married a woman named Beruthiel who may have been of Black Numenorean descent. The ancestors of the Black Numenoreans were Men of Numenor who were corrupted by Sauron and turned to evil. They lived along the southern coasts in Harad and particularly around Umbar, which was not under the control of Gondor at that time.
It was highly unusual for one of the Kings of Gondor - who were descendants of the Faithful of Numenor - to marry a Black Numenorean. How this came about is not known. Beruthiel may have deceived Tarannon Falastur about her identity. Or perhaps the marriage may have been an attempt at an alliance or reconciliation with the inhabitants of the southern coasts. If so, it was unsuccessful.
Tarannon Falastur and Beruthiel were unhappy together. Beruthiel hated the Sea, and she left her husband's house on the water and went to live alone in the King's House in Osgiliath. There she reverted to the evil ways of her people and she began to spy on the people of Gondor with the help of her cats. Eventually Tarannon Falastur banished her from Gondor and set her and her cats adrift on a ship sailing southward past Umbar.
Tarannon Falastur had no children. He was the first King of Gondor to have no direct successor. This was later seen as an early warning sign of the eventual decay of the bloodline of Gondor. When Tarannon died in 913, he was succeeded by his brother Tarciryan's son, Earnil I.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Tarannon may mean
"King's gift" in Quenya. The element tar means "high, noble" and
was used as a prefix to the names of the Kings of Numenor. The element
annon
may be a form of the word anna meaning "gift."
The name Falastur means "Lord of the Coasts" from falassë meaning "coast" and tur meaning "power, mastery."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; 'Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 324-25
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
Unfinished
Tales: "The Istari," p. 401-402 note 7
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for anna,
falas, tar, tur
"The Realms
of Tolkien" by Daphne Castell in New Worlds, November, 1966, p.
147-148. Online text at Fantastic
Metropolis. (Interview with Tolkien mentioning Queen Beruthiel
as a Black Numenorean.)
A
Journey in the Dark: Reflections on the Identity of Queen Beruthiel
by Chris Seeman
Earnil I was the second of the four Ship-kings. He built a great navy for Gondor and he repaired the havens at Pelargir. In 933, Earnil I led a force by land and Sea to besiege the Havens of Umbar on the coast of Harad. Many inhabitants of Umbar were descended from the Black Numenoreans who had been corrupted by Sauron. They hated the people of Gondor, who were the descendants of the Faithful of Numenor.
Gondor's forces captured Umbar but many lives were lost in the battle. Earnil I fortified Umbar and it became an important port for Gondor.
Just three years later in 936, Earnil I perished at Sea along with the crews of many ships when they were caught in a storm off the coast of Umbar. Earnil I was succeeded by his son Ciryandil.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Eärnil is a
contraction of Eärendil, meaning "lover of the Sea." The word
eär
means "the Sea" and the ending ndil means "devotion." Earnil I was
the first King of Gondor of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 325
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
The Letters
of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
In 1015, the Men of Harad attacked Gondor's stronghold at Umbar, which had been taken from the Haradrim during the reign of Earnil I. Ciryandil was killed in battle and Umbar was besieged. His son Ciryaher eventually defeated the Haradrim and took the name Hyarmendacil I.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Ciryandil means
"ship friend" in Quenya from cirya meaning "ship" and the ending
ndil
meaning
"devotion." Also spelled Kiryandil as it is pronounced.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 325
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix
- Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for kir
and ndil
In 1015, Ciryandil was killed in battle with the Men of Harad, who wanted to recapture the Havens of Umbar from Gondor. The Haradrim then besieged Umbar for 35 years. Ciryaher waited and gathered his strength and then in 1050 he attacked the siege army of the Haradrim by sea and by land. The Haradrim were defeated and their kings were forced to acknowledge the overlordship of Gondor and to send their sons there as hostages.
Ciryaher took the name Hyarmendacil, meaning "South-victor." In the south, Gondor's territory extended to the River Harnen and along the coast to Umbar. Gondor's borders also stretched east to the Sea of Rhun, west beyond the Misty Mountains to the Greyflood, and north to the Field of Celebrant and the edge of Mirkwood.
Gondor was at the height of its power during the reign of Hyarmendacil I. He was the fourth and last of the Ship-kings and he maintained a great fleet and made Umbar an important port of Gondor. Mordor was closely guarded from the forts maintained on its borders. Gondor's enemies were subdued and the land was at peace.
Hyarmendacil I ruled for 134 years, which was the second-longest reign of any King. (Tarondor had the longest reign.) Hyarmendacil I died in 1149 and was succeeded by his son Atanatar II.
