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Númenóreans

2018-04-18T23:52:32Z

Dman:

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-two|the inhabitants of Númenor|descendants they had on [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Third Age]]|[[Dúnedain]]}}
{{people infobox
| name=Númenóreans
| image=[[File:Liz Danforth - Isildur.png|250px]]
| caption="[[:File:Liz Danforth - Isildur.png|Isildur]]" by Liz Danforth
| pronun={{respell|noo|meh|noor|ee-ans}}
| othernames=Men of Westernesse
| origin=Descendants of the [[Edain]]
| location=[[Númenor]], [[Eriador]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], [[Pelargir]], later [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]
| affiliation=[[Eldar]]
| rivalry=[[Sauron]]
| language=[[Adûnaic]] (native tongue), [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]]
| members=[[Elros]], [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]]
| lifespan=[[Númenóreans]] - c. 300-350 years<ref name=Line>{{UT|Kings}}</ref>[[Kings of Númenor]] - c. 400-500 years<ref name=Line/>
| distinctions=
| height=Taller than other [[Men]]
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
<center>{{quote|So great was the might and splendour of the Númenóreans that Sauron's own servants deserted him.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]}}</center>
'''Númenóreans''' were the [[Men]] of [[Númenor]], descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who were granted the island of [[Elenna]] as a dwelling place. They turned against the [[Valar]], and their island home was destroyed in the last years of the [[Second Age]].

==Origins==
The Númenóreans were descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who proved themselves allies of the [[Elves]], from whom they gathered knowledge of all things surrounding them. The two races fought together against [[Morgoth]].

During that Age, unions of Elves and Men were made; [[Lúthien]] and [[Beren]] whose son, [[Dior|Dior Eluchíl]], married [[Nimloth of Doriath]] and [[Elwing]] was born. [[Idril]] and [[Tuor]], the second couple, were parents of [[Eärendil]]. Elwing and Eärendil met at the [[Havens of Sirion]] and from their union twins were born: [[Elros]] and [[Elrond]]. To the two [[Half-elven|half-elves]], the Valar gave a choice: Elros chose to join the race of men, whereas Elrond chose to join the elves.

When the [[War of Wrath|last battle]] was won by the forces of [[Valinor]], the Valar rewarded the Edain by giving them a place to dwell outside the troubled world of [[Middle-earth]]. [[Ulmo]] raised [[Elenna]], later known as the Island of [[Númenor]]. Halfway between [[Endor]] and [[Aman]], the descendants from the [[Three Houses]] established the Kingdom of Númenor in {{SA|32}} and would last and dominate all other mortal peoples throughout the entire [[Second Age]]. Elros became the first [[King of Númenor]].

==Politics==
Númenor was a monarchy. The King held the power of decision over the affairs of the state. However, there was an advisory body, the [[Council of the Sceptre]], which consisted of the Heir of the King and lords from the six regions of Númenor: [[Forostar]] (''Northlands''), [[Andustar]] (''Westlands''), [[Hyarnustar]] (''Southwestlands''), [[Hyarrostar]] (''Southeastlands''), [[Orrostar]] (''Eastlands'') and [[Mittalmar]] (''Inlands'').

There were two main political parties: Elendili or the [[Faithful]], led by the Lords of Andúnië, always loyal to the Elves. In the later years they were a small group, oppressed by the opposing [[King's Men]] who rebelled against the Valar and their ban and set dominions among the Men of Middle-earth and laid heavy tribute upon them. As their number and power increased, they forced the Elendili to move from [[Andúnië]] to the eastern side of the island, at [[Rómenna]]. [[Pelargir]] was a harbor built where the river [[Sirith]] met [[Anduin]] and it was founded by the Faithful in {{SA|2350}}.
===Rulership===
{{main|Line of Elros}}
Númenóreans from the [[Line of Elros]] had right to inherit the [[Sceptre]] and thus become Rulers of Númenor. 25 [[King of Númenor|Kings]] and [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Queens]] descendants of Elros ascended the throne. While the Númenóreans lived around 200 years, royal kindred had double life span.

Of great importance was the [[Law of Succession in Númenor]] which established the heir to the throne. It started out as an inherited custom, which gave exclusive rights to the male descendants of Elros. Tar-Aldarion, the sixth ruler of Númenor, only had one daughter and replaced the principle of exclusive male heir with that of eldest progeny, of any gender; in {{SA|1075}} Tar-Ancalimë became the first ruling queen in the history of Númenor.

Númenóreans from the Line of Elros influenced their era in various ways:

*[[Tar-Aldarion]], a great mariner and Middle-earth explorer
*[[Tar-Ancalimë]], the first Ruling Queen of Númenor
*[[Tar-Minastir]], defeated [[Sauron]] alongside [[Gil-galad|Ereinion Gil-galad]]
*[[Ar-Belzagar]], first ruler to take an Adûnaic name
*[[Ar-Adûnakhôr]], banned the speaking of Quenya and severed relationships with the Eldar
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]], last in the line of rulers, whose kingship led directly to the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]]

===Lords of Andúnië===
{{seealso|Lords of Andúnië}}
During the time of princess [[Silmariën]] the law of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnatic_primogeniture agnatic primogeniture] existed. She could not succeed her father as his eldest child, and her [[Tar-Meneldur|brother]] took up the [[Sceptre]]. In her honor was created the title "[[Lords of Andúnië]]", which was set upon [[Valandil (Lord of Andúnië)|Valandil]] her first son and his 18 descendants; the last one was [[Amandil]], father of [[Elendil]]. During the dark times of Númenor, the Lords were renowned for their friendship with the Eldar, and leaders of the [[Elendili]].

