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somelotrnerd · 7 months ago

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The History of Rohan

In memory of Bernard Hill - Hail Théoden King! Hail the victorious dead!

They don’t have the great lifespan of the Númenóreans, nor the high lineage of Men who fought against Morgoth. Yet, their stories of overcoming adversity are among the greatest in all Middle-earth. From their early days in the north to fighting for the very survival of Men in the War of the Ring, time and again, they would show their resilience and bravery.

Map of Gondor and Calenardhon (Future Rohan)

Map of Middle-earth in the Third Age

Map of Rohan

The oldest ancestors of the Rohirrim actually share a common ancestry with the Dúnedain. Both are believed to be descended from the Edain of the First Age. While the Edain would cross the Ered Luin, befriend the Elves, and take part in the wars against Morgoth, the Northmen did not. They would remain in the lands of Rhovanion. We don’t know much of their time during the First and Second Ages of Middle-earth. Their tale truly begins in the Third Age (abbreviated TA).

Our story begins in the aftermath of the Great Plague of 1635 TA. This plague is severe for the people of Rhovanion. In fact, it is so bad that they lose half of their population.

200 years later, in 1851 TA, the Wainrider invasions begin and the Northmen of Rhovanion get the worst of these first assaults. The Wainriders are a tribe of Easterlings known for their battle chariots. In 1856 TA, King Narmacil II of Gondor takes a great army north to the plains south of Mirkwood and gathers together what he can of the remnants of the Northmen. The Wainriders descend upon the Gondorians. The battle is a disaster for Gondor. King Narmacil is killed as well as the leader of the Northmen, Marhari. Gondor’s army retreats over Dagorlad and into Ithilien. With the exception of Ithilien, Gondor abandons the lands east of the river Anduin. While this Battle of the Plains does enough damage to the Wainriders to prevent them driving deeper into Gondor, they have strength enough to conquer the Men of Rhovanion.

This results in the Northmen becoming even more geographically divided. Some flee over the Celduin river and merge with the people of Dale. Some take refuge in Gondor. Some gather under the leadership of Marhari’s son Marhwini. Marhwini leads his people north between the Anduin and Mirkwood, settling in the Vales of Anduin - between the Carrock and the Gladden Fields - not far from where Smeagol would live during his Hobbit upbringing nearly 600 years later. Over the next 40 years, many of the Men of Rhovanion would be enslaved by the Wainriders. Marhwini is joined by many fugitives coming through Mirkwood, whose land was taken by the Wainriders. Marhwini becomes the first Lord of this new civilization of Men, the Éothéod - this name in Old English meaning “horse-folk.”

In 1899 TA, Marhwini discovers that the Wainriders are planning a raid on Calenardhon, a large area in the northern portion of Gondor. Marhwini sends word to Gondor, warning King Calimehtar of the impending attack. In a masterstroke, Calimehtar provokes the Wainriders out of Ithilien. Joined by a large éored, led by Marhwini, he drives the Wainriders back. Meanwhile, outlaws and roused slaves burn many of the Wainriders’ settlements in Rhovanion. The Wainriders are driven back to the East. Marhwini leads the Northmen to the lands beside the Anduin and the Northmen never return to their former homes.

Later, Marhwini’s son, Forthwini, succeeds him as Lord of the Éothéod. Through his spies, Forthwini learns that the Wainriders have recovered and are allying themselves with other forces in the East. He alerts King Ondoher of Gondor of this growing threat.

In 1944 TA, these enemies of Gondor make a double assault - the Haradrim invade from the south and within a few days, the Wainriders attack from the east. King Ondoher gives Eärnil II command of Gondor’s southern army to combat the Haradrim, while taking the lead of the larger northern army himself.

The Wainriders move quicker than anticipated and reach Gondor’s northern army along the outskirts of the Ered Lithui, rather than in Dagorlad. The enemy’s chariots and horsemen overwhelm the King’s Guard and kill Ondoher and his son Artamir. His son Faramir would die in the battle as well, having secretly come to battle against his father’s wishes. The forces of Gondor and the Éothéod suffer severe losses and retreat. The Wainriders, having won a great victory, make camp in North Ithilien and celebrate their conquest. Little did they realize how drastically their fates would be reversed.

Eärnil and his southern army is victorious over the Haradrim - destroying their army in South Ithilien (north of Poros). After his victory, Eärnil turns north. Eärnil’s army, joined by the fleeing members of Gondor’s northern army, descend upon the unprepared Wainriders. Many are driven into the swamplands of the Dead Marshes. As a result, the Easterlings would not march against Gondor for hundreds of years.

Eärnil is crowned King of Gondor, and in 1973 TA, he receives word that Arthedain is about to be attacked by the Witch-king of Angmar. He sends his son Eärnur with a fleet of Gondorian forces. It is also said that a certain group of tall and fair riders on special horses, “Princes of Northmen” join these Gondorian forces in defeating the Witch-king and driving him from Eriador.

Two years after the fall of Angmar, Lord Frumgar leads the Éothéod to a new land north of Mirkwood, between the Misty Mountains and the Forest River - away from the lands ravaged by the Easterlings and Orcs. The region itself comes to be known as Éothéod, named for the people who settled the land. The remainder of Frumgar’s reign continues without any notable events recorded in history.

His son, Fram, however, would become one of the few Men to come face-to-face with a Dragon. He is so influential that the main settlement of the region would be named after him - Framsburg. During Fram’s rule as Lord of the Éothéod in the late 20th and early 21st centuries of the Third Age, a Dragon known as Scatha the Worm plagues his people. While we don’t know much about Scatha, we know that he possesses a great treasure hoard in the Grey Mountains, which he had stolen from the Dwarves.

After his people have been troubled by the Dragon for some time, Fram kills Scatha sometime in 2000 TA and lays claim to the Dragon’s treasure. The Dwarves of the Grey Mountains, where Thrór would be born hundreds of years later, also lay claim to the hoard. Fram rebukes their claim and instead sends them the teeth of the Dragon, along with a message: “Jewels such a these you will not match in your treasures, for they are hard to come by.” - The Return of the King, Appendix A

It is rumored that the Dwarves kill Fram for this insult. However, the Men of the Éothéod keep at least some of the treasure, as one of the items is the very horn which Éowyn would gift to Merry after the War of the Ring, and he would in turn use it to rouse the Hobbits in the Battle of Bywater.

Nearly 400 years after the time of Fram, Léod is Lord of the Éothéod. He is known as a great horseman, and during his rule, he captures a white foal who is both wild and proud. When the horse is full grown, Léod attempts to tame the horse, but is thrown off. His head strikes a rock and he is killed at the age of 42.

The Lordship passes to his son, Eorl, who is just 16 years old at the time. Eorl swears to avenge his father. He hunts down the horse, demanding the horse give up his freedom in payment for the death of his father. The horse, who could understand the speech of Men, agrees. Eorl names him Felaróf - the first of the Maeras and the great ancestor of Shadowfax.

Years later, in 2510 TA, Lord Cirion, the Ruling Steward of Gondor, receives word that hosts of Men are mustering along the southern edge of Mirkwood, with plans to invade Gondor. Cirion sends six volunteer riders to attempt the 950-mile journey through Calenardhon, over the Undeeps, and past the shadow of Dol Guldur to ask their friends of old, the Éothéod, for aid.

Of the six, only a single Gondorian rider manages to make it all the way to Framsburg. The rider, Borondir, presents Lord Eorl with the Red Arrow and the Seal of the Stewards. This is the first mention of the Red Arrow - the method Gondor would use to summon its allies in times of need. Borondir informs Eorl that the weakened realm of Gondor - now kingless for nearly 500 years, has been attacked by the Balcoth, a fierce group of Easterlings.

Eorl takes Borondir as a guide and assembles a great Éoherë (a term meaning a full muster of their armed riders). They make their way from Framsburg, through the eastern Vales of Anduin and as they approach the southern portion of Mirkwood - they keep as far to the west as possible to avoid the darkness of Dol Guldur.

“Eorl did not halt. ‘Ride on!’ he commanded. ‘There is no other way to take. After so long a road shall we be held back from battle by a river-mist?’

As they drew nearer they saw that the white mist was driving back the glooms of Dol Guldur, and soon they passed into it, riding slowly at first and warily; but under its canopy all things were lit with a clear and shadowless light, while to the left and right they were guarded as it were by white walls of secrecy.

‘The Lady of the Golden Wood is on our side, it seems,’ said Borondir.

‘Maybe,’ said Eorl. ‘But at least I will trust the wisdom of Felaróf. He scents no evil. His heart is high, and his weariness is healed: he strains to be given his head. So be it! For never have I had more need of secrecy and speed.’

Then Felaróf sprang forward, and all the host behind followed like a great wind, but in a strange silence, as if their hooves did not beat upon the ground. So they rode on, as fresh and eager as on the morning of their setting-out, during that day and the next; but at dawn of the third day they rose from their rest, and suddenly the mist was gone, and they saw that they were far out in the open lands. On their right the Anduin lay near, but they had almost passed its great eastward loop, and the Undeeps were in sight. It was the morning of the fifteenth day of Viresse, and they had come there at a speed beyond hope.” - Unfinished Tales, “Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan: The Ride of Eorl”

Indeed, Borondir is correct in his assessment. Galadriel herself has conjured the mist, allowing them to pass through the land with speed, avoiding the shadow of Dol Guldur.

The Balchoth, who are under the sway of Dol Guldur, has crossed the Anduin river with the assistance of Orcs from the Misty Mountains, invading Gondor’s sparsely populated northern realm of Calenardhon. Because this area has been mostly abandoned long before, the Balchoth are met with little resistance. By the time the Northern Army of Gondor appears from the fortresses of Isengard, Aglarond (later known as Helm’s Deep), and other fortresses in the White Mountains, most of the Balchoth army has already crossed into the Wold - the northeastern part of Calenardhon just east of Fangorn Forest.