Names &
Etymology:
His birth name Ciryaher means
"Ship lord" in Quenya from cirya meaning "ship" and heru
meaning "lord." Hyarmendacil means "South-victor" from hyarmen
meaning "south" and dacil from nacil meaning "victor." He
was the first King of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 325
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for heru,
hyarmen and kir
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 197-98, 210; "The Making of Appendix A," p. 260
Quenya
Affixes
But Atanatar II did nothing to add to his father's achievements. He was content to enjoy the wealth of his great realm without working to maintain it. He lived a life of leisure and was called Alcarin, "the Glorious," not because of his deeds but for his luxurious lifestyle. He replaced the helm of Isildur, which had been used as the Crown of Gondor, with a Crown of silver and jewels. Gondor began to decline during his reign, and its defenses and vigilance weakened.
Gandalf the Grey may have visited Gondor for the first time during the reign of Atanatar II.
Atanatar II had two sons, Narmacil and Calmacil. Narmacil's son Minalcar took an active role in the councils during Atanatar's reign. When Atanatar II died in 1226 he was succeeded by Narmacil, but Narmacil had no children of his own and was later succeeded by Calmacil. Both of them turned over the duties of Kingship to Minalcar (known as Romendacil) who served as their Regent.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Atanatar means "father
of Men" in Quenya from
Atani meaning "Men" and atar meaning
"father." He was the second King of that name.
The word Alcarin means "glorious" from alcar meaning "glory, brilliance, splendor."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "The North-kingdom
and the Dunedain," p. 323 note 1; "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion," p.
325
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 198; "The Making of Appendix A," p. 260
Unfinished
Tales: "The Istari," p. 400
The Silmarillion:
Index, entries for Atanatari, Atani; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya
and Sindarin Names," entries for aglar and atar
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
Narmacil I became King after his father's death in 1226. Like his father, Narmacil I preferred a life of leisure and had no interest in governing the realm. In 1240, he appointed his nephew Minalcar, son of Calmacil, as Regent. Narmacil remained King in name only while Minalcar took over all his duties.
Gondor was troubled by Easterlings from beyond the Sea of Rhun. In 1248, the Regent Minalcar defeated them and took the name Romendacil, or "East-victor." Romendacil withdrew Gondor's northern border east of the Anduin to the Emyn Muil and built forts along the western side of Anduin. Romendacil also strengthened relations with the Northmen who lived along the frontier with Rhun.
Narmacil I had no children. When he died in 1294 his younger brother Calmacil became King though Romendacil continued to rule as Regent.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Narmacil is composed
of nar meaning "fire" and macil meaning "sword." Also spelled
Narmakil
as it is pronounced. He was the first King of Gondor of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 325-26
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for MAK and NAR
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 198
Calmacil had two sons named Minalcar and Calimehtar. The elder son Minalcar was a man of great vigor who acted as Regent when his uncle, King Narmacil I, decided to relinquish all his duties. After Narmacil's death in 1294, Calmacil officially became King, but he too ruled in name only and left the work of governance to his son.
Calmacil died in 1304 and Minalcar was crowned King under the name Romendacil II. Calmacil's younger son Calimehtar was the grandfather of Castamir who usurped the throne of Gondor during the reign of Eldacar in 1437.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Calmacil is composed
of cal meaning "shine" and macil meaning "sword." Also spelled
Kalmakil
as it is pronounced.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 325-26
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for KAL and MAK
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 198-9; "The Making of Appendix A," p. 259-60
Minalcar's grandfather Atanatar II, his uncle Narmacil I, and his father Calmacil all neglected their duty to Gondor in favor of their own comfort. Minalcar, however, took after his great-grandfather Hyarmendacil I. Minalcar was strong and vigorous and he took great interest in Gondor's affairs. He was an active and valued participant in councils during the reign of Atanatar II.
After Narmacil I succeeded Atanatar II, Minalacar took on an even more active role. Narmacil I wanted to be relieved of the duties of Kingship, so he appointed Minalcar as his Regent in 1240. His official title was Karma-kundo meaning "Helm-guardian." Minalcar had complete control of the military and the defense of Gondor, and he had full authority to act in the name of the King in all other matters.
Easterlings from Rhun began to attack Gondor. Minalcar was troubled by the fact that some of the Northmen who lived on the frontier with Rhun sided with the Easterlings. The Northmen were allies of Gondor and Minalcar realized that their continued friendship was an important factor in the defense of Gondor's eastern border.
In part to prevent the defection of the Northmen, Minalcar launched an attack on the Easterlings in 1248. He defeated a great army of Easterlings and destroyed their settlements. Minalcar then took the name Romendacil, meaning "East-victor," as his ancestor Tarostar had done.
Romendacil fortified the western bank of the Anduin between the Emyn Muil and the Limlight, and he erected the Argonath as a marker south of which strangers were not permitted to pass uninvited. He also strengthened relations with the Northmen. Many Northmen entered his service and some gained high ranks in Gondor's army. This move was resented by some of the people of Gondor.
In 1250, Romendacil sent his son Valacar as an ambassador to the court of the most powerful Northern leader, King Vidugavia of Rhovanion. Valacar fell in love with Vidugavia's daughter Vidumavi. Romendacil gave them permission to marry to avoid jeopardizing relations with the Northmen, but he was concerned about the ramifications of this union and he summoned Valacar and his new family home to Gondor in 1260.