==History==
At the foundation of Númenor all the people held the Eldar in friendship. White ships from [[Tol Eressëa]] brought many gifts to the [[Bay of Andúnië]]: birds, flowers, and healing herbs, and a branch from [[Celeborn, White Tree|Celeborn]], the White Tree of Tol Eressëa, which grew at the court of the king of [[Armenelos]].

As the fear of death crept into the hearts of the Dúnedain, the Firstborn became envied for their immortality. [[Tar-Atanamir]] was the first to speak against the Eldar and the Ban of the Valar. Little by little the Númenóreans abandoned the use of the [[Eldarin]] tongues. It was during the time of his son, King [[Tar-Ancalimon]], that the two parties were formed, the [[Elf-friends]] and the [[King's Men]]. Ar-Adûnakhôr was the first to choose an Adûnaic name and began to persecute the Faithful, punishing all those who would speak the Elven tongues openly. In the end the Eldar came no more to the land of Númenor.

===Dominion over the Men of Middle-earth===

[[Image:Paula DiSante - Ar-Pharazon Defies.JPG|thumb|right|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''Ar-Pharazon Defies'']]
Due to the fact that the Ban of the Valar restricted them from sailing [[Undying Lands|West]], the Númenóreans began to explore the eastern part of the [[Arda|world]], reaching the shores of Middle-earth in {{SA|600}} in [[Lindon]] and met with [[Gil-galad]]. The news spread swiftly and the [[Middle Men]] in [[Eriador]] were filled with wonder. The sailors met with twelve messengers on the [[Tower Hills]].<ref>{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>

The Númenóreans began to cultivate their new friends who were into their [[Dark Years]], grown weak and fearful, and taught them agriculture, stonecraft, smithying and their language [[Adûnaic]] but failed to recognize the [[Pre-Númenórean]] forest-folk of [[Minhiriath]] as ‘kinsmen’, and confused them with [[Men of Shadow]] because it was not related to theirs.<ref>{{PM|X}}</ref>

The Middle Men were comforted, populated the western shores. They revered the memory of the tall Sea-kings whom they remembered as gods hoping each time for their return.<ref>{{S|IV}}</ref>

More and more Númenor became a great naval power, and the [[Guild of Venturers]] established [[Vinyalondë]] (early 9th century).<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> The Pre-Númenóreans were patient until the tree-felling by [[Aldarion]] became devastating;<ref name="GC">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> slowly, hostility was growing, and the dark men out of the mountains were thrusting into [[Enedwaith]] in support of their kinsmen.<ref name="A">{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>

Around that time, the Númenórean [[Drúedain]] became uneasy and urged Aldarion not to go, foreseeing the mischief to come. They did not succeed and one after another they took ships towards Middle-earth.<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}</ref>

In {{SA|820}} Vinyalondë was overthrown by great seas and plundered by hostile men. Men near the coasts were growing afraid of the Númenóreans, or were openly hostile and Aldarion heard rumours of some lord in Middle-earth who hated them. As Gil-galad warned [[Tar-Meneldur]] that this instigator was a servant of the [[Sauron|Enemy]].<ref name="A"/>

Aldarion's successors continued his works and even fought with the pre-Númenóreans<ref>{{UT|Numenor}}</ref> until they attacked and ambushed the Númenóreans when they could. They became their enemies giving no thought to husbandry or replanting. The Númenóreans wrecked the banks, the shorelines, great tracks and roads whom they drove into the forests northwards and southwards from the [[Gwathló]]<ref name="GC"/> and continued battling and destroying what lied ahead of them, pushing into [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]], establishing themselves inland as far as the river [[Glanduin]] (the southern boundary of [[Eregion]]), beyond which pre-Númenóreans and hostile peoples lived, a remnant of the peoples that had dwelt in the vales of the White Mountains in ages past<ref>{{App|Languages}}</ref><ref name="GC"/> The natives overcame their fear of the Elves and fled from Minhiriath into the dark woods of the great [[Cape of Eryn Vorn]] (south of the mouth of [[Baranduin]]). Those from Enedwaith took refuge in the eastern mountains ([[Dunland]]).<ref name="GC"/>

[[Sauron]] recruited pre-Númenóreans and in the early second millennium he increased pressure on the West, left his stronghold in [[Rhûn]] and relocated in [[Mordor]], drawing closer to the Númenórean sphere of influence. Sauron welcomed by the natives and used the haters of Númenor as spies and guides for his raiders who caused havoc and burned their settlements. He had not enough force to assault the forts at the Haven or along the banks of the [[Gwathló]]. However his regular troops attempted to conquest Eriador, hunting and killing Middle Men and the Elves and by {{SA|1700}} had mastered all Eriador, up to the River [[Lhûn]] and besieged [[Rivendell]].<ref name="GC"/>

Eriador was already ruined by the time the Númenórean fleet was sent by king [[Tar-Minastir]]. They caught Mordor's troops in the rear and defeated them, bringing peace to the Westlands.<ref name="GC"/>

They explored the coasts of Middle-earth far southward establishing landing and trading posts that grew into cruel vice-kingdoms which left many rumours in the legends of Men, although the Eldar did not know about them<ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}</ref> In the south they found a useful natural haven already called [[Umbar]] by the natives.

The Númenóreans founded [[Pelargir]] in {{SA|2350}} and discovered the pre-Númenóreans [[Oathbreakers|Men of the Mountains]] near [[Dunharrow]]<ref>{{HM|RK}}</ref> who eventually repented when Sauron left from Mordor and the power of Gil-galad had grown great.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

As the shadow spread over Númenor, [[Tar-Ciryatan]] sailed to Middle-earth, bringing numerous treasures back to Númenor. Later more lands were occupied, plundered or forced to pay heavy tribute in return for the lives of their inhabitants. Towards the end of the kingdom, when their religion had changed and human sacrifices were made towards [[Morgoth|Melkor]], many of the victims were people of Middle-earth taken as prisoners. Because of these acts they were looked upon in fear, called the "Death" itself and the Men of Middle-earth trembled at the sight of a mighty Númenórean ship on the waters of [[Belegaer]]. However, the Faithful shared not the behavior of the King's Men and though they also built a port in Middle-earth, named Pelargir, it was not for the sake of plundering, but meant to be a haven far from those of the opposing party.