The North Army, led by Cirion, counter-attacks and is driven into the Wold - cut off from later reinforcements by the Balcoth army. By the time the Southern Army appears, the North Army is under attack by a band of Orcs from the Misty Mountains. The Gondorians are now backed against the river in a hopeless situation.

At this time, surprising both friend and foe, Lord Eorl appears bringing with him 7,000 fully-armed riders and several hundred horsed archers. The Éothéod cross the Anduin at the Undeeps of the river and break upon the rearguard of the Balchoth. The Balchoth army is nearly completely destroyed and the Gondorian armies are saved. The Éothéod continue making their way into northern Gondor, scattering and destroying all the Balchoth in Calenardhon.

Before parting, Cirion asks Eorl to meet him in 3 months upon the banks of the Mering Stream.

“‘Farewell now, Eorl, son of Léod. I will return to my home, where much needs to be set in order. Calenardhon I commit to your care for this time, if you are not in haste to return to your own realm. In three months’ time I will meet you here again, and then we will take counsel together.’

‘I will come,’ Eorl answered; and so they parted.” - Unfinished Tales, “Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan: Cirion and Eorl”

When they meet again 3 months later, Cirion has cleared the overgrown path up Amon Anwar and the two men with their parties ascend the hill. Before reaching the top, Cirion reveals his resolution - he offers to Eorl the land of Calenardhon for him and his people - in perpetual alliance with Gondor. Eorl accepts, in acknowledgement of Cirion’s wisdom and friendship.

“At the foot of the stair there was a small shelf or cove made in the hillside with low turf-banks. There the company sat for a while, until Cirion rose and from his esquire took the white wand of office and the white mantle of the Stewards of Gondor. Then standing on the first step of the stair he broke the silence, saying in a low but clear voice:

‘I will now declare what I have resolved, with the authority of the Stewards of the Kings, to offer to Eorl son of Léod, Lord of the Éothéod, in recognition of the valour of his people and the help beyond hope that he brought to Gondor in time of dire need. To Eorl I will give in free gift all the great land of Calenardhon from Anduin to Isen. There, if he will, he shall be king, and his heirs after him, and his people shall dwell in freedom while the authority of the Stewards endures, until the Great King returns. No bond shall be laid upon them other than their own laws and will, save in this only: they shall live in perpetual friendship with Gondor and its enemies shall be their enemies while both realms endure. But the same bond shall be laid also on the people of Gondor.’

Then Eorl stood up, but remained for some time silent. For he was amazed by the great generosity of the gift and the noble terms in which it had been offered; and he saw the wisdom of Cirion both on his own behalf as ruler of Gondor; seeking to protect what remained of his realm, and as a friend of the Éothéod of whose needs he was aware. For they were now grown to a people too numerous for their land in the North and longed to return south to their former home, but they were restrained by the fear of Dol Guldur. But in Calenardhon they would have room beyond hope, and yet be far from the shadows of Mirkwood.

Yet beyond wisdom and policy both Cirion and Eorl were moved at that time by the great friendship that bound their people together; and by the love that was between them as true men. On the part of Cirion the love was that of a wise father, old in the cares of the world, for a son in the strength and hope of his youth; while in Cirion Eorl saw the highest and noblest man of the world that he knew, and the wisest, on whom sat the majesty of the Kings of Men of long ago.

At last, when Eorl has swiftly passed all these things through his thought, he spoke, saying: ‘Lord Steward of the Great King, the gift that you offer I accept for myself and for my people. It far exceeds any reward that our deeds could have earned, if they had not themselves been a free gift of friendship. But now I will seal that friendship with an oath that shall not be forgotten.’

‘Then let us go now to the high place,’ said Cirion, ‘and before these witnesses take such oaths as seem fitting.’” - Unfinished Tales, “Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan: Cirion and Eorl”

The group continues their climb and, upon reaching the summit, Cirion reveals the Tomb of Elendil, which was built by Isildur at the beginning of the Third Age and has been kept secret for well over 2,000 years. Only the Kings and Stewards of Gondor know of its location and have the right to approach it.

Before his son Hallas, the Prince of Dol Amroth, and 2 other councilors of Gondor as witnesses, Cirion pledges his bond with Eorl. In return, Eorl swears the Oath of Eorl and becomes the First King of Rohan.

“Hear now all peoples who bow not to the Shadow in the East, by the gift of the Lord of the Mundburg we will come to dwell in the land that he names Calenardhon, and therefore I vow in my own name and on behalf of the Éothéod of the North that between us and the Great People of the West there shall be friendship for ever: their enemies shall be our enemies, their need shall be our need, and whatsoever evil, or threat, or assault may come upon them we will aid them to the utmost end of our strength. This vow shall descend to my heirs, all such as may come after me in our new land, and let them keep it in faith unbroken, lest the Shadow fall upon them and they become accursed.” - Eorl, Unfinished Tales, “Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan: Cirion and Eorl”

In addition to his oath, Cirion speaks an invocation in Quenya and the common speech, calling the Valar and Eru to witness the oaths that are taken:

“Vanda sina termaruva Elenna-nóreo alcar enyalien ar Elendil Vorondo voronwë. Nai tiruvantes i hárar mahalmassen mi Númen ar i Eru i or ilyë mahalmar eä tennoio.

This oath shall stand in memory of the glory of the Land of the Star, and of the faith of Elendil the Faithful, in keeping of those who sit upon the thrones of the West and of the One who is above all thrones for ever.” - Unfinished Tales, “Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan: Cirion and Eorl”

Eorl leaves half of his army behind, and takes the other half north to Éothéod, bringing those who had stayed behind to their new home in Calenardhon.

Along with the lands of Calenardhon, the Éothéod - now known as the Rohirrim - inherit two long-abandoned Gondorian structures. In the White Mountains, there is a fortress known as the Súthburg, built in the glory days of Gondor. There is also Dunharrow, a refuge whose origins trace back to the Drúedain of the Second Age. Worth noting is a third structure at the northernmost border of their new land - the Tower of Orthanc.

The former two of these structures would be restored and put to use by the Rohirrim. None of these, however, would be used as the capital of Rohan. Instead, Eorl would build the city of Aldburg in the eastern part of Rohan’s central region known as the Folde.

Rohan, as a country, is divided into regions. The West-march is the only portion of Rohan that lies to the west of the White Mountains. Between the river Isen and the river Entwash is the Westemnet. The Eastemnet lies between the Entwash and the Great River Anduin. These regions make up the great plains of Rohan. While there would be some settlements of people in these regions, it is common for Rohirrim herdsmen to live as nomads as they drive their herds across the grasslands. Within the northernmost portion of the Eastemnet we find the Wold - the least populated area of the kingdom, and the area where Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli would traverse in pursuit of the Orcs carrying Merry and Pippin. Along the White Mountains is where we find the most populated areas of Rohan - the Westfold, the Eastfold, and between them, the Folde.

Eorl would rule from Aldburg as the first King of Rohan for 35 years and despite growing old, he would never lose his yellow hair. In 2545 TA, he would ride into battle against the Easterlings once again invading the Wold. He would die in battle at the age of 60. He and his horse Felaróf, who also falls in the battle, would be buried in the first royal mound. These mounds, like the hill where Elendil had been buried, are covered in alfirin, white flowers that the Rohirrim calls Simbelmynë.

The kingship passes to Eorl’s son Brego, who continues overseeing the migration of his people from their lands in the north to Rohan in the south. It is said he would finally succeed in driving the Balchoth and the Orcs from their lands. He also defends against Dunlending attacks from the north.

Unlike the Easterlings, the Dunlendings’ hostility is not directly rooted in loyalty to Sauron. The Dunlendings, some of whom have settled in the Ring of Isengard and mingled with the Gondorians once stationed there, view the Rohirrim as usurpers, for they believe they should have gotten possession of Calenardhon. These Men, who share ancestry with the Men of Bree, would be a common foe to the Rohirrim.

Brego would continue to explore their new land alongside his sons. On one such occasion, they would come to Harrowdale, where they discover the Paths of the Dead.

“On the threshold sat an old man, aged beyond guess of years; tall and kingly he had been, but now he was withered as an old stone. Indeed for stone they took him, for he moved not, and he said no word, until they sought to pass him by and enter. And then a voice came out of him, as it were out of the ground, and to their amaze it spoke in the western tongue: The way is shut.

Then they halted and looked at him and saw that he lived still; but he did not look at them. The way is shut, his voice said again. It was made by those who are Dead, and the Dead keep it, until the time comes. The way is shut.” - The Return of the King, “The Muster of Rohan”

During Brego’s rule, he builds the Golden Hall of Meduseld in the city of Edoras and makes it the new capital in 2569 TA. The lordship of Aldburg passes to Brego’s youngest son, Eofor. It would pass through his line even to the end of the Third Age with Éomer, who would dwell there until his own ascension to the throne of Rohan.

At the celebration of the completion of Meduseld, Baldor, the king’s eldest son, vows to pass the Dark Door. He leaves a year later and is never seen again. Over 400 years later, while traveling the Paths of the Dead, Aragorn and the Grey Company find the remains of a golden-clad knight, his sword broken and notched and his legs ruptured - the very remains of Baldor the Hapless.

With Baldor’s death, Brego himself would die of grief that very year, and the kingship would pass to his second son, Aldor. Aldor would become the longest serving ruler in Rohan’s history, living to 101 years old and ruling as king for 75 years. During the reign of Aldor the Old, the population of the Rohirrim increased, and the Harrowdale along with other valleys in the White Mountains are settled by his people. The remaining Dunlendings east of the Isen river are either driven out of Rohan or subdued.

Because of his father’s long lifespan, Aldor’s son Fréa is 75 years old when he becomes the fourth King of Rohan. While his 14-year reign is remarkably short, it is one of noted peace and prosperity, which would pass through the reign of his grandson.

Fréa dies in 2659 TA, passing the kingship to his son Fréawine, who is already over the age of 60. Fréawine rules for 21 years before his death. There are some claims, that will come about over 100 years later, that Fréawine has other descendants than his son Goldwine. These descendants are rumored to have mingled with the Dunlendings - and it is from these people, and rumors that a threat would later come to Rohan.

