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'''Imrahil''' was the twenty-second Prince of [[Dol Amroth]]. He had two older sisters, [[Ivriniel]] and [[Finduilas of Dol Amroth|Finduilas]].
{{gondorian infobox
| image=[[Image:Imrahil LotR SBG.png|250px]]
| name=Imrahil
| othernames="the Fair"
| titles=[[Princes of Dol Amroth|Prince of Dol Amroth]]
| position=
| location=[[Dol Amroth]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth={{TA|2955}}
| birthlocation=
| rule={{TA|3010}} - {{FoA|34}}
| death={{FoA|34}}
| deathlocation=
| age=100
| house=[[House of Dol Amroth]]
| parentage=[[Adrahil II]]
| siblings=[[Ivriniel]] and [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]]
| spouse=
| children=[[Elphir]], [[Erchirion]], [[Amrothos]] and [[Lothíriel]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Imrahil.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{quote|That is a fair lord and a great captain of men. If Gondor has such men still in these days of fading, great must have been its glory in the days of its rising.|[[Legolas]], ''[[The Last Debate]]''}}
'''Imrahil''' was the twenty-second [[Prince of Dol Amroth]].  


During the [[War of the Ring]], on March 9, 3019, Prince Imrahil led a company of [[Swan Knight]]s and 700 men at arms to [[Minas Tirith]] to help defend the City. Prince Imrahil led the sortie that rode to the aid of [[Faramir]] and the rear-guard who were retreating from [[Osgiliath]] when the forces of [[Sauron]] overran the [[Pelennor Fields]] on March 13. [[Gandalf]] rode with them, and the Winged [[Nazgûl]] fled before him. The [[Knights of Dol Amroth]] rescued [[Faramir]] from the [[Southrons]]. Faramir was poisoned, and Imrahil carried his nephew back to the City on his horse. Gandalf then took command of the besieged city and Prince Imrahil assisted him, because Denethor in his madness retreated to the White Tower with his dying son, and forgot about the city.
==History==
===Early life===
Imrahil was the son of [[Adrahil II]]. He had two older sisters, [[Ivriniel]] and [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]]. After his father's death, he became Prince in {{TA|3010}}. Imrahil had four children:  [[Elphir]], [[Erchirion]], [[Amrothos]] and [[Lothíriel]].<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The Line of Dol Amroth'', p. 221</ref>
===War of the Ring===
[[Image:John Howe - Prince Imrahil.jpg|thumb|left|''Prince Imrahil'' by [[John Howe]]]]
During the [[War of the Ring]], Imrahil came to the aid of his brother-in-law, [[Denethor|Denethor II]]. On [[9 March]], {{TA|3019}}, he came into [[Minas Tirith]] with a company of knights and seven hundred soldiers.<ref name="MT">{{RK|MT}}</ref>


While paying his respect to the procession bearing the body of King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]] at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] on March 15, Imrahil noticed that the [[Rohirrim]] also bore the body of [[Éowyn]]. He perceived that she was still alive and he sent a man to the City for help.
On [[13 March]], as [[Southrons]] harrassed [[Faramir]], Imrahil and his knights, with [[Gandalf]], formed a sortie, and Imrahil himself saved his sister-son from his pursuers. Faramir received a poisonous wound, and Denethor fell to madness. Being the highest ranking officer in [[Gondor]] fit for battle, Imrahil took command, and quickly passed it on to Gandalf.  


[[Éomer]] and his Riders were outnumbered, but Imrahil then rode into battle, and he came to their aid. Shortly after, [[Aragorn]] arrived in the black ships of the Corsairs, and the tide of the battle was turned. After the Pelennor fields had been cleared, Aragorn, Éomer and Imrahil rode to the Gate of Minas Tirith.  
Two days later, the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged before the city. Imrahil ventured outside the city, and witnessed the funeral procession of [[Théoden]]. He recognized that [[Éowyn]] still lived (though she lie an inch from death), and brought her to the [[Houses of Healing]].  