When the [[Elendili]] established the [[Realms in Exile]], many Men turned from evil and became subject to them even though the pre-Númenóreans were not friendly to them and never learned to distinguish between the [[King's Men]] and the [[Faithful]].<ref name="Rings"/> During this time the [[King of the Dead|King of the Mountains]] first swore allegiance to [[Isildur]] even though he and many other men were still influenced by their old allegiance to Sauron.

When Sauron returned Isildur summoned the Men of the Mountains to fulfill their oath, but they would not because they still feared Sauron. They hid in the mountains, isolated, until slowly dwindling in the barren hills they became the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men of Dunharrow]].

===Sauron's Influence===

The only daughter of the king [[Tar-Palantir]], a friend of the Eldar who tried to restore the old ways, was [[Tar-Míriel]]. According to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|New Law]] she had the right to inherit the throne, but her cousin Pharazôn forced her into marriage, and took the Sceptre for himself, becoming known as Ar-Pharazôn the Golden, the most proud and powerful of all the kings. He desired not only immortality as the ones before him had, but also the dominion over the entire world. For this he gathered a great fleet and opposed the greatest opponent in the path of his task: Sauron.

So mighty were the Númenóreans that the servants of Sauron fled even before the battle began and their leader was taken as a prisoner back to the island of Elenna. Through numerous lies he poisoned the mind of the king and became master of his council, changing even the religion of the Númenóreans and turning them into servants of the dark [[Morgoth]]. And because he assured Ar-Pharazôn that if he ever reached Aman he would become immortal, the last king gathered once more a great host of ships and sailed to break the Ban of the Valar.

===Downfall===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Queen Tar-Míriel and the Great Wave.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave'']]

Pharazôn's attempt to reach Valinor and his previous preparations for war with the Eldar raised the anger of [[Manwë]] who sent his eagle-shaped storm clouds to Númenor. Lightning struck the land, including the temple of Melkor, where human sacrifices were made. Because Sauron himself stood in their path and was not hurt by them, the Númenóreans were deceived even more into thinking he was their rightful god.

Ar-Pharazôn sailed at the head of his fleet known as the [[Great Armament]], led by the flagship [[Alcarondas]], set course towards Valinor and reached Tol Eressëa. His pride fooled him into thinking that the inhabitants of Aman would not stand in his way, because the land was quiet and peaceful, and thus he set camp near the [[Túna]] hill. But Manwë, the Elder King, was aware of what transpired, and the Valar then laid down the Guardianship of Arda. Ilúvatar responded by catastrophically changing the shape of Arda. The Númenóreans present in Valinor were buried under the hills which fell upon them, and on the great island fire was erupted from the top of Meneltarma. The land crumbled into pieces and a great wave swept over it and buried the island at the bottom of the sea. Its people were taken by the waters, and this tragedy brought an end to the Númenórean realm, in {{SA|3319}}.

===Epilogue===
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Elendil.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Elendil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'']]
The only ones to survive the Downfall of Númenor were Elendil and his sons, [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]], along with the few people of the Elendili. They escaped the [[Akallabêth]] with nine ships, a seedling of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], which Isildur had rescued the night before its destruction and the Seven [[Seeing-stones]]. Cast ashore by the storm on the western lands of Middle-earth, they founded the Númenórean realms in exile: [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Their war with Sauron continued in the lands of Middle-earth. Fighting side by side with the Elves and the [[Dwarves]] they opposed and defeated him during the [[War of the Last Alliance]].

Long after the Fall there was a belief among those who survived it that the Holy Mountain Meneltarma was not swallowed by the waters, but instead raised to be a new island of its own. The heirs of Elendil built great ships once more and set on its search, not only because they yearned for their home, but also because from that point, the top of Meneltarma, Tol Eressëa could be spotted and their hearts still desired to reach the West, against all warnings. But they never found the top of Meneltarma and their voyages served only to discover that Arda was a round world.
==Culture==
The Númenóreans were extremely skilled in arts and craft, with the forging of weapons and armour; although they were a peaceful people, their weapons, armour, and horse-riding skills could not be contested anywhere else in [[Arda]], save for the [[Valar]]. But the Númenóreans were not warmongers, hence the chief art on the island became that of ship-building and sea-craft. The Númenóreans became great mariners, exploring the world in all directions save for the westward, where the [[Ban of the Valar]] was in force. They often traveled to the shores of Middle-earth, teaching the men there the art and craft, and introduced farming as to improve their everyday lives.

The Númenóreans spoke [[Adunaic]], a [[Mannish]] language that descended from the Mannish languages spoken in [[Beleriand]]. However their forefathers, the Edain, had learned [[Sindarin]] which was passed on to Númenor. As a language of lore, it changed only a litte with the millennia. Educated Númenóreans also studied [[Quenya]], having a prestige above all other tongues.<ref>{{App|Men}}</ref>

Respected as a law was the [[Ban of the Valar]], which stated that Númenóreans should never sail West more than the limit of their sight when looking after their shores. As the fear of death filled more and more the hearts of the Númenóreans, they sailed further away from the island, until finally the last king, Ar-Pharazôn, broke the Ban in his attempt to reach [[Tol Eressëa]] out of the false belief that dwelling in that place granted immortality.
===Religion and Tradition===

Towards the middle of Mittalmar stood the Mountain [[Meneltarma]], the sacred place on which [[Ilúvatar|Eru]] was worshiped. Its flattened top was wide enough to contain a great crowd during the three yearly ceremonies ([[Erukyermë]], [[Erulaitalë]] and [[Eruhantalë]]). These took place in absolute silence while climbing its slopes. Soon after {{SA|3262}} these religious beliefs were abandoned and the worshiping of [[Morgoth|Melkor]] began. It was done in a cylindrical temple near the city of Armenelos built especially for this, and it involved sacrificing men and women over a great fire, whose first flames were lit from the [[White Tree of Tol Eressëa]].