After Fréawine’s death in 2699 TA, Goldwine becomes the seventh King of Rohan - once again, the new king is over 60 years old when taking the crown, and his rule of 19 years is one of relative peace.

Events in Rohan would, however, begin to turn during the rule of Goldwine’s son Déor. His reign would see raids upon the lands of Rohan originating from the area near Isengard. In 2710 TA, the king leads an expedition to the north, where they find and defeat a host of Dunlendings. They also discover that Isengard is held not by a garrison loyal to Gondor, but a hostile force of Dunlendings. Having control of an impenetrable fortress, this enemy force cannot be driven out or defeated.

Unfortunately for Rohan, Gondor at this time is experiencing a renewed war with Orcs in the south, meaning Steward Egalmoth is unable to send aid to reclaim the Gondorian structure. Thus, the king instead stations a strong force of Rohirrim cavalry in the north of the Westfold, hoping to deter any further hostile action. This protection, however, would only do so much, for beginning in 2718 TA, the reign of Déor’s son Gram is one of warfare with the Dunlendings, who continue to raid the Rohirrim.

After Gram’s death in 2741 TA, his son Helm comes to power in Edoras. Thirteen years into his rule, a Rohirrim lord who is both rich and powerful is part of the councils of King Helm. Freca is believed to be descended from both Rohirrim and Dunlendings. Freca is not fully trusted by Helm, and only attends councils when it pleases him.

At one such council in 2754 TA, Freca comes with a host of men from his fortress in the lands around the Adorn. He requests the hand of Helm’s daughter for his son Wulf, to which Helm scoffs, making fun of Freca’s weight. Freca falls into a rage, saying “Old kings that refuse a proffered staff may fall on their knees.” - The Return of the King, Appendix A

After the council, Helm stands and puts his hand upon Freca’s shoulder, saying the King does not permit brawls in his house, but men are freer outside. Helm and Freca, who has also claimed to be a descendant of King Fréawine, go outside for a private chat, where Helm proclaims:

“‘Now, Dunlending,’ said the king, ‘you have only Helm to deal with, alone and unarmed. But you have said much already, and it is my turn to speak. Freca, your folly has grown with your belly. You talk of a staff! If Helm dislikes a crooked staff that is thrust on him, he breaks it. So!’ With that he smote Freca such a blow with his fist that he fell back stunned, and died soon after.

Helm then proclaimed Freca’s son and near kin the king’s enemies; and they fled, for at once Helm sent many men riding to the west marches.” - The Return of the King, Appendix A

It is likely that Helm’s punch of Freca, resulting in the latter’s death is what earns him the name Hammerhand.

While Freca’s men would leave Edoras, they would return four years later in great force. In 2758 TA, the Dunlendings, reinforced by the Corsairs of Umbar who had launched attacks throughout the coast of Gondor, launch an invasion of Rohan. Helm leads the Rohirrim in a battle at the Crossings of Isen, but is defeated and forced to withdraw to the Súthburg. The Dunlendings and Southrons overrun the lands of Rohan, laying siege to the Súthburg, and sacking the capital of Edoras. Wulf kills Helm’s son Haleth and takes the throne in the Golden Hall, claiming kingship of Rohan. Helm’s second son Háma is with him, trapped in the Súthburg during the ensuing Long Winter - an especially cold and harsh winter that would see many lives lost in both Rohan and the Shire.

Sometime after Yule, Háma would lead a group out of the Súthburg to find food for the starving Rohirrim in the fortress. However, they would be lost to the snow and never return. The king would grow gaunt from both grief and famine, but would still find a way to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies and enact some level of vengeance. It is said the dread of Helm Hammerhand alone is worth many men in defense of the Burg.

“He would go out by himself, clad in white, and stalk like a snow-troll into the camps of his enemies, and slay many men with his hands. It was believed that if he bore no weapon, no weapon would bite on him. The Dunlendings said that if he could find no food, he ate men. That tale lasted long in Dunland.

Helm had a great horn, and soon it was marked that before he sallied forth he would blow a blast upon it that echoed in the Deep; and then so great a fear fell on his enemies that instead of gathering to take him or kill him they fled away down the Coomb.” - The Return of the King, Appendix A

After one of these nighttime raids, during which his men hear the horn, Helm does not return. The following morning, the Rohirrim discover their king is dead.

“There stood Helm, dead as a stone, but his knees were unbent. Yet men said that the horn was still heard at times in the Deep and the wraith of Helm would walk among the foes of Rohan and kill men with fear.” - The Return of the King, Appendix A

Thus, the first line of the Kings of Rohan comes to an end. The rightful heir to the throne is Fréaláf, sister-son of King Helm. Fréaláf is among a group of Rohirrim who, in the aftermath of the Dunlending invasion, take refuge in Dunharrow. As spring finally comes to Rohan, Fréaláf leads a daring surprise raid against the Dunlending-occupied Edoras. Fréaláf avenges his uncle and cousins, killing the usurper Wulf and reclaiming the capital. Fréaláf claims his rightful place as king and, with Gondor now able to send aid, they clear the Dunlendings from Rohan, reclaiming the lands of their fathers.

It is in the aftermath of this long-fought ordeal, and at the very coronation of Fréaláf, that the Wizard Saruman comes to Rohan. He brings gifts, and lavishes praise for the valour of the Rohirrim. He then offers to take up residence in Isengard. Fréaláf and Steward Beren of Gondor agree to this proposition, seeing the immense value in having a powerful ally at Rohan’s northern border, protecting it from a second Dunlending conquest. Though, in time, this move would come at a cost, for the Wizard Saruman has plans of his own. While this would, for a time, aid Rohan in their struggle with the Dunlendings, the deal would eventually turn sour.

Fréaláf would reign for 39 years until his death in 2798 TA. His son is Brytta, who inherits a Rohan still recovering from the war with the Dunlendings. He continues his father’s ways of helping those in need, leading him to be called “Léofa” meaning “beloved.”

Still, his reign would not be without hostilities. In addition to the western borders still seeing minor conflict with the Dunlendings, they would see new enemies from the north. In the aftermath of the War of the Dwarves and Orcs ending in 2799 TA, Orcs of the Misty Mountains flee south and attempt to populate the White Mountains south of Rohan. We are told that Brytta would fight these new foes and by his death 43 years later, Rohan is believed to be free of Orcs.

In 2780 TA, Brytta’s son Walda takes the throne as the twelfth King of Rohan. He has fought in his father’s army in defeating the Orcs, and despite what is believed, there are indeed Orcs remaining in Rohan. After ruling for just nine years, Walda is killed by Orcs in the mountains near Dunharrow.

Folca, Walda’s son, would become king in that year of 2851 TA. Known as a great hunter, Folca would avenge his father, purging the lands of Rohan of the Orcs. Having rid his country of its last Orcs 13 years into his reign, we are told Folca rides to hunt the great Boar of Everholt in the Firien Wood. We are told nothing else about this mysterious beast, except that Folca is successful, though he receives a mortal wound from the boar’s tusks and dies at the age of 60.

Thus, Folca’s son Folcwine becomes the fourteenth king in 2864 TA. During his reign, both Gondor and Rohan would fulfill their alliance. Gondor would send aid to Folcwine and they would successfully drive out the Dunlendings who had taken control of the area between Adorn and the Isen. Later, in 2885 TA, Folcwine fulfills the Oath of Eorl, sending many Rohirrim to aid Gondor against the Haradrim, having been stirred by emissaries of Sauron to invade Gondor.

While the south kingdom is victorious, Folcwine’s twin sons Folcred and Fastred are killed near the Crossings of Poros in Ithilien. They are buried in Rohirrim tradition near the place of their death. The mound is called the Haudh in Gwanûr, the “mound of the brothers.” It marks the southern border of Ithilien. It is said the enemies of Gondor are afraid to pass the tomb.

With the death of his eldest sons, Folcwine would be succeeded by his youngest child, Fengel in 2903 TA. Unfortunately, due to the death of his brothers, Fengel grows up spoiled by his father and as a grown man, he would be known for his greed and love of gold. He is often at strife with his marshals and his children.

This leads his youngest child, a son named Thengel, to leave Rohan entirely, going instead to live in Gondor. There, he would win great renown in the service of Steward Turgon. Thengel would meet and marry a woman of Gondor named Morwen of Lossarnach, descended from the line of the Princes of Dol Amroth. Together, they would have five children - a son Théoden, a daughter Théodwyn, and three other unnamed daughters. When Fengel dies in 2953 TA, Thengel is called upon to return to Rohan and, though reluctant, he returns home and takes his place as king.

In this very year, Saruman, having taken part in the final meeting of the White Council, returns once and for all to Isengard, beginning to fortify it. In the following years, Saruman begins to work against Rohan, encroaching on its borders and supporting its enemies.

Roughly four years into Thengel’s reign, a man named Thorongil arrives from the north and enters his service. He would ride with the king for some time, before answering the call for aid from Steward Ecthelion II and leaving for Gondor. Decades later, Thorongil would return to fight alongside Thengel’s son, though now using his rightful name of Aragorn.

In his youth, Théoden would not only become familiar with the common speech and Rohanese, but also the Elven tongue of Sindarin, for Thengel had learned it while in Gondor. Thengel dies at the age of 75 in 2980 TA, passing his role to Théoden, who becomes the seventeenth King of Rohan when he is 32. The rule of Théoden would be one marked with loss and war, yet also victory and valor.

23 years into his rule, Théoden’s beloved sister Théodwyn and her husband Éomund die. Théoden, who is raising his son Théodred as a single father, adopts Théodwyn’s children Éomer and Éowyn - raising them as his own.