In 1294, King Narmacil I died. He had no children and was succeeded as King by his brother Calmacil, who was Romendacil's father. Calmacil did not want the responsibilities of Kingship either, so Romendacil continued as Regent until he was finally crowned King Romendacil II after Calmacil's death in 1304.
Vidumavi died in either 1332 or 1344. Her lifespan was short compared to the people of Gondor. Those who had opposed the marriage of the King's heir with one of the Northmen saw this as confirmation of their fears that the line of Kings would be weakened. Some dissidents believed that Valacar's son Eldacar should not become King because of his mixed blood. Romendacil was deeply troubled about what would happen after his death.
Romendacil II died 1366 and was succeeded by Valacar. Rebellion grew during Valacar's reign, and when Eldacar succeeded him in 1432, the civil war of the Kin-strife began. The rebels were led by Castamir, who was the grandson of Romendacil II's younger brother Calimehtar.
Names &
Etymology:
The meaning of the name Minalcar
is uncertain. It could be composed of minya meaning "first" with
the connotation "eminent, prominent" and alcar meaning "glory, brilliance,
splendor." Also spelled Minalkar.
The name Rómendacil means "East-victor" from Rómen meaning "East" and dacil from nacil meaning "victor." Also spelled Rómendakil as it is pronounced. He was the second King of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 325-27
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for MINI
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 198-9; "The Making of Appendix A," p. 259-61
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for aglar
and
romen
"The Rivers
and Beacon-hills of Gondor," by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Carl F. Hostetter,
commentary by Christopher Tolkien, in Vinyar Tengwar #42, July 2001,
p. 24
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
Quenya
Affixes
In 1250, Valacar was appointed by his father to be Gondor's ambassador to the court of King Vidugavia of Rhovanion. Vidugavia was the most powerful leader of the Northmen. Romendacil II wanted to strengthen relations with the Northmen because they lived east of Mirkwood on the border of Rhun - the land of Gondor's enemies the Easterlings.
Valacar learned the language and culture of the Northmen and he came to love the land and its people. He also fell in love with Vidugavia's daughter Vidumavi. Romendacil reluctantly gave Valacar permission to marry Vidumavi because he did not want to offend the Northmen, but he was concerned about the effects this marriage might have.
Valacar and Vidumavi had a son in 1255. They named him Vinitharya in the language of the Northmen and Eldacar in the language of Gondor. They also had at least one more child. Valacar and his family returned to Gondor in 1260 at Romendacil's request and they brought a number of Northmen with them. Upon his return, Valacar became a council member and military leader in Gondor.
At first, Vidumavi and her children were welcomed in Gondor. She adapted well to her new homeland, but some people of Gondor disliked the fact that their future King had married a woman who was not of Numenorean descent. Their main concern was that the bloodline would be weakened and the lifespan of the Kings would decrease. When Vidumavi died in 1332 or 1344 at a relatively young age compared to the people of Gondor, dissent began to grow.
Valacar became King in 1366. He was a strong and vigorous leader, but by the end of his reign there was open rebellion in the southern provinces of Gondor by those who opposed his son Eldacar succeeding him as King. Valacar died in 1432 and the civil war of the Kin-strife began. Eldacar was deposed in 1437 but regained the throne in 1447.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Valacar means "helm
of the Valar." The Quenya word for helm or helmet is karma from
kár
meaning "head." Also spelled Valakar.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 318-19; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 326-27
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for KAS
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 198-9; "The Making of Appendix A," p. 260-61
Eldacar and his mother were initially welcomed in Gondor. But there were those who did not want Eldacar to become King because of his mixed blood. They thought the Northmen were inferior, and they feared that the royal bloodline would be weakened and that the lifespans of the Kings would decrease. These dissidents believed their fears were confirmed when Vidumavi died in 1332 of 1344 at what was considered a relatively young age by the people of Gondor. (Her age is not given but she appears to have been at least 100 years old.)
Rebellion broke out in the southern provinces as Valacar's reign drew to an end. When Valacar died in 1432, the civil war of the Kin-strife began. The rebels opposed Eldacar's accession to the throne, saying: "Vinitharya is his right name. Let him go back to the land where he belongs!" (HoME XII, p. 261)
Eldacar was strong and valiant and he had inherited a fearless spirit from the Northmen. He resisted the rebels for many years. His supporters included Northmen as well as Men of Gondor, especially those from the northern provinces. In 1437 they were besieged in Osgiliath. After a long struggle, Eldacar's forces were overcome by starvation and the superior manpower of the rebels. Eldacar and some of his followers fled to Rhovanion.
The rebel leader Castamir usurped the throne of Gondor. He was the grandson of Romendacil II's younger brother Calimehtar. Castamir captured Eldacar's oldest son Ornendil and had him killed. On Castamir's orders, many other people were slain and Osgiliath was burned. Castamir's cruelty made him unpopular with the people in the regions near Osgiliath, and many were prepared to turn against him.