Imrahil recognized that Aragorn was the rightful King, but he agreed that it was wise for Aragorn to wait to enter the city, because Imrahil knew his brother-in-law [[Denethor]] was strong-willed and proud. When Imrahil learned that Denethor was dead and Faramir dying, he suggested that Aragorn be summoned, remembering that the Kings of old were great healers. Aragorn came at Gandalf's request to heal the wounded Faramir, Éowyn and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], but he declared that Prince Imrahil should rule the City until Faramir awoke, in effect granting Imrahil the position of Steward.
Because [[Éomer]] and his riders were outnumbered, Imrahil rode into battle, together with [[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]], [[Forlong|Forlong of Lossarnach]] and [[Hirluin|Hirluin the Fair]], and they were soon joined by [[Aragorn]] who landed at [[Harlond in Gondor|Harlond]]. Imrahil continued East, driving the frightened [[Variags]] and [[orcs]] away.  


During the debate of the Captains of the West, Gandalf proposed that they march to the [[Black Gate]] to distract Sauron's attention from [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] the Ring-bearer. Imrahil said that he would follow his liege Aragorn, but since Minas Tirith was under his command the Prince advised that some should remain to defend the City. In the end it was decided that an army of 7,000 would ride forth. Imrahil laughed and said:
Imrahil survived the battle unscathed, and together with Éomer and Aragorn he came to the gates of Minas Tirith.<ref name="Battle">{{RK|Battle}}</ref> Imrahil recognized that Aragorn was the rightful King, but he agreed that it was wise for Aragorn to wait to enter the city, because he knew Denethor was strong-willed and proud.
<blockquote>''"Surely this is the greatest jest in all the history of Gondor: that we should ride with seven thousands, scarce as many as the vanguard of its army in the days of its power, to assail the mountains and the impenetrable gate of the Black Land! So might a child threaten a mail-clad knight with a bow of string and green willow!"'' ([[The Return of the King]]: "The Last Debate")</blockquote>


The Host of the West left Minas Tirith on March 18. Bypassing [[Minas Morgul]] and marching north, the heralds announced the coming of King Elessar at Imrahil's advice. When Sauron's forces emerged from the Black Gate on March 25, Imrahil stood on the front line with his men. They fought the [[Battle of the Morannon]] (Black Gate) until the [[One Ring]] was destroyed.  
[[File:Imrahil.jpg|250px|thumb|right|''Imrahil'' by [[Donato Giancola]].]]
When Imrahil learned that Denethor was dead and Faramir dying, he suggested that Aragorn be summoned, remembering that the Kings of old were great healers. Aragorn came at Gandalf's request to heal the wounded Faramir, Éowyn, and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], but he declared that Prince Imrahil should rule the City until Faramir awoke, in effect granting Imrahil the position of Steward.


Prince Imrahil was present at the celebrations of the field of Cormallen, and the coronation of Aragorn as King Elessar, and rode with the funeral procession of King Théoden to Rohan, remaining in [[Edoras]] after the King's burial on August 10. Imrahil and Éomer became great friends, and in [[Third Age|T.A.]] 3021 Éomer wed Imrahil's daughter [[Lothíriel]].  
During the debate of the Captains of the West, Gandalf proposed that they march to the [[Morannon]] to distract Sauron's attention from [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] the Ring-bearer. Imrahil said that he would follow his liege Aragorn, but since Minas Tirith was under his command the Prince advised that some should remain to defend the City. In the end it was decided that an army of 7,000 would ride forth. Imrahil laughed at the thought.<ref>{{RK|Debate}}</ref>


After the War of the Ring, Prince Imrahil and his nephew Prince Faramir were King Elessar's chief commanders. Imrahil was also part of the Great Council of Gondor, and remained an advisor of the King.
The Host of the West left Minas Tirith on [[18 March]]. Bypassing [[Minas Morgul]] and marching North, the heralds announced the coming of King Elessar at Imrahil's advice. When Sauron's forces emerged from the Black Gate on March 25, Imrahil stood on the front line with his men. They fought the [[Battle of the Morannon]] until [[the One Ring]] was destroyed.  