12 years later, Théoden’s health begins to fail. As he is 66 years old at the time, it could be seen as natural causes. However, it would later be revealed that through the treachery of Grima Wormtongue, Saruman is poisoning the king. With Grima continuing to manipulate the king, Saruman uses both Orcs and Dunlendings to raid Rohan in an effort to weaken and eventually conquer the realm.

Théodred is killed in the First Battle of the Fords of Isen on February 25, 3019 TA - the primary objective of Saruman’s forces in the attack. Saruman and Grima know that their greatest obstacles to conquering Rohan are Théodred and Éomer - both of whom are fiercely loyal to the king and are loved greatly by him. Théodred and Éomer are in the important roles of Second and Third Marshals of the Riddermark, respectively. According to tradition, the three marshals of Rohan are the top three military leaders of the realm. Théoden would take the role of First Marshal himself - being in charge of mustering their armies for war. However, when Théoden’s health begins to decline, Grime ensures that the role is not filled so that none other than the king can order a full muster of the Rohirrim.

After Théodred’s death, Théoden orders Éomer to not hunt Orcs crossing Rohan. However, Éomer disobeys this order, destroying the band of Uruks carrying Merry and Pippin toward Isengard. Grima is able to order the arrest and imprisonment of Éomer due to his actions, and his greatest obstacles are nearly completely dealt with - and Rohan is effectively left with no marshals to lead them.

On March 2, Gandalf the White would arrive in Edoras and heal the king. Théoden restores his nephew as his rightful heir and would lead the Rohirrim toward the Fords of Isen to take the battle to Saruman. However, en route they are warned that Erkenbrand’s host has been defeated at the Second Battle at the Fords of Isen and forced to retreat. An army of 10,000 Orcs and Dunlendings is now making its way south through Rohan.

Théoden leads his people to the ancient fortress where Helm Hammerhand had met his end. The area is now known as Helm’s Deep and the fortress is named the Hornburg, after Helm’s horn which he sounded while hunting his enemies. In the ensuing Battle of the Hornburg, the Rohirrim would fight valiantly against the invaders, and Erkenbrand’s host would return on the morning of March 4 with Gandalf the White, ensuring victory for Rohan. Saruman’s forces are utterly destroyed by the Huorns which had come to the lands outside the Hornburg and his threat to Rohan is no more. After their victory, the king is known as Théoden Ednew, meaning “the Renewed,” having finally and completely overcome the evil of Saruman.

Upon meeting Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took at Isengard, Théoden actually recognizes their race, calling them Holbytla, which is Old English for hole-dweller. He is familiar with Hobbits through the folklore of his people - and remembers the tale that they would spout smoke from their mouths - a reference perhaps to their love of pipe-weed.

While initially puzzling as to how the Rohirrim of all free folk would be familiar with Hobbits, the answer comes from the early days of their two races. When the Éothéod dwelled in the upper Vales of Anduin, there was a race of Stoor Hobbits living in the Vales of Anduin near Gladden Fields. No doubt this would be a likely time for the horsemen to come across the Holbytla.

Five days later, Théoden comes to Dunharrow, and on that very day, he receives a messenger from Gondor. The errand-rider Hirgon presents to Théoden the Red Arrow, delivering Steward Denethor’s request to bring all the Rohirrim as quickly as possible to Minas Tirith. The following day, Théoden would like 6,000 riders as they begin their journey to Minas Tirith, leaving the lands of Rohan behind them.

En route to Gondor, they are made aware of a host of Orcs upon the road to Minas Tirith. Coming to the Druadan Forest, Théoden meets with the leader of the Woses (also known as the Drúedain), Ghân-buri-Ghân. Ghân offers to guide the Rohirrim on long-abandoned and forgotten roads through the forest. He realizes that, should Gondor be saved, the Orcs will be driven off, but he also declares that should Rohan be victorious they will leave the Wild Men alone in the woods and not hunt them like beasts anymore. Théoden quickly agrees to this arrangement, and we are left with no further detail on the history between the Drúedain and the Rohirrim. When this hunting might have taken place in Rohan’s history, whether it is a case of mistaken identity like the Dwarves and Elves thousands of years earlier, or really any details - we can only guess.

The Rohirrim would arrive at the Pelennor Fields and would indeed help turn the tide of battle, fulfilling the Oath of Eorl once again. Théoden is mortally wounded by the Witch-king, and after Merry and Éowyn destroy the Witch-king, a new king would rise.

With the death of Théodred and now Théoden, the second line of the Kings of Rohan is ended, and the third line begins with Éomer, the 18th King of Rohan. Having lost his uncle and seemingly his sister upon the battlefield, Éomer flies into a rage, shouting “Death!” and “Ride to ruin and the world’s ending!” Just as the king loses hope at the sign of ships approaching Gondor, Aragorn’s banner is unfurled and the two leaders would ride to victory.

While Éowyn would be healed in the Houses of Healing, Éomer would once again ride with Aragorn into battle - this time at the Black Gate of Mordor. Returning to Gondor victorious, Éomer and his people would witness the coronation of King Elessar on May 1, 3019 TA. One week later, he renews the Oath of Eorl with Aragorn, the two kings pledging the friendship of their realms forever.

That same day, he and Éowyn would leave to return to Edoras, for there is much to set in order after so many battles. Éomer returns to Minas Tirith on July 18, leaving the following day to bear Théoden’s body back to Edoras. On August 10, Théoden is laid to rest in the mounds outside the city.

Éowyn is betrothed to Faramir, and along with her brother, she gives Meriadoc Brandybuck the Rohirric name “Holdwine” meaning “loyal friend.” They would also gift him an ancient Horn of the Mark, which dates back to their people’s days as the Éothéod in the Vales of Anduin.

Éomer does away with the roles of Second and Third Marshals and instead creates a marshal position for each half of Rohan - Erkenbrand becomes Marshal of the West-mark and Elfhelm becomes Marshal of the East-mark.

It is said that before the White Tree of Gondor can grow in peace, many enemies would need to be conquered. Thus, Éomer would often fulfill the Oath of Eorl, riding with Aragorn to subdue the remnants of Sauron’s followers in the East and South. The King of Rohan would be known as Éomer Eadig, meaning “the Blessed” - for it is during his rule that Rohan would recover from the hurts of war and become plentiful and prosperous once more. In 3021 TA, Éomer marries the daughter of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. Together, Éomer and Lothiriel would have a son - Elfwine the Fair.

During the reign of Éomer, Rohan would welcome an entirely new race of people to those lands - Dwarves. Gimli, who had been in awe of the Glittering Caves behind Helm’s Deep, returns with a contingent of Dwarves and, with the permission of the king, founds a new colony. The Dwarves would have great friendship with both Rohan and Gondor, and Gimli would become the first Lord of the Glittering Caves.

In total, Éomer would rule Rohan for 65 years - second longest of any king in the history of their country. Prior to his death in the 63rd year of the Fourth Age (abbreviated FoA), he would be visited once again by Merry and Pippin.

Upon Éomer’s death, Elfwine becomes the 19th King of Rohan. The last king listed in Tolkien’s writings, Elfwine is left a realm in a far more peaceful and prosperous position than the Home of the Horse Lords has seen in many long years.

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bretwalda-lamnguin · 2 years ago

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It's interesting how Malbeth the Seer's role for the later kings of Arthedain parallels the Steward's role for the later Gondorian kings. Both serve as chief advisors, with something of a spiritual, quasi-religious role. Malbeth gives prophectic guidance to the kings, the Stewards keep the tradition of Isildur.

Both seem clearly associated with spiritual power, Malbeth with foresight, the Stewards with the ability to read the hearts and minds of others (going by Denethor and Faramir at least).

But the key difference it seems is that for all their spiritual power, the Húrinionath are pragmatists at heart, and seem to have a flair for the political. Malbeth on the other hand doesn't seem to know or care (telling the king to name his son last king is not a good way to inspire confidence in your dynasty!)

I also find it interesting that the decision for the Dúnedain that Malbeth talks about, is arguably the one taken by Pelendur. Putting Eärnil II on the throne of Gondor. The more hopeful, pragmatic choice, the one a Steward would always take regardless of signs and omens.

I wonder if any of the Húrinionath, probably Vorondil or Mardil met Malbeth after the fall of Arthedain, I can't imagine they got on well...

#Malbeth #malbeth the seer #pelendur #mardil voronwë #vorondil #húrinionath #lotr

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anghraine · 4 years ago

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Aragorn is very much more like Eärnil than Arvedui 2k21

#anghraine babbles #arvedui depreciation blog #but also i genuinely think aragorn's entire approach and claim are just vastly more similar to eärnil's #while it's understandable that he's more associated with arvedui for lineage reasons ... nah #legendarium blogging #legendarium fanwank #aragorn #arvedui critical #eärnil ii

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middle-earth-mythopoeia · 2 years ago

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What are your thoughts and theories about Dunedain women? They're not really named or talked about, but they must exist

You’re so right! And thank you for this ask! :)

The Dúnedain women are fascinating, and I wish Tolkien had written more about them. I’m assuming you’re asking about Dúnedain women in Middle-earth, but I want to go back earlier and talk about the Númenoreans first.

There were three Ruling Queens of Númenor—Tar-Ancalimë, Tar-Telperiën and Tar-Vanimeldë—but there would have been four, if Tar-Míriel had not been forced to marry Ar-Pharazôn against her will. I find Míriel’s fate really tragic. Not only did her cousin force her to marry him and usurp the throne from her, then she had to watch as he became more and more corrupt and authoritarian (under Sauron’s influence) and ultimately brought about the downfall of her kingdom.

But I find it really interesting that (until Ar-Pharazôn ruined everything) Númenor had such egalitarian rules of succession. This was because Tar-Aldarion changed the laws so that Tar-Ancalimë, his daughter, could inherit the crown from him. Although Númenor had male-only primogeniture before that, I think it’s important to note that this law change happened quite early in its history—Númenor had twenty-five rulers, and Tar-Aldarion was the sixth. It’s also interesting to me that a power-hungry man illegitimately taking away the political authority of a woman is such an essential part of the downfall of Númenor.