Eldacar remained in Rhovanion for ten years. In 1447, he judged that the time was right for him to reclaim his throne. He brought a great army from Rhovanion which was joined by forces from Ithilien, Anorien, and Calenardhon. They fought Castamir's forces in the Battle of the Crossings of Erui in which many lives were lost. Eldacar killed Castamir and became King once more.
Some of the rebels led by Castamir's sons escaped to Pelargir where they were besieged until 1448. The rebels then escaped by ship to the Havens of Umbar and they and their descendants became the Corsairs.
After the war, a number of Northmen settled in Gondor at Eldacar's invitation. The population of Gondor had been diminished during the Kin-strife, and many of the survivors now intermarried with the newcomers.
Eldacar lived to the age of 235, unaffected by his mixed heritage. In time the lifespans of the people of Gondor did decrease, but this was mainly due to their separation from Numenor where the gift of long life had been a reward for the service of their ancestors in the war against Morgoth many millennia ago.
In addition to Ornendil - who died during the Kin-strife - Eldacar also had a son named Aldamir and a daughter. When Eldacar died in 1490, Aldamir succeeded him as King.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Vinitharya may be
of Gothic origin. It is similar to Vinitharius of the Ostrogoths whose
name meant "conqueror of the Venedi" - a Slavic people - but this obviously
has no relation to Middle-earth history.
The name Eldacar means "Elf helm" in Quenya from Elda meaning "Elf" and karma meaning "helmet" from kár meaning "head." Also spelled Eldakar.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 326-28
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for EL and KAS
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. VII, The Treason of Isengard: "The Great River,"
p. 366 note 18 (meaning of Eldacar)
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 198-9; "The Making of Appendix A," p. 260-61
The
Tolkien Language List
Castamir became a leader of the faction who did not want Eldacar as their King because his mother Vidumavi was one of the Northmen. Castamir and his followers deemed the Northmen inferior to the Men of Gondor, and they believed that the royal bloodline would be weakened and that the lifespans of the Kings would decrease.
Castamir attracted a large number of followers in the southern coastal provinces where he was well known as a naval captain. They began to openly rebel as the reign of Eldacar's father Valacar drew to an end. When Valacar died in 1432, the civil war of the Kin-strife began.
Eldacar's forces put up a strong resistance for five years. But in 1437, Castamir and the rebels besieged Eldacar in Osgiliath. The rebels had greater numbers, and they wore down the defenders by cutting off supplies to the city.
When Castamir captured Osgiliath, Eldacar and some of his supporters escaped to Rhovanion. But Eldacar's eldest son Ornendil was caught and Castamir had him killed. Castamir also ordered the unnecessary slaughter of many Osgiliath's defenders and the wanton burning and destruction of the city. The Dome of Stars was destroyed and its palantir was lost in the Anduin.
Castamir claimed the throne of Gondor. His cruelty continued throughout his reign and many people began to turn against him, particularly those who lived near Osgiliath in Anorien and Ithilien. The people in the northern provinces were also unhappy because Castamir had no interest in the land but instead focused on building up Gondor's fleets. He moved the capital to the southern port of Pelargir.
In 1447, after Castamir had reigned for ten years, Eldacar returned with an army of Northmen and Men from the northern provinces of Gondor. At the Battle of the Crossings of Erui, Eldacar killed Castamir and reclaimed the throne. Castamir's sons and some of their followers escaped to Umbar and they and their descendants became the Corsairs who continued to trouble Gondor for centuries to come.
Names &
Etymology:
The meaning of the name Castamir
is unknown. The first element could be related to the root kas meaning
"head." The ending mir may be from mîrë meaning
"jewel." Also spelled Kastamir. He was known as Castamir the
Usurper. A usurper is someone who seizes power by force or without
legal right.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 326-28
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for KAS and MIR
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 198-9; "The Making of Appendix A," p. 260-61
In 1540, the Kings of Harad joined forces with the Corsairs of Umbar and rose up against Gondor. Aldamir was killed in battle. He was succeeded by his son Vinyarion, who won a victory over the Corsairs and Haradrim and took the name Hyarmendacil II.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Aldamir appears
to be composed of the Quenya word alda meaning "tree" and the ending
mir
from mîrë meaning "jewel."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319
Appendix
B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 367
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 199
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for alda
and mir
Vinyarion became King in 1540 after his father was killed in battle with the Corsairs of Umbar and the Men of Harad. To avenge his father, Vinyarion launched an attack against Harad and Umbar in 1551 and defeated them. He took the name Hyarmendacil II, meaning "South-victor," as his ancestor Ciryaher had done.
Hyarmendacil II died in 1621 and was succeeded by his son Minardil.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Vinyarion appears
to be composed of the Quenya word vinya meaning "new" and the masculine
ending
-ion.