Whenever ships sailed from Númenor, the custom of the [[Green Bough of Return]] took place. A branch from the [[Fragrant Trees|Fragrant Tree]] [[Oiolairë]] was set at the prow as a symbol of good fortune by a Númenórean woman, close relative to the captain of the ship. [[Erendis]], wife of Tar-Aldarion, refused to do so in disagreement with her husband's frequent voyages towards Middle-earth, breaking this tradition for the first time.

===Daily Life===
[[File:Ivan Ulicny - The Age of Númenor.jpg|thumb|Ivan Ulicny - ''The Age of Númenor'']]
Many of the inhabitants of Númenor were fishermen. Along with the grains cultivated in Orrostar, fish was the main food source for the Númenóreans.

The Dúnedain were skilled in riding and loved horses. They could even call them in their thoughts, if bound by friendship. Númenor had no paved roads, so that the carriages could move on them more easily. From the [[Noldor]] they learned the art of forging swords, axes, spears, knives, but mostly bows; their arrows resembled dark clouds falling upon the enemies.

The Númenóreans, were skilled in the art of husbandry, breeding great horses that roamed across the open plains in Mittalmar.

The greatest love of the Númenóreans was the sea and the building of the largest ships. Most were built at the command of Tar-Aldarion, who also established the [[Guild of Venturers]]. The ship ''[[Eämbar]]'' was their headquarters.

==Characteristics==
The average Númenórean was taller than two [[Ranga]]r or 6'4". Elendil was the tallest of Men who escaped the Downfall (mentioned to be almost 2.5 [[rangar]] tall, 7'11" or 2.41 m)<ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref>

While most Númenóreans lived around 350 years, royal kindred live 400 years. This longer lifespan resulted in an older age of adulthood: 25 years.<ref>{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>

==Names==
In their own language, the Númenóreans were named '''Adûnâim'''.<ref>{{HM|SD}}, p. 426</ref>

The Númenóreans were also known as '''High Men'''.<ref>{{HM|PM}}, pp. 312, 427</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 101</ref> (Cf. [[Middle Men]]). They were also known as Sea-kings, Men of the Sea and Lords of the Sea<ref>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 297</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Númenóreans|Images of Númenóreans]]
*[[King of Númenor]]
*[[Black Númenóreans]]
*[[Dúnedain]]
*[[Númenor]]
*[[Akallabêth]]
{{references}}

[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Númenóreans| ]]
[[fi:Númenorilaiset]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/numenoreens]]

Cardolan

2018-04-18T23:09:48Z

Dman: The Barrow-downs became the capital of Cardolan

{{kingdom
| image=[[Image:Cardolanrotwk.jpg|250px]]
| name=Cardolan
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=Southern [[Eriador]]; south of the [[East Road]] between the [[Baranduin|Brandywine]] and [[Gwathló|Greyflood]]
| capital=[[Tyrn Gorthad]]
| towns=[[Tharbad]]
| regions=
| population=[[Men]] and [[Hobbits]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| govern1=[[King of Cardolan]]
| govern2=
| govern3=
| currency=
| holiday=
| precededby=[[Arnor]]
| event1=Dissolution of Arnor
| event1date={{TA|861}}
| event2=Abandoned
| event2date={{TA|1636}}
| event3=
| event3date=
| event4=
| event4date=
| event5=
| event5date=
| followedby=
}}
{{Pronounce|Cardolan.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''Cardolan''' was a breakaway realm of the [[Dúnedain]] kingdom of [[Arnor]]. After the death of Arnor's King [[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]], his sons divided the realm into the kingdoms of [[Arthedain]], [[Rhudaur]] and Cardolan.

==Description==
The southeastern border of Cardolan followed the [[Gwathló]] and the [[Mitheithel]] to the [[Last Bridge]]. From there its boundary followed the [[Great East Road]] westward to the [[Brandywine Bridge]], and then down the [[Baranduin]] to the [[Belegaer|Sea]] and thence to the mouth of the Gwathló. However, Cardolan also claimed the land between [[Bree]] and the [[Weather Hills]].<ref name="Eriador">{{App|Eriador}}</ref> Notable features within Cardolan were the [[Old Forest]], the [[Barrow-downs]], the [[South Downs]], and the [[Greenway]].<ref>{{UT|Map}}</ref> After the split of Arnor in {{TA|861}}, [[Tyrn Gorthad]] (the Barrow-downs) became the capital of [[Cardolan]].