And speaking of a man usurping the rightful Queen, I’m still mad that Fíriel didn’t become the Ruling Queen of Gondor after her father, King Ondoher, and her two elder brothers, were killed. She was the rightful heir to the throne according to the ancient laws of Númenor! She should have become Queen of Gondor! (I’ve been upset about this ever since I was 13 years old and reading the ROTK appendices for the first time.) But Eärnil II claimed the crown, and then his son Eärnur received it, and he was killed, and the rule of Gondor passed to the Stewards; and Eärnur was the last King of Gondor until Aragorn took the throne more than 900 years later, so once again, a man usurping a woman’s political power led to extremely dire consequences for the Dúnedain. If Eärnil hadn’t wrongfully taken the crown from Fíriel, the line of Kings and Queens wouldn’t have been broken and Gondor and Arnor wouldn’t have fallen into disarray.

(I think the narrative agrees with me, too, because Eärnur was described as valiant but not wise, a man who took pleasure chiefly in fighting, and he ultimately died because he was too proud to refuse a challenge from the Lord of Minas Morgul. Is this who should have been ruling Gondor? No. It explicitly says in the appendices, ‘It may be that if the crown and the sceptre had been united, then the kingship would have been maintained and much evil averted.’ Fíriel should have been given the crown! Another point in my favor is that Aragorn was descended from Fíriel, the rightful line. It says, ‘Arvedui did not press his claim; for he had neither the power nor the will to oppose the choice of the Dúnedain of Gondor; yet the claim was never forgotten by his descendants even when their kingship had passed away.’ That’s right! I fully believe that Aragorn reinstated the Númenorean law of succession when he became King, allowing for there to be Ruling Queens after his reign.)

But if there is not enough written about the Queens of Númenor and Gondor, there is even less about Dúnedain women who weren’t of royal blood. I love the idea that in later years, after the Númenoreans founded Gondor and Arnor, some of them would have become rangers alongside the male Dúnedain. Because why not? The fact that Númenor had Ruling Queens suggests that women could have had many of the same rights as men, so I see no reason why they couldn’t have done all the same things men did. I’d love to see more stories about them.

#asks #Dunedain #Numenor #Queens of Numenor #Firiel #thanks for the ask :)#I have THOUGHTS and OPINIONS about the whole Earnil-Firiel succession crisis #my writing #it was only a matter of time before I went on a Firiel rant

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luna-writes-stuff · 3 years ago

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April Tolkien Challenge; Day 10

Crown of Aragorn

tap picture for better quality

——

Also known as the crown of Gondor, or the Silver Crown, it was said to have come from a Númenorean helmet, one that the great kings in battle used to wear. When it got crushed in the Battle of Dagorlad, the helmet of Isildur became the next Crown of Gondor.

When Atanatar II The Glorious became king, he refashioned ht helmet into the crown we know to have been King Elessar's, or Aragorn. The crown was once more lost as Eärnur lay it in the lap of King Eärnil II, his father, in the houses of the dead, and it remained there for 969 long years, awaiting the next king.

It was Gandalf who eventually handed Aragorn, or Elessar, his crown on May 1st of the year 3019 of the Third Age. It was tradition that the helmet be passed from father to son, but as Aragorn had no family left, he let Gandalf bring it to him, to crown him as king of Gondor, reclaiming his title as the last heir to the throne.

——

Sources: -One Wiki To Rule Them All, Crowning of King Elessar -One Wiki To Rule Them All, Crown of Gondor -Tolkien Gateway -Return of the King, JRR Tolkien,

#april tolkien challenge #tolkien #jrr tolkien #the hobbit #lotr #lord of the rings #Aragorn #elessar #king elessar #Gondor #crown of Gondor #the silmarillion #unfinished tales

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laoih · 2 years ago

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Since I haven't really stopped shaking my head about all the changes Amazon made when they adapted Tolkien's stories about the 2nd Age, I have also thought about how an adaptation with The Lord of the Rings appendices as a basis could be done differently.

The 2nd Age:

The Rings of Power and the Downfall of Númenor

I have many ideas abiut a possible adaptation of the 2nd Age that is closer to Tolkien's writings. However, I won't go into details because there exists a really good video about this.

Actually, if I only had the rights to The Lord of the Rings incl. the appendices and not to the 2nd age texts from Unfinished Tales and The Silmarillion, I probably would not go for the 2nd Age at all. The majority of Tolkien's writings about the 2nd Age is in texts outside of The Lord of the Rings, and if I would not be allowed to properly adapt Tolkien's 2nd age stories because of rights, then I would pick something else.

So instead, let's go to a promising time in the 3rd Age, since most information about the 3rd Age can be found in The Lord of the Rings.

The 3rd Age:

The Angmar War and the Fall of Arnor

Let's go to the years 1940-2050 of the Third Age. In this time

in Arthedain, Arvedui marries princess Fíriel and becomes King of Arthedain. But the kingdom is overrun by the armies of the Witch-king and eventually falls. Arvedui dies, but his son survives.

in Lindon and Rivendell, Círdan, Elrond and Glorfindel defend Eriador against Angmar, together with Arthedain.

in the Shire, the hobbits elect the first Thain.

in Moria, the Balrog awakens and the Dwarves flee, eventually establishing the kingdom in Erebor

in Lóthlorien, Nimrodel and Amroth fall in love and decide to travel south. On their travels, Nimrodel is lost, and Amroth drowns, and Galadriel and Celeborn take up rule in Lóthlorien.

in Gondor, the king and his sons are killed by invading Wainraiders. The next king sends his son Eärnur against the Angmar in the North, resulting in the defeat of the armies of the Witch-king. When the Nazgûl come to Mordor and take Minas Ithil, they challenge Eärnur and he is never seen again after accepting and meeting their challenge. The rule of the stewards in Gondor begins.

Why this part of Middle-earth's history?

110 years: Compared to the time compressed in Amazon's show, 110 years is basically nothing. If needed it could even be shortened to only 59 years from 1940-1999, and only the final confrontation of the Witch-king and Eärnur would be lost.

Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits and Men: All major races of Middle-earth are involved thanks to the presence of the Men of Arthedain and Gondor, the Elves of Lindon and Rivendell, the Dwarves of Moria, and the Hobbits in the Shire.

Many canon characters to pick from: Canon characters include Círdan, Glorfindel, Elrond, Celebrian Nimrodel, Amroth, Celeborn and Galadriel among the Elves, Durin VI, Náin I and Thráin I among the Dwarves, Bucca among the Hobbits, and Arvedui, Fíriel, Ondoher, Eärnil II, Eärnur, Aranarth and more among Men.

Antagonists can include the Witch-king and other Nazgûl, the Barrow-wights, the evil Men of Rhudaur, the Wainraiders, Orcs, and the Balrog.

Known elements to attract the casual viewer:

characters like Elrond, Celeborn, Galadriel and the Witch-king

places like Rivendell, Moria, Lóthlorien and Gondor

the exploration of the origin of the Rangers in Eriador

the exploration of the history of Minas Ithil

the beginning of the rule of the stewards in Gondor

the awakening of the Balrog

the palantíri

Not-yet-seen elements to surprise the viewers:

exploring of the kingdom of Arthedain including its characters, culture, and its capital Fornost

exploring the Elven realm of Lindon and getting to see some of Tolkien's famous Elves properly for the first time

exploring Moria before its fall

getting to know the kingdom of Angmar and its capital Carn Dûm

exploring the concept of Barrow-wights

exploring other Mannish cultures like the Wainriders and the Lossoth

Possible storylines to tell

Storylines from Tolkien's writings:

Arthedain

Prince Arvedui marries princess Fíriel of Gondor.

When Fíriel's father and brothers die, Arvedui claims Gondor's throne since by Númenorean law Fíriel would be ruling queen, but the claim is rejected. Arvedui becomes King of Arthedain after his father's death.

The threat of Angmar grows, and Arvedui asks Gondor for help. But Angmar attacks first and captures the capital of Arthedain, Fornost. Many flee to Lindon, but Arvedui holds out at the North Downs for a while before fleeing to the Dwarf-mines in the Blue Mountains.

Eventually Arvedui flees further North, reaching the Icebay of Forochel were he meets the Lossoth. When Círdan sends a ship to get him, he is warned by the Lossoth not to get on the ship but ignores the warning. The ship sinks in a storm, and all aboard die.

Before his death, he gave the Lossoth the Ring of Barahir to thank them. The Ring is later on ransomed by the Dúnedain.

the Shire

During the war, most of the Hobbits went into hiding.

Some Hobbit archers were sent in support of the King, but they never returned. Some Hobbits als went to the last battle at Fornost when Angmar was defeated.

The Hobbits elect Bucca as the first Thain of the Shire in the absence of a King in Arnor.

Lindon & Rivendell

Angmar is kept at bay for a while thanks to the Elves of Lindon and Eriador.

After the fall of Arthedain,Círdan learns of Arvedui's escape route from Arvedui's son Aranarth and sends a ship North, which never reuturns.

Círdan of Lindon and Glorfindel of Rivendell regroup with Eärnur of Gondor, and together their armies defeat the armies of the Witch-king at Fornost.

When the Witch-king flees Glorfindel foresees that he won't be killed by the hand of a man.

Aranarth decides for his son to be raised in Rivendell.

the Shire

During the war, most of the Hobbits went into hiding.

Some Hobbit archers were sent in support of the King, but they never returned. Some Hobbits als went to the last battle at Fornost when Angmar was defeated.

The Hobbits elect Bucca as the first Thain of the Shire in the absence of a King in Arnor.

Lóthlorien

The story of Amroth and Nimrodel, ending with Nimrodel being lost and Amroth dead.

As a result, Celeborn and Galadriel come to Lóthlorien and take up rule there.

Moria

The Balrog awakens in Moria and Durin VI is killed.

Náin dies a year after Durin VI, and the Dwarves flee Moria.

The Dwarves come to Erebor, where Thráin I establishes his kingdom.