Hyarmendacil means "South-victor" from hyarmen meaning "south" and dacil from nacil meaning "victor." He was the second King of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319
Appendix
B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 367
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 199
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for hyarmen
Quenya
Affixes
Minardil became King in 1621. His Steward was Hurin of Emyn Arnen. Since the defeat of the Haradrim and Corsairs, Gondor's vigilance against their southern enemies had decreased. In 1634, the Corsairs launched a surprise attack on Pelargir after learning that Minardil was there. The Corsairs were led by Angamaite and Sangahyando, the great-grandsons of Castamir the Usurper. Minardil was killed and the city was sacked.
Minardil was succeeded by Telemnar who ruled for only two years until his death during the Great Plague of 1636. Telemnar was followed by his brother Minastan's son Tarondor.
Note:
In Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings (p. 328), Minardil is mistakenly
referred to as the son of Eldacar.
Names &
Etymology:
The meaning of the name Minardil
is unknown. The first element could be from minya meaning "first"
with the connotation "eminent, prominent" or it could be a form of minas
meaning "tower." The ending appears to be -dil meaning "friend,
devotion."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 328
Appendix
B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 367
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix
- Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for minas and
(n)dil
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for MINI
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 199-200, 202-3
"The Rivers
and Beacon-hills of Gondor," by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Carl F. Hostetter,
commentary by Christopher Tolkien, in Vinyar Tengwar #42, July 2001,
p. 24
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
In 1634, Minardil was killed by Corsairs who sacked Pelargir. Telemnar became King and he retained his father's Steward, Hurin of Emyn Arnen, who was of great help during the tumultuous period that followed. Telemnar began to build a fleet in order to avenge his father and attack the Corsairs' stronghold at Umbar. But these plans were abandoned in 1636 when a deadly sickness came to Gondor out of the East.
The Great Plague was devastating to Gondor. It was probably sent by Sauron for the purpose of weakening his enemies. Many of the people of Gondor died and there was no longer enough manpower to maintain Gondor's defenses or keep watch on Mordor.
King Telemnar and all his children were among the casualties. When Telemnar died, the White Tree of Gondor also died. Telemnar was succeeded as King by his nephew Tarondor, son of Minastan.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Telemnar means "silver
flame" in Quenya from
telep meaning "silver" and nar meaning
"fire, flame."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 328
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 199-200, 203
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for celeb
(telep) and nar
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
King Minardil was succeeded by his eldest son and heir Telemnar. But in 1636, the Great Plague came to Gondor and King Telemnar and all his children died. Telemnar's nephew Tarondor was his closest surviving relative and he became King of Gondor.
The Great Plague devasted Gondor and many lives were lost. The capital Osgiliath was hardest hit. The inhabitants who survived left the city and settled in Ithilien and elsewhere, and Osgiliath began to fall into ruin. In 1640, Tarondor moved the capital to Minas Anor. There in the Citadel he replanted a seedling of the White Tree, which had died at the same time as Telemnar.
Because of the decrease in population, Gondor no longer had the manpower to keep watch on Mordor. It was later thought that Sauron had sent the Plague for this very purpose. Sauron had fled Mordor after the War of the Last Alliance and had built the stronghold of Dol Guldur in Mirkwood, but he was preparing to reclaim his realm.
Tarondor ruled for 162 years which was the longest reign of any King of Gondor. He was preoccupied with restoring order to Gondor and slowly rebuilding its strength. He was helped by his Steward, Hurin, who had served both Minardil and Telemnar.
Tarondor died in 1798 and was succeeded by his son Telumehtar.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Tarondor appears
to mean "Lord of Gondor" from tar meaning "high, noble" and ondor
from Ondonore, the Quenya form of Gondor, where ondo
means "stone." Curiously, there was also a King of Arnor named Tarondor,
which makes this translation somewhat questionable.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 328
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for GOND and TA, TA3
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 200
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
The
Tolkien Language List
During Telumehtar's reign, Corsairs began to raid Gondor's coasts as far west as Anfalas. The Corsairs were descendants of the rebels led by Castamir, who had usurped the throne of Gondor several centuries earlier in 1437. The Corsairs had killed Telumehtar's great-grandfather King Minardil in 1634.
In 1810, Telumehtar attacked the Corsairs' base of Umbar on the coast of Harad. The last descendants of Castamir were killed in the battle. Umbar was in the possession of Gondor once more, and Telumehtar took the name Umbardacil to commemorate his victory. But in the troubled years that followed Telumehtar's reign, Umbar fell into the hands of the Haradrim.
Telumehtar had two sons named Narmacil and Arciryas. When Telumehtar died in 1850, his elder son succeeded him as Narmacil II. Several generations later, when the direct line of succession ended with Ondoher, Arciryas's great-grandson Earnil became King.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Telumehtar means
"warrior of the sky" from the Quenya telume meaning "roof, canopy"
used for "the heavens" and
ohtar meaning "warrior." Telumehtar was
a name for the constellation Orion.