Prince Imrahil died in the year 34 of the [[Fourth Age]], and was succeed by his eldest son Elphir, who continued the line of Princes.
Prince Imrahil was present at the celebrations of the field of Cormallen, and the coronation of Aragorn as King Elessar, and rode with the funeral procession of King Théoden to Rohan, remaining in [[Edoras]] after the King's burial on August 10. Imrahil and Éomer became great friends, and in {{FoA|2}} Éomer wed Imrahil's daughter [[Lothíriel]].<ref>{{App|A}}</ref>
 
===Later life===
After the War of the Ring, Prince Imrahil and his nephew [[Faramir]], [[Prince of Ithilien]], were King Elessar's chief commanders. Imrahil was also part of the Great Council of Gondor, and remained an advisor of the King.<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>
 
Prince Imrahil died in the year 34 of the [[Fourth Age]], and was succeed by his eldest son [[Elphir]], who continued the line of Princes.<ref name="Elendil"/>
 
==Etymology==
The name ''Imrahil'' is said to be of [[Adûnaic|Númenórean]] origin,<ref>{{App|E}}</ref> though its exact meaning is uncertain.
 
The second element ''-hil'' (also seen in the name ''[[Adrahil (disambiguation)|Adrahil]]'') perhaps is related to the [[Westron]] ending ''-kil'' (cf. ''[[banakil]], [[Tarkil]]'') meaning possibly "person" or "man", and perhaps ultimately related to [[Elvish]] "follower" ([[KHILI#Other versions|KHIL]]).{{fact}}<ref name=LR>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 364</ref>
 
[[Carl F. Hostetter]] and [[Patrick H. Wynne]] have proposed as a possible meaning "Heir of [[Imrazôr]]".<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], [[Patrick Wynne]], "An Adunaic Dictionary", published in ''[[Vinyar Tengwar 25]]'' (September [[1992]])</ref>
 
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Imrahil|Images of Imrahil]]
 
{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=gondorian
| house=[[House of Dol Amroth]]
| born={{TA|2955}}
| died={{FoA|34}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Adrahil II]]
| list=22nd [[Princes of Dol Amroth|Prince of Dol Amroth]]
| dates={{TA|3010}} - {{FoA|34}}
| next=[[Elphir]]
}}
{{seq-end}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Dúnedain]]
[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:Princes of Dol Amroth]]
[[de: Imrahil]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/dunedain/gondoriens/imrahil]]
[[fi: Imrahil]]

Revision as of 12:43, 4 November 2012

Imrahil
Gondorian
File:Imrahil LotR SBG.png
Biographical Information
Other names"the Fair"
TitlesPrince of Dol Amroth
LocationDol Amroth
LanguageWestron
BirthT.A. 2955
RuleT.A. 3010 - Fo.A. 34
DeathFo.A. 34 (aged 100)
Family
HouseHouse of Dol Amroth
ParentageAdrahil II
SiblingsIvriniel and Finduilas
ChildrenElphir, Erchirion, Amrothos and Lothíriel
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Imrahil
"That is a fair lord and a great captain of men. If Gondor has such men still in these days of fading, great must have been its glory in the days of its rising."
― Legolas, The Last Debate

Imrahil was the twenty-second Prince of Dol Amroth.

History

Early life

Imrahil was the son of Adrahil II. He had two older sisters, Ivriniel and Finduilas. After his father's death, he became Prince in T.A. 3010. Imrahil had four children: Elphir, Erchirion, Amrothos and Lothíriel.[1]

War of the Ring

Prince Imrahil by John Howe

During the War of the Ring, Imrahil came to the aid of his brother-in-law, Denethor II. On 9 March, T.A. 3019, he came into Minas Tirith with a company of knights and seven hundred soldiers.[2]

On 13 March, as Southrons harrassed Faramir, Imrahil and his knights, with Gandalf, formed a sortie, and Imrahil himself saved his sister-son from his pursuers. Faramir received a poisonous wound, and Denethor fell to madness. Being the highest ranking officer in Gondor fit for battle, Imrahil took command, and quickly passed it on to Gandalf.