Gondor

Gondor is attacked by Wainraiders, and King Ondoher and his two sons fall in the battle north of the Morannon. Eventually, the invasion is stopped under the leadership of Eärnil, Captain of the Southern Army.

After rejecting Arvedui's/Fíriel's claim to the throne, Eärnil is crowned King.

Vorondil, later steward of Gondor, hunts down the Kine of Araw and creates the Horn of Araw.

Eärnur, Eärnil's son, arrives in Anor by ship with the army of Gondor. Together with the Elves of Lindon and Rivendellhe attacks the Witch-king in Fornost. Angmar is defeated and the Witch-king flees, but humiliates Eärnur.

The Nazgûl come to Mordor and take Minas Ithil. The Witch-king then taunts and challenges Eärnur who is King by now. Eärnur accepts the challenge and rids out to meet him, but he is never seen again.

The stewards start ruling Gondor.

Possible storylines to develop:

Was Arvedui's and Fíriel's marriage a political marriage or did they marry out of love?

Did Fíriel survive, and if so, how and where?

How did Aranarth escape and where did he go? What was his relationship with Elrond that convinced him to have his son raised in Rivendell?

Who among the Dúnedain went North to Forochel to get the Ring of Barahir back?

How were the Hobbits in the Shire affected by the war against Angmar?

What was the story of the Hobbit archers at the last battle of Fornost?

What made the Hobbits elect Bucca as the first Thain?

What was Celebrían like and what was she up to at that time? Was she in contact with her parents? What where her children doing?

What was the relationship between the Elves of Rivendell and the remaining humans in Rhudaur?

Where were Celeborn and Galadriel before eventually going to Lóthlorien, and what where they doing?

What was the relationship of Durin VI and his son Náin I?

After the awakening of the Balrog and the death of Durin VI, the Dwarves remain in Moria for a while. Where they still unaware of the Balrog, were they trying to fight it, or were they just too stubborn to leave?

"All evil things were stirring" – was the balrog roused by the digging of the Dwarves or because Sauron's power was growing again in Mirkwood?

How did Nimrodel and Amroth fall in love with each other?

What happened to Nimrodel?

How where Galadriel and Celeborn received in Lóthlorien?

Who created the sword that would eventually kill the Witch-king in the battle of the Pelennor fields?

... and many many more.

An adaptation would probably profit from a little rearrangement of the timeline – for example having the Balrog awaken a couple of years earlier than it did so that the Dwarvish plotline can run at the same time as Arvedui's. Since it is only a couple of years, there are no noticable effects on events of characters – at best it even provides a reason why the Dwarves did not help the Elves and Arvedui against Angmar, and why the Elves of Rivendell could not provide any assistance against the Balrog.

... so, this was fun. 🙂 And I guess based on my current knowledge I should be happy that nobody attempts to mess up this fascinating part of the Appendices in any adaptation...

#LOTR #The Lord of the Rings #LOTR adaptation #random thoughts #excercise in not being negative all the time but trying to be constructive in my critisism

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sweetearthandnorthernsky · 2 years ago

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i’m all over the place today (sorry not sorry) [actually mildly sorry] BUT one does not simply control or ignore the hyperfixation.

anyways; i just replayed silent street on an alt and this will never fail to make me insane

Eärnil II says, “Who defies the claim of my son?” Eärnil II says, “Why does my son flee death?” Eärnil II says, “What vile force guides my hand?”

Mardil Voronwë says, “Has the King at last returned?” Mardil Voronwë says, “Your plans are ill-laid.” Mardil Voronwë says, “What cruel fate is this?” Mardil Voronwë says, “Eärnur... must fall.”

AND THEN

Boromir I says, "The Morgul-blade bites deep!" Boromir I says, "You cannot hold forever..." Boromir I says, "The blade... it is still... within." Boromir I says, "Feel the fading of your life!" Boromir I says, "Glory to Gondor!"

Telemnar says, "Plague-bearers! Slay them!" Telemnar says, "The Plague claims all!" Telemnar says, "The Plague rots us all!" Telemnar says, "I feel the Plague within me once more..." Telemnar says, "Let the Plague take you!"

Tarannon Falastur says, "Berúthiel, do you torment me still?" Tarannon Falastur says, "The Sea was to be my resting place!" Tarannon Falastur says, "Choke and sputter!" Tarannon Falastur says, "The Sea claims all!" Tarannon Falastur says, "What was it all for?"

Atanatar II says, "Come to mock me like the others?" Atanatar II says, "Suffer my fate!" Atanatar II says, "I will not fail my people again!" Atanatar II says, "Time erodes all."

and you also straight up fight meneldil who’s isildur’s nephew at the end of the fight which is. yk. fun.

#it does very much feel like it's a Gondor Day TM tho so i guess i'll be doing smthn with that #sticky note tag #screaming crying throwing up #for reference bc i can never remember the deal with all of these people at the same time #and have to look at least one of them up #boromir i was the father of cirion; he died bc he was shot with a morgul [arrowhead? blade? idk] and got a really bad wasting disease #telemnar was king of gondor during the plague and the watch on mordor ceased and then 2nd the white tree withered and died #[the 3rd one is the one from that's there during wotr before being replaced by the sapling aragorn found]#atanatar ii kinda just. did nothing and mordor kinda took advantage of that.#and then tarannon. oh boy this guy did so much but he was a ship-king and. did so many things #now having typed that i probably should remember them better #i hope lmao

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arofili · 4 years ago

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the line of elros ❖ stewards of gondor ❖ headcanon disclaimer

Mardil Voronwë was the son of Vorondil, and became the first Ruling Steward of Gondor. He served as the third and last Steward to Eärnil II and after him his son Eärnur. Upon Eärnur’s inheritance, the Witch-king of Minas Morgul, whom Eärnur had faced in the North, challenged him again to single combat. Eärnur, rash and humiliated by his failure in their first encounter, was eager to answer, but all his counselors clearly saw that it was a trap. It took the combined persuasion of Eärnur’s mother, lover, and his Steward to convince him not to go at that time, but after his lover was slain in a skirmish, not even the wisdom of Mardil could prevent him from answering the Witch-king’s third challenge. Eärnur left his crown upon the lap of his father in the Houses of the Dead, where it would remain until Steward Faramir would pass it to King Elessar nearly a thousand years later. Eärnur rode past the gates of Minas Morgul with a small escort of loyal knights, never to be seen again. As his fate was for a time uncertain and Eärnur had named no heir, nor were there any obvious lords of royal descent to step forth and make their claim, no new King was selected. Thus, with a heavy heart, Mardil took up the leadership of Gondor, first of the Ruling Stewards. He began his rule with the promise to lead “until the King returns,” at first with the hope that Eärnur would ride back to Minas Tirith in glory, and later as but a formality. Mardil ruled Gondor with wisdom and patience during the time known as the Watchful Peace, earning the epithet Voronwë, “the Steadfast.” He was an even-tempered and practical man who paid close attention to even the minutiae of bureaucracy. His wife Anoriel was likewise a fastidious scholar, and it was at her suggestion that Mardil established a Stewards’ Reckoning of time, inserting two leap-days in an effort to maintain a coherent calendar. The son of Mardil Voronwë and Anoriel was Eradan, first of the Stewards to be named in Sindarin save for those who had taken names from great heroes of the First Age. Eradan was a solitary man who preferred quietude and the company of books. His wife, Gilwen, was of a similar mind, and together they agreed to leave one another alone as soon as their only son Herion came of age. Unlike his father, Herion was a lively and boisterous man eager to enter the social circles of Gondor. He wed the dancer Cadwareth, a beautiful woman whom he adored despite her own inconstant affections. Their son Belegorn was a hunter like his ancestor Vorondil, and though he never brought down a beast so mighty as the Kine of Araw, he carried the Horn of Gondor with a reverence matched only by his love for his wife Lossendil, a healer-woman of Ithilien he met on his travels.

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tolkienmatters · 5 years ago

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‘Not by the hand of man will he fall’ - Prophecy and End of Kings

One of the most enduring moments of the Lord of the Rings is Eowyn’s slaying of the Witch King and fulfilling the Prophecy of Glorfindel, but where did this prophecy come from? During the Witch King’s conquest of Arnor, King Eärnil II sent his son Prince Eärnur with a small army to help defend their ally. Eärnur’s army merged with an Elven host under Glorfindel, and the Host of the West met the Witch King’s army at Fornost. During the battle the Witch King rode issuing a challenge of single combat to Eärnur, who accepted the challenge, but the Witch King’s malice and intimidating aura frightened the Gondorian horses, and Eärnur’s horse fled in fear - taking the Prince with him. The Witch King mocked him for this, and as Glorfindel’s army came the Witch King escaped the battle. Eärnur regained control of his horse and wanted to chase them, but Glorfindel warned against it prophesying “Do not pursue him! He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall”. Eärnur did not pursue, and though the battle was won his pride was hurt, and ultimately Arnor was destroyed. Mordor soon took Minas Ithil, Gondor’s chief position in Mordor, and made it into Minas Morgul, a fortress of dark sorcery. Eärnur came to the throne after the death of his father, and upon his ascension to the throne the Witch King, now based in Minas Morgul, issued his challenge again. Eärnur wished to fight him but was held back by his steward Mardil. Years later the Witch King issued another challenge, but this time Eärnur accepted. He left the Crown of Gondor on his father’s tomb, gathered an escort of knights and rode to Minas Morgul. He and his escort were never seen or heard from again. There was no heir and nobody claimed the throne. The line was broken and nobody wanted to risk another Kin-Strife. So began the Ruling Stewards as the caretakers of the throne, and the Crown of Gondor remained in the tombs until the Fourth Age and the coronation of King Elessar. Glorfindel’s prophecy remained part of legend and gave the Witch King more infamy. Hundred years later, During the Battle of Pelennor Fields in the War of the Ring, Merry the Hobbit broke the Witch King’s armor with a barrow-blade, and Dernhelm revealed himself to be Eowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan, who then slew the Witch King. His doom was met by the hand of Woman and Hobbit, and thus the prophecy came to pass.