The name Umbardacil means "Umbar victor." The element dacil is from nacil meaning "victor." Also spelled Umbardakil.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 328-29
Appendix
E of The Lord of the Rings: "Writing and Spelling," p. 391
Unfinished
Tales: "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields," p. 282 note 17 (meaning
of ohtar)
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "Quendi and Eldar,"
p. 411 note 15 (meaning of Telumehtar)
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 200
Quenya
Affixes
In 1851, a hostile group of Men came out of Rhun in the East and attacked Gondor. They were incited to do so by emissaries of Sauron. These Men were known as the Wainriders because they travelled in wains, or wagons, and used chariots in battle. Gondor's allies the Northmen lived on the border of Rhun and many were killed in the first assault of the Wainriders.
Narmacil II led a great army to meet the Wainriders on the plains between Mirkwood and Mordor in 1856. Gondor's forces were joined by a group of Northmen led by Marhari. The Wainriders were victorious in the Battle of the Plains. Narmacil II was killed and his forces withdrew. Marhari was also slain while leading the rearguard covering the retreat.
After the defeat, Gondor relinquished its territory east of the Anduin except Ithilien. Eight of the Nazgul may have returned to Mordor around this time. Some of the surviving Northmen led by Marhari's son Marhwini settled in the Vales of the Anduin and became known as the Eotheod.
Narmacil II was succeeded by his son Calimehtar, who avenged his father's death with a temporary victory over the Wainriders in 1899. The Wainriders were finally defeated by Earnil - the great-grandson of Narmacil's brother Arciryas - in the Battle of the Camp in 1944.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Narmacil is composed
of nar meaning "fire" and macil meaning "sword." Also spelled
Narmakil
as it is pronounced. He was the second King of Gondor of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 329-30
Unfinished
Tales: "Cirion and Eorl," p. 289, 311-12 note 8
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for MAK and NAR
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 200, 215
Calimehtar became King in 1856 after Narmacil II was killed in the Battle of the Plains against the Wainriders. In 1899, Calimehtar learned from Marhwini of the Eotheod that the Wainriders were preparing to cross the Anduin and invade Gondor's northern province of Calenardhon. Marhwini also reported that his kinsmen the Northmen of Rhovanion who were enslaved by the Wainriders were ready to revolt.
Calimehtar and Marhwini joined forces to stop the Wainriders. Their plan was to draw the full strength of the Wainriders away from their settlements so the revolt of the Northmen could succeed. Calimehtar led his army out of Ithilien, making sure the Wainriders knew he was coming. He then fell back as the enemy forces approached, drawing them further onward.
The armies of Calimehtar and the Wainriders joined in battle on Dagorlad, the great plain near the Black Gate of Mordor. Neither side had the advantage until Marhwini and his horsemen along with cavalry of Gondor arrived and attacked the Wainriders from the rear and on their flank. The Wainriders were defeated and they fled back to their settlements in Rhovanion.
Meanwhile, the revolt of the Northmen had failed. They had set fire to some of the homes, storehouses, and wagons of the Wainriders. But most of the Northmen were killed by the women, boys, and old men who had remained behind in the Wainriders' settlements.
Calimehtar returned home. In 1900, he built the White Tower in Minas Anor to house the palantir. Gondor was at peace from the Wainriders for the remainder of his reign. Calimehtar died in 1936. He was succeeded by his son Ondoher, who was killed just eight years later during a new invasion by the Wainriders.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Calimehtar means
"bright warrior" in Quenya from calima meaning "bright" and ohtar
meaning
"warrior." Also spelled Kalimehtar.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 329
Appendix
B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 367
Unfinished
Tales: "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields," p. 282 note 17 (meaning
of ohtar); "Cirion and Eorl," p. 288-90, 294
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for KAL
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 200
Calimehtar won a victory over the Wainriders in 1899. The Wainriders were Men from Rhun in the East who rode in wains - or wagons. Although Calimehtar defeated their army, the Wainriders continued to occupy part of Rhovanion between Mirkwood and the Sea of Rhun.
Ondoher became King in 1936. During his reign, communication resumed between Gondor and Arnor after a long period of silence. Just as Gondor was troubled by the Wainriders and other enemies, the North-kingdom was under constant threat of attack from Angmar. Ondoher and his counterpart King Araphant realized that they were being targeted by a common enemy, though they did not know it was Sauron.
Ondoher and Araphant took counsel with one another - probably via the palantiri - but neither could spare aid to the other. In 1940, Ondoher's daughter Firiel married Araphant's son Arvedui.
In 1944, Ondoher learned from Forthwini of the Eotheod that the Wainriders in Rhovanion were regrouping and might be receiving aid from their homeland of Rhun. In fact, the Wainriders of Rhun had made an alliance with the Men of Khand and Harad and were plotting to attack Gondor on two fronts, but this was not known in Gondor until it was nearly too late.
Ondoher gathered and trained as great an army as his resources would allow. He became aware of enemy movements in the south, so he divided his forces into a Northern Army and a Southern Army. Ondoher was a loved and respected military leader and he commanded the Northern Army himself. A captain named Earnil was the leader of the smaller Southern Army based at Pelargir.