==History==
In {{TA|861}} Arnor's tenth King, Eärendur, died.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> Due to dissensions between his sons the realm was split into [[Arthedain]], [[Rhudaur]] and Cardolan. While the line of [[Isildur]] continued in Arthedain, in both Rhudaur and Cardolan the line soon failed. The three kingdoms was led to strife because Arthedain held Weatherop and possessed its ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|Palantír]]'' as well as two others.<ref name="Eriador"/>

In {{TA|1050|n}} the [[Harfoots]] came into Eriador and in {{TA|1150|n}} they were joined by the [[Fallohides]].<ref name="TA"/> It is likely that some of these [[Hobbits]] settled in Cardolan.
===War with Angmar===
Around {{TA|1272|n}}<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> [[Orcs]] began to trouble the region<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref> and around {{TA|1300}}, the [[Witch-king]] founded the kingdom of [[Angmar]] north of the [[Ettenmoors]]. This event caused many Hobbits to move to [[Bree]].<ref name="TA"/>

No descendants of Isildur remained in Cardolan and Rhudaur and [[Argeleb I]] of Arthedain claimed lordship over all of former Arnor. Rhudaur resisted this claim and made league with Angmar.<ref name="Eriador"/> Argeleb I fell in battle with Rhudaur in {{TA|1356|n}}.<ref name="TA"/> Cardolan, and [[Lindon]], assisted his son, [[Arveleg I]], to avenge his father by pushing the enemy from the Weather Hills. For many years Arthedain and Cardolan held a frontier along the Hills, the [[East Road]] and the lower [[Hoarwell]].<ref name="Eriador"/>

However, in {{TA|1409}} a great host issued from Angmar and invaded Cardolan and took Weathertop. A remnant of the [[Dúnedain]] of Cardolan held out in the Barrow-downs and the [[Old Forest]]. The last prince of Cardolan was interred in the Barrow-downs in that year (some say that it was the tomb where [[Frodo Baggins]] was trapped during the [[War of the Ring]]).<ref name="Eriador"/>

In {{TA|1636}} those people who remained in the Barrow-downs died from the [[Great Plague]]. Angmar then sent [[Barrow-wights]] to infest and haunt the downs. Arthedain managed to reconquer the land briefly, but few people wished to live there on account of the Barrow-wights, and Cardolan was soon lost again.<ref name="Eriador"/>

===Legacy===
The region remained unpopulated even after the final fall of Arnor and destruction of Angmar ({{TA|1974|n}}<ref name="TA"/>).

On [[22 September]] {{TA|3018|n}} the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] entered Cardolan from the south.<ref name="TA"/> While hunting for the [[One Ring]] their chief established himself in [[Andrath]] on the Greenway and then visited the Barrow-downs. He stayed there for some days in order to rouse the [[Barrow-wights]].<ref>{{UT|Other}}</ref>

Presumably the area remained deserted until the reestablishment of the northern kingdom under king [[Aragorn|Elessar]] at the end of the Third Age.

==Etymology==
It is not known if [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] ever explained the name ''Cardolan''. The most common suggestion is that ''Cardolan'' likely is [[Sindarin]] for "red hill country". In that case, the name could be analyzed as ''[[caran|carn]]'' "red", ''[[dol]]'' "hill, mount" and ''[[-iand|an(n)]]'' "land".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 690</ref><ref name=Clewley/>

An alternative etymology has been suggested by Roger Clewley: ''Cardolan'' deriving from [[Noldorin]] ''car'' "house", ''dolen'' "hidden, secret", and the toponymical ending ''[[-iand|-and]]'', thus meaning "place/land of
hidden houses" (a reference to the "dead entombed there").<ref name=Clewley>{{webcite|author=Roger Clewley|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/elfling/message/36363|articlename=On the Name ''Cardolan'' (#36363)|dated=7 September 2012|website=[[Elfling]] (mailing list)|accessed=11 September 2012}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Arnor]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Mannish realms]]

[[de:Cardolan]]
[[fi:Cardolan]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:royaumes:cardolan]]

Barrow-downs

2018-04-18T23:07:19Z

Dman:

{{disambig-two|the location in [[Middle-earth]]|website|[[barrowdowns.com]]}}
{{location infobox
| name=The Barrow-downs
| image=[[File:Paul Raymond Gregory - Fog on the Barrow Downs.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Fog on the Barrow Downs" by [[Paul Raymond Gregory]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Tyrn Gorthad''
| location=Central [[Eriador]], south of the [[East Road]]] and [[Bree]], on borders the Old Forest
| type=Hills, capital city of [[Cardolan]]
| description=
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Men]], then [[Barrow-wights]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
The '''Barrow-downs''' or '''''Tyrn Gorthad''''' were a series of low hills east of [[the Shire]], behind the [[Old Forest]], and southwest of the village of [[Bree]].<ref>{{UT|Map}}</ref> Many of the hills were crowned with megaliths and [[barrows]], hence their name.

==History==
The Barrow-downs were first inhabited by [[Men]] related to the [[Edain]] in the [[First Age]],<ref>{{UT|Index}}, ''Barrow-downs''</ref> together with the [[Hills of Evendim]] to the north. They fled east as [[Easterlings]] invaded [[Eriador]] and passed on to [[Beleriand]], but after these had left or been killed in the [[War of Wrath]] the Edain returned to their old homes.

During the [[Second Age]] they were fairly numerous, and when they met with the [[Númenóreans]] the Barrow-downs were the first places where the [[Dúnedain]] émigrés from [[Númenor]] settled.<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> When [[Elendil]] returned to [[Middle-earth]], the Barrow-downs were incorporated into the kingdom of [[Arnor]]. The Downs were revered because of the Great Barrows by the [[Arnorians]], and buried their lords and Kings there.<ref name=eriador/>

After the split of Arnor in {{TA|861}} the Barrow-downs became the capital of [[Cardolan]]. After [[Rhudaur]] fell to [[Angmar]] in {{TA|1409|n}}, the Dúnedain of Cardolan entrenched themselves here, but eventually the realm fell. Around {{TA|1636}}<ref name=TA>{{App|TA}}</ref> the [[Witch-king]] sent the [[Barrow-wights]] that haunted the hills,<ref name=eriador>{{App|Eriador}}</ref> preventing any resettlement; after [[Arthedain]] once again claimed the kingship over all of Arnor the Dúnedain tried to recolonize Cardolan, but this failed because of the Barrow-wights.