“Now the descendants of the kings had become few. Their numbers had been greatly diminished in the Kin-strife; whereas since that time the kings had become jealous and watchful of those near akin. Often those on whom suspicion fell had fled to Umbar and there joined the rebels; while others had renounced their lineage and taken wives not of Númenorean blood. So it was that no claimant to the crown could be found who was of pure blood, or whose claim all would allow; and all feared the memory of the Kin-strife, knowing that if any such dissension arose again, then Gondor would perish. Therefore, though the years lengthened, the Steward continued to rule Gondor, and the crown of Elendil lay in the lap of King Eärnil in the Houses of the Dead, where Eärnur had left it. “

- The end of the line of kings from the Third Age into the Fourth. Appendices, Annals of the Kings and Rulers, The Numenorean Kings, Of Numenor

#lotr #tolkien #gondor #earnil #earnur #merry #eowyn #glorfindel #witch king #mordor #minas morgul #elendil #aragorn #dernhelm #info #conceptshop #concept

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austerlitzborodinoleipzig · 5 years ago

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Today is one of those “let’s think about Tolkien’s weird obsession with Second-of-his-name trope” days.

Because really, I still don’t know why but nearly half of Tolkien’s heroes, or characters of particular relevance to the plot/history of Middle-Earth are the second guys to wear that name.

I mean,the most glaring exemple is Aragorn who is actually Aragorn II, son of Arathorn, you guessed it, II. And in Gondor you have Denethor II, son of Ecthelion II. Also fun fact, had Boromir been a Ruling Steward, he would have been called Boromir II. (Unrelated, but Boromir the first was a bit of a badass, and one of my favorite obscure characters). Thorin Oakenshield? Thorin the fucking second. And so is his cousin, Dain II Ironfoot.

So I decided to sit down, reread LOTR’s appendices and see where that trend goes.

So hereby is the (maybe not exhaustive list) of all the characters that wear the number II behind their names.

Kings of Arnor and Chieftain of the Dunedain

Argeleg II and Arveleg II, no, they’re not father and son. Kings of the Arthedain. There’s nothing else about them, except that during Argeleb’s reign, there was the great plague of the Third Age, so that puts him above most of the other kings for relevance.

Arahad II: chieftain of the Dunedain

Arathorn II: aka Gilraen’s husband

Aragorn II, son of Arathorn, Heir of Isildur

Interestingly, Arvedui, while an important figure, is the first and last of his name, but then again, I guess you can’t have two kings called “The Last One”.

Kings of Gondor

Atanatar Alcarin, “The Glorious”, whose reign represents the summit of Gondor’s power. Guess what? He was Atanatar II

Romendacil II: okay this one is an interesting one, and one of my obscure faves. (Seriously, Gondor’s history is fascinating). Seemingly one the great kings Gondor had. Per ROTK, Appendix A he “was a man of great vigour, and in 1240 Narmacil, to rid himself of all cares, made him Regent of the realm.” Interesting because he’s the first and last Regent, Gondor apparently had. A sort of proto-Stewardship? Why was the title not used after that? But anyway, guy ruled Gondor, in his uncle’s, then father’s and finally in his own name. Also first one to reach out toward the Northmen, to conclude alliances with them. Invited some Northmen to serve in Gondor’s armed forces. Send his son and heir to Vidugavia’s court. So generally open-minded. Good captain, crushed the Easterlings. Also built the pillars of the Argonath. On the downside, his policy concerning the Northmen led to the Kin-Strife.

Hyarmendacil II and Narmacil II : unremarkable

Eärnil II : penultimate King of Gondor. Also one the greats. See the pattern, yet?

Stewards

Belecthor II : under his office, the White Tree died.

Turin II : built Henneth Annun

Ecthelion II, Denethor II, and Boromir would-have-been-II

Durin’s Line

Technically there has been a Durin II, however, nothing is said about him. We know Durin III was given one of the Seven Rings, by Celebrimbor, and Durin VI awoke the Balrog in the Moria.

Nain II : only thing we know is that his son, Dain I, was killed by a dragon.

And then come-on Tolkien, it’s getting ridiculous

Thrain II : died in Dol Guldur,

his son Thorin II Oakenshield

Dain II Ironfoot, who ends up King under the Mountain.

Interestingly enough, all Kings of Rohan have a unique name.

Same goes for the Kings of Numenor, except that there are two Amandil and Elendil, who bookend the Numenor era.

Tar Amandil, second ruling King of Numenor and his son Tar Elendil.

And then we have the Lords of Andunië, Amandil and his son Elendil, who then becomes the first High King of the Numenoreans in exile. Both are descendants of Tar Amandil and Tar Elendil, through Elendil’s daughter, Silmariën.

Also there’s King Bard II of Dale, succeeds his father during the War of the Ring.

#lotr #good ol jirt #tolkien and his weird obsessions #third age #gondor #arnor #denethor #boromir #aragorn #dain ii ironfoot #thorin oakenshield

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caidaarnor · 5 years ago

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Canon Humanos

Eärnil II (92 años, PB: Sean Connery): Rey de Gondor, ganó el trono gracias a que el Consejo del Reino lo escogio a él después de una vacío de poder. Con medias sabias y oportunas ha vuelto a poner de pie al reino. Pero lejos quedan sus días de gloria y esplendor.

Eärnur (47 años, PB: Sean Bean): Hijo del rey y gran capitán de Gondor. Es un diestro guerrero y comandante, que ayudó a su padre en las muchas victorias que ha obtenido. Actualmente esta al frente de la gran hueste que Gondor a ha mandado para ayudar al ya moribundo reino de Arthedain. Tal vez la ayuda llegue demasiado tarde.

Pelendur (96 años, PB: Jeremy Irons): Senescal de Gondor y hombre fuerte del reino. Ha servido a dos reyes, y tiene depositada su confinza en Eärnil, pues su decisión suya que la corona recayera sobre él. Sabio y fuerte, su compromiso es absoluto con el reino y el trono.

Aranarth (37 años, PB: Viggo Mortensen): Único hijo varón de Arvediu y por lo tanto heredero de Arthedain y de Arnor. Es un valeroso capitán y digno descendiente de Numenor. No viendo posibilidad de restablecer el antiguo reino, se ha proclamado Capitán de los Dúnedain del Norte. Con lo que contaba tal vez era con la llegada de Gondor.

Frumgar (55 años, PB: Bernard Hill): Señor de los Éothéod. Él y su pueblo emigraron al norte de las tierras de Rhovanion, buscando huir de los orientales de Rhûn. Se ha establecido en los valles altos del Anduin, y su pueblo se ha hecho famoso por la doma de caballos y por ser diestros jinetes. Mantiene una firme alianza con Gondor, y ha mandado a su hijo junto a un destacamento en ayuda de Arnor.

Fram (27 años, PB: Karl Urban): Hijo de Frumgar, se dice de Fram que es un terrible guerrero, capaz de ahuyentar a cualquier enemigo cuando carga con colera y rabia. Es diestro con la espada y la lanza, digno hijo de su padre, y el futuro de su pueblo. Su padre la puso al frente de las fuerzas que mando en apoyo de Gondor en su expedición al norte de la Tierra Media.

Semincanon:

- Firiel: Madre de Aranarth y vidua de Arvedui, tuvo la suerte de huir a Rivendel antes de que Fornost cayera. Siguiendo el consejo de su marido se llevo el Cetro de Annúnimas con ella junto al resto de tesoros de Fornost antes de su caída. - Vorondil: És el hijo del Senescal de Gondor. Al contrario que su padre cree que el poder de los reyes se está debilitando, y que el linaje de Anárion tal vez esta agotado de forma casi definitiva. Es un buen guerrero, prefiriendo la espada antes que la diplomacia, al contrario que su padre. Tal vez Gondor necesite cambios, reforzando en su lugar el poder del Consejo, porque en su opinión los reyes vienen y van. - Hermana de Aranarth: Hermana menor de Aranarth, le toco vivir unos tiempos difíciles para su regente, por lo que ha tenido que acostumbrarse a vivir en un mundo peligroso y nada fácil. Buena cazadora, sabe moverse por los bosques de Eriador, además de gran arquera.

#canon lacaidadearnor

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somelotrnerd · 6 months ago

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The History of Gondor: Part 2

Map of Gondor:

Despite the loss of Isildur, both Gondor and Arnor would grow in wealth and power for the next 800 years. Gondor’s growth would only briefly be interrupted by an Easterling invasion in 492 of the Third Age. However, while Arnor would eventually begin its steady decline into ruin, Gondor would continue marching to prosperity. From 830 to 1149 TA, Gondor experiences its Golden Age - a period of rule by four consecutive rulers collectively known as the Ship-kings.These kings, Tarannon Falastur, Eärnil I, Ciryandil, and Ciryaher (also known as Hyarmendacil I), would seek to expand Gondor’s might in both military and navy.

Tarannon, the first of these kings, extends Gondor’s realm both west and south of the Mouths of Anduin. Tarannon is also known as the husband of Queen Berúthiel, a Black Númenórean known for being nefarious, solitary, and loveless, and of course for her spy cats. Tarannon is the first King of Gondor to die without an heir to his throne. Having years earlier cast his wife out to sea adrift aboard a ship, the crown passes to his nephew Eärnil I.

Eärnil continues the expansion of his uncle by constructing a great navy and repairing the old Númenórean port of Pelargir. Despite the greatness Gondor has achieved, it is not yet the supreme power of the coasts of Middle-earth - for there is still the haven of Umbar- also a former Númenórean port, but under the control of Black Númenóreans and Haradrim. In 933 TA, twenty years into his kingship, Eärnil attacks the forces of Umbar, seizing control of the harbor and as a result, the seas of Middle-earth. Still, the sea itself is not tamed, for just three years later, Eärnil is lost at sea and never seen again.