News of the enemy's approach reached Gondor in July of 1944. Earnil and the Southern Army were positioned north of River Poros on the southern border of Ithilien to meet the oncoming Haradrim. Ondoher led the Northern Army north through Ithilien, intending to meet the Wainriders on the Battle Plain of Dagorlad before the Black Gate of Mordor.
Ondoher was accompanied by his eldest son Artamir. He ordered his younger son Faramir to remain behind to act as Regent as was customary. But Faramir disobeyed and he rode to war in disguise with Gondor's allies the Eotheod.
On July 12, Ondoher learned that the Wainriders were coming sooner than expected. And as the Northern Army approached the Black Gate, Ondoher discovered that the Wainriders were not coming across the plains from the northeast but instead had hidden themselves in the shadows of the Ash Mountains on the northern border of Mordor.
Ondoher was unprepared for the sudden assault of the Wainriders. He and his Guards were at the front and they bore the brunt of the attack. Ondoher positioned his Guards on a low hill in front of the Black Gate, but it was no protection against the charge of the Wainriders' chariots and cavalry. Ondoher's banner was captured and his Guards were nearly wiped out. Ondoher and Artamir were killed and their bodies were never recovered. Faramir was also killed while fighting with the Eotheod.
Ondoher's nephew Minohtar, Captain of the Northern Army's Right Wing, took command and tried to organize a retreat. But the Wainriders pressed forward and Minohtar was slain and the Northern Army was scattered. The Wainriders made camp and were celebrating their victory when Earnil and the Southern Army took them by surprise. The Wainriders were defeated in the Battle of the Camp and they never troubled Gondor again.
With the deaths of Ondoher and both his sons, Gondor was left without a King. Pelendur - Ondoher's Steward - ruled Gondor during the brief interregnum period, assisted by the Council of Gondor.
Arvedui of the North-kingdom tried to claim the throne of Gondor based on his marriage to Ondoher's daughter Firiel and his own descent from Elendil through the line of Isildur. But Pelendur and the Council rejected his claim because the kingship in Gondor passed through the male line only, and because Gondor was ruled by the heirs of Elendil's son Anarion, not Isildur.
In 1945, the victorious Captain Earnil was crowned as King Earnil II. He was a member of the Royal House whose great-great-grandfather was King Telumehtar, and his claim was unanimously approved by the Dunedain of Gondor.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Ondoher means "stone
lord" in Quenya in reference to Gondor (Quenya Ondonore)
meaning "stone land." The word
ondo means "stone" and heris
from heru meaning "lord."
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 329-30
Appendix
B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 367
Unfinished
Tales: "Cirion and Eorl," p. 289-95
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 200-201, 203, 215-16
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for gond
and heru
Earnil was a man of valor and wisdom. He became the Captain of the Southern Army of Gondor, and he was stationed at Pelargir on the Anduin.
In 1944, Gondor was attacked on two fronts by Men from the East known as the Wainriders and their allies, the Men of Khand and Harad. Earnil learned that the Haradrim were planning to invade Ithilien from the south. He positioned his forces 40 miles north of the Poros which was the southern border of Ithilien. He allowed the enemy forces to cross the river and then attacked and defeated them.
Earnil then led his Southern Army northward through Ithilien. The Northern Army had been routed by the Wainriders near the Black Gate of Mordor. King Ondoher and both his sons had been slain. Earnil gathered as many of the survivors as he could find. On the night of July 13, Earnil attacked the Wainriders' camp.
The Wainriders were taken by surprise because they thought they had eliminated Gondor's entire army. They were celebrating their victory when they were attacked. Earnil's forces burned the Wainriders' wagons and defeated them in the Battle of the Camp. Many of the Wainriders fled into the Dead Marshes where they perished, and the rest were driven from Ithilien.
After the battle, Gondor was without a King. Arvedui, the son of King Araphant of Arthedain in the North-kingdom, tried to claim the Crown of Gondor. He argued that his wife Firiel was the daughter and only remaining child of King Ondoher, and that he himself was descended from Elendil - the first High King of Gondor and Arnor - through the line of Isildur. But the Council of Gondor led by Pelendur the Steward rejected the claim because in Gondor the kingship was not passed through the female line and the Kings were descended from Elendil's son Anarion, not Isildur.
In 1945, Earnil claimed the Crown of Gondor, and he was accepted by the Council. Earnil was a member of the Royal House and a hero of Gondor, and he had the unanimous approval of the Dunedain of Gondor. He sent word to Arvedui that he would help the Dunedain of the North in time of need.
Pelendur continued to serve as the King's Steward until his death in 1998. He was succeeded by his son Vorondil, who in turn was succeeded by his son Mardilin 2029.