Two days later, the Battle of the Pelennor Fields raged before the city. Imrahil ventured outside the city, and witnessed the funeral procession of Théoden. He recognized that Éowyn still lived (though she lie an inch from death), and brought her to the Houses of Healing.

Because Éomer and his riders were outnumbered, Imrahil rode into battle, together with Húrin the Tall, Forlong of Lossarnach and Hirluin the Fair, and they were soon joined by Aragorn who landed at Harlond. Imrahil continued East, driving the frightened Variags and orcs away.

Imrahil survived the battle unscathed, and together with Éomer and Aragorn he came to the gates of Minas Tirith.[3] Imrahil recognized that Aragorn was the rightful King, but he agreed that it was wise for Aragorn to wait to enter the city, because he knew Denethor was strong-willed and proud.

File:Imrahil.jpg
Imrahil by Donato Giancola.

When Imrahil learned that Denethor was dead and Faramir dying, he suggested that Aragorn be summoned, remembering that the Kings of old were great healers. Aragorn came at Gandalf's request to heal the wounded Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry, but he declared that Prince Imrahil should rule the City until Faramir awoke, in effect granting Imrahil the position of Steward.

During the debate of the Captains of the West, Gandalf proposed that they march to the Morannon to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo the Ring-bearer. Imrahil said that he would follow his liege Aragorn, but since Minas Tirith was under his command the Prince advised that some should remain to defend the City. In the end it was decided that an army of 7,000 would ride forth. Imrahil laughed at the thought.[4]

The Host of the West left Minas Tirith on 18 March. Bypassing Minas Morgul and marching North, the heralds announced the coming of King Elessar at Imrahil's advice. When Sauron's forces emerged from the Black Gate on March 25, Imrahil stood on the front line with his men. They fought the Battle of the Morannon until the One Ring was destroyed.

Prince Imrahil was present at the celebrations of the field of Cormallen, and the coronation of Aragorn as King Elessar, and rode with the funeral procession of King Théoden to Rohan, remaining in Edoras after the King's burial on August 10. Imrahil and Éomer became great friends, and in Fo.A. 2 Éomer wed Imrahil's daughter Lothíriel.[5]

Later life

After the War of the Ring, Prince Imrahil and his nephew Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, were King Elessar's chief commanders. Imrahil was also part of the Great Council of Gondor, and remained an advisor of the King.[6]

Prince Imrahil died in the year 34 of the Fourth Age, and was succeed by his eldest son Elphir, who continued the line of Princes.[1]

Etymology

The name Imrahil is said to be of Númenórean origin,[7] though its exact meaning is uncertain.

The second element -hil (also seen in the name Adrahil) perhaps is related to the Westron ending -kil (cf. banakil, Tarkil) meaning possibly "person" or "man", and perhaps ultimately related to Elvish "follower" (KHIL).[source?][8]

Carl F. Hostetter and Patrick H. Wynne have proposed as a possible meaning "Heir of Imrazôr".[9]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil", The Line of Dol Amroth, p. 221
  2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Minas Tirith"
  3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"
  4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Last Debate"
  5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: Annals of the Kings and Rulers
  6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 244, (undated, written circa 1963)
  7. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix E: Writing and Spelling
  8. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", p. 364
  9. ↑ Carl F. Hostetter, Patrick Wynne, "An Adunaic Dictionary", published in Vinyar Tengwar 25 (September 1992)
Imrahil
House of Dol Amroth
Born: T.A. 2955 Died: Fo.A. 34
Preceded by:
Adrahil II		22nd Prince of Dol Amroth
T.A. 3010 - Fo.A. 34		Followed by:
Elphir


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