When the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] came north in their hunt for [[the One Ring]], the [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] stayed in the Barrow-downs for a few days, rousing the Barrow-wights.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> On [[28 September]] {{TA|3018|n}}<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref> [[Frodo Baggins]] and company were trapped in the downs by a wight, probably in the same [[uncommon words|cairn]] which held the grave of the last prince of [[Cardolan]]. They were rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]], and there got their [[Daggers_of_Westernesse|swords]].<ref>{{FR|I8}}</ref>

==Etymology==
In topography, a "down" is a low-lying hill, from the [[Old English|Anglo-Saxon]] ''dún'' meaning "hill".<ref name="ASD">Joseph Bosworth and T. Northcote Toller, "[http://bosworth.ff.cuni.cz/008106 DÚN]" at ''An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary'' (accessed 12 October 2010)</ref> In the [[wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]], a [[wikipedia:Downland|down]] is a gently-rolling chalk hill in Southern [[wikipedia:England|England]] (seen especially in the [[wikipedia:North Downs|North]] and [[wikipedia:South Downs|South Downs]]).<ref name="OD">[http://oxforddictionaries.com/ Oxford Dictionaries], "[http://oxforddictionaries.com/view/entry/m_en_gb0241750?rskey=YT9je8&result=4#m_en_gb0241750 down]" (accessed 12 October 2010)</ref>

A "barrow" (or "berrow"; from English beorg, berg, 'hill, mound') not to be confused with the wheeled vehicle, is a tumulus or other prehistoric grave-mound.<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 766</ref>

The name therefore would represent an earlier [[Old English]] form ''Beorga Dune'' "downs of barrows".<ref name=etym>{{webcite|author=[[David Salo]]|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/elfling/message/121|articlename=Hobbitish Place-names|dated=23 November 1998|website=[[Elfling]]}}</ref>

'''''Tyrn Gorthad''''' was the [[Sindarin]] name of the Barrow-downs. ''Tyrn Gorthad'' is a compound of ''[[torn]]'' ("down") and ''[[gorthad]]'' ("of buried").<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 116</ref> In one manuscript, the name ''Tyrn Goerthaid'' was used by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]].<ref>{{PM|VII}}</ref> ''Goerthaid'' seems to be the [[Sindarin#Plural|plural]] of ''gorthad'' with [[lenition|lenited]] vowels.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Hobbits' passage through the Barrow-downs is represented by a respective level.

[[File:Barrow-downs.jpg|thumb|View of the Barrow-downs at night (''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'').]]
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Barrow-downs are a divided into North and South Barrows, depicted as a series of mounds crowned with megaliths. The region is inhabited by wights, recently stirred by the passage of the [[Nazgûl]]. The largest and oldest barrow is called [[Othrongroth]].

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''

:After [[Halbarad]] sends [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] to warn [[Aragorn]] in Bree, the three heroes travel through the Barrow-downs as a shortcut.<ref>[http://www.oxmonline.com/ Offical Xbox Magazine Online], [http://www.oxmonline.com/article/previews/g-l/lord-rings-war-north The Lord of the Rings: War in the North], dated [[28 April]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref> On their way, they have to save two Dúnedain Rangers named Luin and Kilaran. Throughout the whole level fog hangs above the ground.<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com The Lord of the Rings: War in the North's Official Site], [http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos Videos], The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - Dev video: Art Direction Process, dated [[11 May]], [[2011]] (accessed [[14 September]], [[2011]])</ref> Upon reaching Rivendell, the three heroes can talk to Frodo about their escapades in the Barrow-downs. Even though Frodo and the Hobbits were never shown to venture into the Barrow-downs in the movies, he will mention his own encounters there. However, he refuses to go into detail about what happened there.

{{references}}
[[Category:Arnor]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Hills]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Graves and tombs]]

[[de:Hügelgräberhöhen (Eriador)]]
[[fi:Hautakerot]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/reliefs/eriador/hauts_des_galgals]]

Cardolan

2018-04-18T23:03:43Z

Dman:

{{kingdom
| image=[[Image:Cardolanrotwk.jpg|250px]]
| name=Cardolan
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=Southern [[Eriador]]; south of the [[East Road]] between the [[Baranduin|Brandywine]] and [[Gwathló|Greyflood]]
| capital=[[Tyrn Gorthad]]
| towns=[[Tharbad]]
| regions=
| population=[[Men]] and [[Hobbits]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| govern1=[[King of Cardolan]]
| govern2=
| govern3=
| currency=
| holiday=
| precededby=[[Arnor]]
| event1=Dissolution of Arnor
| event1date={{TA|861}}
| event2=Abandoned
| event2date={{TA|1636}}
| event3=
| event3date=
| event4=
| event4date=
| event5=
| event5date=
| followedby=
}}
{{Pronounce|Cardolan.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''Cardolan''' was a breakaway realm of the [[Dúnedain]] kingdom of [[Arnor]]. After the death of Arnor's King [[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]], his sons divided the realm into the kingdoms of [[Arthedain]], [[Rhudaur]] and Cardolan.