In 1973, Earnil received a request for aid from Arvedui, who was by that time the King of Arthedain. Arthedain was being threatened by the Witch-king of Angmar. Earnil sent a fleet commanded by his son Earnur, but they did not arrive in the North until 1975. Arvedui was already dead, and Fornost had been captured by the Witch-king. Earnur joined forces with the Elves and the Dunedain of the North, and together they defeated the Witch-king in the Battle of Fornost.
The Witch-king was the Lord of the Nazgul, and unknown to the Men of Gondor he returned to Mordor in 1980 and gathered the other Nazgul there. In 2000, the Nazgul attacked Minas Ithil, a stronghold of Gondor on the border of Mordor. Minas Ithil was captured in 2002. It was occupied by the Lord of the Nazgul and became known as Minas Morgul.
Earnil II died in 2043. He was succeeded by Earnur, who was the last King of Gondor until Aragorn, King Elessar.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Eärnil is a
contraction of Eärendil, meaning "lover of the Sea." The word
eär
means "the Sea" and the ending ndil means "devotion." Earnil II
was the second King of Gondor of that name.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 329-32
Unfinished
Tales: "Cirion and Eorl," p. 291-95
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 201
The Letters
of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
In 1975, Earnur led a fleet to help the Dunedain of the North-kingdom who were under attack by the Witch-king of Angmar. The ships filled the harbors in the Gulf of Lune. Earnur's forces were well-armed and well-provisioned and included both Men of Gondor and cavalry from Rhovanion.
Earnur joined forces with the Dunedain of the North and the Elves of Lindon to form the Host of the West. They marched east toward Fornost, which the Witch-king had captured. On the plain between the North Downs and Lake Evendim they fought the Battle of Fornost.
The forces of Angmar were routed, and the Witch-king tried to retreat, but he was pursued by Earnur. Earnur was joined by Glorfindeland an army of Elves from Rivendell, and together they finished off the Witch-king's forces. The Witch-king turned on Earnur and rode straight at him full of wrath. Earnur tried to stand his ground but was unable to control his terrified horse. The Witch-king laughed as Earnur was borne away by his steed.
Then Glorfindel approached, and the Witch-king fled into the night. Earnur wanted to pursue him, but Glorfindel said, "Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall." (LotR, App. A, p. 332) Earnur complied, but he was angry and embarrassed and he wanted revenge on the Witch-king.
Earnur returned to Gondor, and the Witch-king went to Mordor. He was the Lord of the Nazgul, and he gathered the other eight Nazgul to him. In 2000, the Nazgul besieged Minas Ithil - a stronghold of Gondor on the border of Mordor. They captured Minas Ithil in 2002 and it was renamed Minas Morgul.
Earnur succeeded his father as King of Gondor in 2043. The Witch-king issued a challenge of single-combat to Earnur, mocking him for his failure to stand and fight at the Battle of Fornost. Mardil, the Steward of Gondor, restrained Earnur and convinced him to turn down the challenge.
But in 2050, the Witch-king renewed his challenge, and this time Earnur could not be dissuaded. He left the Crown of Gondor on his father's tomb in the House of the Kings and he rode to Minas Morgul with a small company of knights. Earnur and his companions were never seen again. It was not known what had become of Earnur - whether he had been slain or whether he remained for a time as a prisoner in torment.
Earnur left no heir, and there was no claimant to the throne of Gondor. Thus the line of Kings ended, and Mardil became the first Ruling Steward. The Stewards ruled Gondor in the absence of a King until 3019, when Aragorn became King of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Eärnur is a
contraction of Eärendur which is Quenya meaning "Sea servant"
or "(professional) mariner" from Eär meaning "the Sea" and
the ending ndur meaning "to serve." Earendur was a Captain of
Gondor as well as King of Gondor.
Genealogy:
See
Elendil:
Genealogy.
Sources:
The Two
Towers: "The Window on the West," p. 278
The Return
of the King: "The Steward and the King," p. 245
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Realms in Exile," p. 319; "Gondor
and the Heirs of Anarion," p. 331-33
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age," p. 297
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs
of Elendil," p. 201-202
The Letters
of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297 footnote
The
Quenya Corpus Wordlist
EldarionSon of Aragorn and Arwen. Eldarion's date of birth is not known. He was the only son and heir of Aragorn, King Elessar. Eldarion had several sisters whose names are not known.In the year 120 of the Fourth Age, Aragorn perceived that his life was coming to an end and that his son was ready to assume kingship of Gondor and Arnor. Eldarion accompanied his father to the House of Kings in the Silent Street and received the Winged Crown of Gondorand the Sceptre of Annuminas from him. Then Eldarion said goodbye to his father and Aragorn died. Eldarion's mother Arwen then bid him farewell and went to Lothlorien where she died a year later. Eldarion was the second King of the Reunited Kingdom. According to one source, he may have ruled until at least the year 220 of the Fourth Age. It was foretold that Eldarion's realm would be great and that it would endure under the rule of his descendants for a hundred generations of Men. Names &
Etymology:
Genealogy:
Sources:
|
as Eldarion in the New Line film  |