His son, Ciryandil, rises to the kingship. This third Ship-king continues the practice of building ever more ships, though he would die 79 years later in Umbar when the Haradrim, led by the lords exiled by his father, lay siege to the city.

Ciryaher then becomes the fourth and final Ship-king. He seeks vengeance for his father’s death and, after building up his armies, he attacks Harad by both land and sea in a decisive victory in 1050 TA. He forces the defeated kings of Harad to acknowledge the overlordship of Gondor and dubs himself Hyarmendacil, meaning “South-victor.”

At this moment, Gondor is at the very height of its power - both militarily and in terms of lands occupied. Their lands stretch from Celebrant in the North to Harnen and Umbar in the South; from the Greyflood in the West to the Sea of Rhûn in the East. The realm is now spread far and wide, but it would not last - for lesser kings, plague, and civil war are on the horizon.

With Hyarmendacil’s death in 1149 TA, his son Atanatar takes the throne as the 16th King of Gondor. Despite his 77-year reign, the strength and wealth of Gondor would begin to deteriorate.

The 19th king, Rómendacil II, would take the crown in 1304 TA. While there have been two kings between these rulers, Rómendacil is effectively the ruler during nearly the entire reign of his father and uncle before him after winning great renown in battle. During the rule of his uncle, the Easterlings resume their attacks on Gondor and during his battles, Rómendacil discovers that not all of the Northmen adhere to Gondor. Seeking to secure the region, he leads a great force from Gondor to attack the Easterling army occupying the lands between Rhovanion and the Sea of Rhûn in 1248 TA. His attack is a success, completely defeating the Easterlings west of the sea. It is then that he begins going by the name Rómendacil, meaning “East-victor.”

In that very year, Rómendacil fortifies the western shore of the Anduin north through the lands of Calenardhon. It is at his behest that the Argonath, the great Pillars of the Kings Anárion and Isildur, are constructed north of Amon Hen. It’s possible that the Seat of Seeing and the Seat of Hearing are also built during this time, given their proximity and Rómendacil’s interest in the North.

Rómendacil also takes a special interest in the Northmen, many of whom he brings into his service. Rómendacil even goes so far as to send his son to live among the Northmen, though this seemingly small act would bring civil war to Gondor. Prince Valacar would marry a woman of the Northmen and have a son named Eldacar. Valacar would rule for 66 years after his father’s death, but when he dies in 1432 TA, Eldacar takes the throne to the anger of many. Many Gondorians of Númenórean blood disapprove of Eldacar’s mixed heritage, and believe a half-breed has no right to rule.

Chief among these is his second cousin Castamir. Castamir is Gondor’s Captain of Ships, and thus is supported by both Umbar and Pelargir among other coastal regions of the realm. In 1437 TA, five years into his cousin’s rule, Castamir leads a rebellion and besieges the city of Osgiliath. During this attack, Osgiliath is covered in flames and the Dome of Stars, a great hall in the capital, is destroyed and its palantír is lost in the Anduin. In his sack of Osgiliath, Castamir first shows his utter cruelty and executes Eldacar’s son Ornendil.

Thus begins the Kin-strife in Gondor. Eldacar goes into exile, fleeing to his mother’s kin in Rhovanion. In turn, many of the Northmen previously loyal to Gondor, as well as Gondorians in the northern provinces rally behind the rightful King. Castamir would rule Gondor for 10 years, continuing to show his true colors to his people and steadily losing favor and becoming seen as the usurper he is.

Finally, in 1447 TA, Eldacar returns with a great army from Rhovanion and meets Castamir’s forces at the Crossings of Erui. Many are killed in this deadly conflict before Eldacar takes his vengeance upon Castamir, killing him in single combat. Castamir’s sons retreat to the haven of Pelargir, where they would hold out for a year before sailing with all their forces to Umbar. Eldacar, who has no ships of his own, is unable to pursue them, and as a result, Gondor would lose control of Umbar for the next 400 years as the sons of Castamir join the enemies of Gondor, bringing about the Corsairs of Umbar. The Corsairs would ally with the Haradrim in a war against Gondor in which the new king, Eldacar’s son Aldamir, is killed. Eleven years later, in 1551 TA, Aldamir’s son would defeat the Men of Harad in battle, avenging his father and taking the name Hyarmendacil II.

The Corsairs would plague the coast of Gondor for many years, but another plague would become a much greater concern for Gondor in 1636 TA. This plague affects a huge area of Middle-earth, and its source is an old and ancient foe. The plague coincides with the emergence of a shadow in Dol Guldur, and Sauron’s plague would not only devastate Gondor, but their enemies to the East and South as well. Osgiliath is especially hard hit and people fleeing the city would cause Minas Anor to become the new capital of the kingdom. Meanwhile, Calenardhon is so hard hit by the plague that it is nearly completely abandoned. Among the casualties of the plague are not only thousands of Gondorians, but King Telemnar, all his children, and even the White Tree of Gondor.

After the Kin-strife and now this Great Plague, Gondor has been severely weakened. In 1856 TA, enemies would once again come from the East. The spirit of Sauron once again moves the Easterlings into hostilities against Gondor. This group of Easterlings, known as the Wainriders, travels in great fortified camps of wagons and have invaded Rhovanion. King Narmacil II leads Gondor and the Men of the North in the Battle of the Plains south of Mirkwood. The battle is a disaster. Narmacil II is killed and the Easterlings enslave the people of Rhovanion. Some of the Northmen would escape and flee to the upper vales of the Anduin in their exile, becoming known as the Éothéod.

The first Lord of the Éothéod warns the new King Calimehtar, who is determined to avenge his father, that the Wainriders are preparing a raid on Calenardhon, but that the enslaved Northmen are also nearing a revolt. With time being precious, Calimehtar leads an army north, drawing the Wainriders south to meet them at Dagorlad. As the battle seems in doubt, Calimehtar’s secret cavalry crosses the Undeeps, meets up with the Éothéod riders and arrive at the battle, assuring their victory. Between the battle and the revolt in Rhovanion, the Wainriders are driven back to the East.

In 1940 TA, after many centuries of operating independently from one another, King Ondoher of Gondor meets with King Araphant of Arthedain - a splinter kingdom of the former realm of Arnor. They realize that the wars, plague and misfortune they’ve experienced are no mere coincidences. There is a single force bent upon the destruction of the Dúnedain. The kingdoms ally once more in hopes of saving both from collapse and Prince Arvedui marries Ondoher’s daughter Fíriel, further cementing their alliance. However, whatever alliance there is would be short lived, merely bringing about another contest for the throne.

Just four years after their alliance, Gondor’s enemies make a coordinated assault. The Haradrim invade from the South and just a few days later, Wainriders return from the East. Ondoher’s distant cousin Eärnil II leads an army south, while Ondoher leads an army north to meet the Wainriders. The chariots and horsemen of the Easterlings wreak havoc upon the King’s Guard, and Ondoher and both his sons are killed in the Disaster of the Morannon. After destroying the Haradrim in the South, Eärnil II brings his army north, catching the Easterlings by surprise in their celebration and decimating their forces, driving the survivors back to the East.

With the death of Ondoher and his heirs, both Arvedui and Eärnil II lay claim to the throne. Arvedui’s claim comes from, and would hinge upon, reintroducing an ancient Númenórean law of accession, which would see the eldest child, not the eldest son, inherit the throne, in which case his wife Fíriel would become the first Ruling Queen of Gondor. He also attempts to capitalize on the fact that he himself is the heir of Isildur, and their children would symbolize this reunification of Gondor and Arnor.

While the Steward Pelendur and Council of Gondor acknowledge the honor that the heir of Isildur title commands, they decree the King of Gondor must be of the line of Anárion, and the kingship passes to Eärnil II. Eärnil, who is described as both wise and humble, sends a message to Arvedui saying, “I do not forget the loyalty of Arnor, nor deny our kinship, nor wish that the realms of Elendil should be estranged. I will send you aid when you have need, so far as I am able.” - The Return of the King, Appendix A: “Annals of the Kings and Rulers: Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion”

This oath would be unfulfilled as Arthedain continues to be plagued by its centuries old enemy - the Witch-king of Angmar. In the Fall of 1973 TA, Gondor receives word that Arthedain is about to be attacked as the Angmar War surpasses 400 years. Eärnil II sends his son Eärnur north with a fleet as great as they could spare. However, by the time they arrive, Arthedain is conquered and Arvedui is drowned in the sea.

Eärnur joins with Círdan, and a combined force of Elves and Men destroys the army of Angmar. Eärnur seeks to fight the Witch-king, but his horse is terrified and flees the battle against its rider’s wishes. The Witch-king mocks Eärnur, but would himself flee at the coming of Glorfindel and the Elves of Rivendell. It is at this moment that Glorfindel pronounces his prophecy that not “by the hand of man shall he fall.”

Being driven from the North, the Witch-king would instead bring the war directly to Gondor. He returns to Mordor in 1980 TA and rallies the other eight Nazgûl to him. Twenty years later, they lay siege to Minas Ithil and in 2002 TA, they sack the city, take control of its palantír, and remake the city to a place of unspeakable evil. This once great city of Isildur is occupied by foul creatures and comes to be known as Minas Morgul, meaning “Tower of Dark Sorcery.” This leads many Gondorians living in Ithilien to flee, depopulating the lands east of the river. In this same year, Minas Anor is renamed Minas Tirith, meaning “Tower of Guard.”

After his father’s death, Eärnur ascends to the throne in 2043 TA. After Eärnur’s coronation, the Witch-king sends him a challenge to single combat while reminding him of his disgrace of seeming to flee the battlefield in the North. Fortunately, the Steward Mardil Voronwë convinces the King not to go. However, seven years later, in 2050 TA, the Witch-king renews his challenge and this time, the King would accept. He sets his crown on his father’s lap in the Houses of the Dead and, with a small escort of knights, he rides across the river and past the gates of Minas Morgul. None of the company would ever be seen again.

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