==Description==
The southeastern border of Cardolan followed the [[Gwathló]] and the [[Mitheithel]] to the [[Last Bridge]]. From there its boundary followed the [[Great East Road]] westward to the [[Brandywine Bridge]], and then down the [[Baranduin]] to the [[Belegaer|Sea]] and thence to the mouth of the Gwathló. However, Cardolan also claimed the land between [[Bree]] and the [[Weather Hills]].<ref name="Eriador">{{App|Eriador}}</ref> Notable features within Cardolan were the [[Old Forest]], the [[Barrow-downs]], the [[South Downs]], and the [[Greenway]].<ref>{{UT|Map}}</ref>

==History==
In {{TA|861}} Arnor's tenth King, Eärendur, died.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> Due to dissensions between his sons the realm was split into [[Arthedain]], [[Rhudaur]] and Cardolan. While the line of [[Isildur]] continued in Arthedain, in both Rhudaur and Cardolan the line soon failed. The three kingdoms was led to strife because Arthedain held Weatherop and possessed its ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|Palantír]]'' as well as two others.<ref name="Eriador"/>

In {{TA|1050|n}} the [[Harfoots]] came into Eriador and in {{TA|1150|n}} they were joined by the [[Fallohides]].<ref name="TA"/> It is likely that some of these [[Hobbits]] settled in Cardolan.
===War with Angmar===
Around {{TA|1272|n}}<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> [[Orcs]] began to trouble the region<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref> and around {{TA|1300}}, the [[Witch-king]] founded the kingdom of [[Angmar]] north of the [[Ettenmoors]]. This event caused many Hobbits to move to [[Bree]].<ref name="TA"/>

No descendants of Isildur remained in Cardolan and Rhudaur and [[Argeleb I]] of Arthedain claimed lordship over all of former Arnor. Rhudaur resisted this claim and made league with Angmar.<ref name="Eriador"/> Argeleb I fell in battle with Rhudaur in {{TA|1356|n}}.<ref name="TA"/> Cardolan, and [[Lindon]], assisted his son, [[Arveleg I]], to avenge his father by pushing the enemy from the Weather Hills. For many years Arthedain and Cardolan held a frontier along the Hills, the [[East Road]] and the lower [[Hoarwell]].<ref name="Eriador"/>

However, in {{TA|1409}} a great host issued from Angmar and invaded Cardolan and took Weathertop. A remnant of the [[Dúnedain]] of Cardolan held out in the Barrow-downs and the [[Old Forest]]. The last prince of Cardolan was interred in the Barrow-downs in that year (some say that it was the tomb where [[Frodo Baggins]] was trapped during the [[War of the Ring]]).<ref name="Eriador"/>

In {{TA|1636}} those people who remained in the Barrow-downs died from the [[Great Plague]]. Angmar then sent [[Barrow-wights]] to infest and haunt the downs. Arthedain managed to reconquer the land briefly, but few people wished to live there on account of the Barrow-wights, and Cardolan was soon lost again.<ref name="Eriador"/>

===Legacy===
The region remained unpopulated even after the final fall of Arnor and destruction of Angmar ({{TA|1974|n}}<ref name="TA"/>).

On [[22 September]] {{TA|3018|n}} the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] entered Cardolan from the south.<ref name="TA"/> While hunting for the [[One Ring]] their chief established himself in [[Andrath]] on the Greenway and then visited the Barrow-downs. He stayed there for some days in order to rouse the [[Barrow-wights]].<ref>{{UT|Other}}</ref>

Presumably the area remained deserted until the reestablishment of the northern kingdom under king [[Aragorn|Elessar]] at the end of the Third Age.

==Etymology==
It is not known if [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] ever explained the name ''Cardolan''. The most common suggestion is that ''Cardolan'' likely is [[Sindarin]] for "red hill country". In that case, the name could be analyzed as ''[[caran|carn]]'' "red", ''[[dol]]'' "hill, mount" and ''[[-iand|an(n)]]'' "land".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 690</ref><ref name=Clewley/>

An alternative etymology has been suggested by Roger Clewley: ''Cardolan'' deriving from [[Noldorin]] ''car'' "house", ''dolen'' "hidden, secret", and the toponymical ending ''[[-iand|-and]]'', thus meaning "place/land of
hidden houses" (a reference to the "dead entombed there").<ref name=Clewley>{{webcite|author=Roger Clewley|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/elfling/message/36363|articlename=On the Name ''Cardolan'' (#36363)|dated=7 September 2012|website=[[Elfling]] (mailing list)|accessed=11 September 2012}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Arnor]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Mannish realms]]

[[de:Cardolan]]
[[fi:Cardolan]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:royaumes:cardolan]]

Arnor

2018-04-18T22:18:13Z

Dman:

{{kingdom
| image=
| name=Arnor
| pronun=
| othernames=North-kingdom
| location=[[Eriador]]
| capital=[[Annúminas]]
| towns=[[Fornost Erain]], [[Lond Daer]], [[Tharbad]], [[Bree]]
| regions=[[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]]
| population=[[Dúnedain]], [[Men]], [[Hobbits|Hobbits]], [[Elves]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| govern1=Monarchy
| govern2=[[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]], later the [[King of the Reunited Kingdom]]
| govern3=Council of Arnor
| currency=
| holiday=
| precededby=
| event1=Founded
| event1date={{SA|3320}}
| event2=Divided
| event2date={{TA|861}}
| event3=Abandoned
| event3date={{TA|1974}}
| event4=Re-formed
| event4date={{FoA|1}}
| event5=
| event5date=
| followedby=
}}
{{Pronounce|Arnor.mp3|Ardamir}}

'''Arnor''', or the '''Northern Kingdom''', was a kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]] in the land of [[Eriador]] in [[Middle-earth]]. It was the original seat of the [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]] who ruled over both Arnor and Gondor.
==Geography==
Arnor included most of [[Eriador]], between the [[Lune]] (west of which was [[Lindon]]) and the rivers [[Greyflood]] and [[Loudwater]] (east of which was [[Rivendell]]).<ref>{{App|Eriador}}</ref>

The Dunedain or Arnor dwelt in many places in Eriador, and specifically the courses of the rivers Lune and [[Baranduin]] as well as [[Fornost]]. The capital was at Annúminas. By the later [[Third Age]] there were [[barrows]] and ruins at Cardolan and Rhudaur.<ref name=rings/>
=== Regions ===

* [[Arthedain]], core of the north-kingdom bordering the Lune
* [[Cardolan]], south of the [[Great East Road]], east of the Brandywine
* [[Rhudaur]], between the Weather Hills and the [[Misty Mountains]]

=== Cities, Fortresses and Watchtowers ===

* [[Annúminas]], the old capital on the shore of Lake Evendim
* [[Fornost]], the new capital of the successor state of Arthedain
* [[Bree]], a trading centre located on the Great East Road
* [[Lond Daer]], an old harbour town founded by Númenóreans
* [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]], also called Weathertop, a watchtower on the highest of the Weather Hills
* [[Elostirion]], a watchtower in the Tower Hills
* [[Tharbad]], a fortified town and port along the River Greyflood on the southern border of Arnor
=== The ''[[Palantíri]]'' ===

The '''[[Palantíri]]''' or 'seeing stones' were spherical stones that could communicate with each other and give visual impressions to a skilled remote user. These stones were divided originally between [[Elendil]] and his two sons. They were usually heavily guarded and under the control of the kings. There were seven of these stones in total, with three of them assigned to the northern kingdom, with the other four going to Gondor.<ref name=rings/>{{rp|362}} They were:

* The [[Elostirion-stone]], kept in the tower of [[Elostirion]]. This was used to communicate with The Master Stone in [[Tol Eressëa]], the Lonely Isle of the Elves, along the [[Straight Road]]. It could not contact the other Middle-Earth stones.
* The [[Amon Sûl-stone]], kept in the watchtower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]. A large stone, it was often used to contact its corresponding large stone in Gondor, at the great dome in [[Osgiliath]].
* The [[Annúminas-stone]], kept in Arnor's capital city of [[Annúminas]]. Though one of the lesser stones, it was the stone most often used by the [[Kings of Arnor]].
==History==

=== Early History ===
Before the foundation of Arnor [[Eriador]] was home to [[Middle Men]] of [[Edain]] stock. A sizable [[Númenóreans]] population was formed, a result of the slow emigration that started under [[Tar-Meneldur]] and [[Tar-Aldarion]]. The early colonists soon interbred with the indigenous population of Eriador, favoured over the more southern regions (Gondor) because the [[Elves of Lindon]] under [[Gil-galad]] lived near it across the river [[Lhûn]].<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>{{rp|360}} Conversely, the [[King's Men]] settled more to the south in the later days. This led to a situation where [[Elendil]] arrived in an area populated by people who were mainly still [[Faithful]] and [[Elf-friends]]; and unlike, [[Gondor]] to the south, in Arnor much knowledge of the [[Elder Days]] was preserved.

[[File:Steven White Jr. - Ann18.jpg|left|220px|thumb|Steven White, Jr. - ''Palace Complex at Annúminas'']]
Elendil and his people reached Eriador sailing into the [[Gulf of Lune]]; they were aided by [[High King of the Noldor]] [[Gil-galad]] and his people, and his ships sailed up the [[Lune]] river. Gil-galad even built the [[Emyn Beraid]] for Elendil.<ref name=rings/> Elendil established the city of [[Annúminas]] as his capital. Arnor was founded at the end of the [[Second Age]] ({{SA|3320}}) by [[Elendil]], whose sons founded [[Gondor]] at the same time. The history of the [[Two Kingdoms|two kingdoms]] is intertwined; both kingdoms are known as the Realms of the [[Dúnedain]] in exile.

=== [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Isildur 2.jpg|right|220px|thumb|''Isildur'' in Peter Jackson's ''Fellowship of the Ring'']] At the end of the Second Age, Arnor allied itself with Noldorin High King [[Gil-galad]] in a great alliance opposing Sauron, the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. In conjunction with southern forces from Gondor, they confronted Sauron's armies in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. This war was fought over a period of several years on the [[Battle of Dagorlad|Dagorlad plain]] and in Mordor itself, at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]. Both [[Elendil]] and his son [[Anárion]] were slain in this conflict, but [[Isildur]] cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and prevailed. [[Elrond]], Gil-galad's herald, urged Isildur to cast it into Mount Doom and destroy it, but Isildur refused, and the Ring survived. Arnor suffered heavy casualties in the war, and some parts of the land were partially depopulated.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.</ref>

Arnor's second king was [[Isildur]] who was also King of [[Gondor]]). He was killed in {{TA|2}} by [[Orcs]] in the disastrous [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]. His three eldest sons were killed with him, but the fourth and youngest, [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], who had remained at [[Rivendell]] due to his youth, became king of Arnor. [[Isildur]] also lost [[the One Ring]] at this time, when it slipped off his finger as he tried to escape pursuing Orcs. Arnor never fully recovered from the devastating loss of manpower it suffered in the war against Sauron.

Because [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]] and his heirs did not claim the throne of [[Gondor]] the realms were split, but Arnor's ruler kept the title [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]], whereas in the south the ruler was 'just' King.

=== Decline and Breakup ===

{{Transcribed|Tengwar Arnor.png|Arnor|Tengwar, Sindarin mode}}
Arnor's capital was [[Annúminas]] on [[Lake Evendim]], but by {{TA|861}} [[Fornost Erain]] had taken its place. No longer a site of such importance, Annúminas became depopulated and was slowly abandoned.

 After the death of its tenth king, [[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]], in {{TA|861}}, Arnor was shaken by civil war between his three sons. The eldest, [[Amlaith]], claimed Kingship over all Arnor but was reduced to only ruling the region of Arthedain as his kingdom, while the other sons founded the breakaway kingdoms of [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]].

Arnor was refounded ''de jure'' by [[Arthedain|Arthedain's]] king [[Argeleb I]], when [[Cardolan]] placed itself under the suzerainty of Arthedain. However, even Arthedain was eventually destroyed. The people of Arnor were mostly wiped out by the continuing wars, but the [[Hobbits]] survived in [[the Shire]], Men survived in [[Bree]] and probably other villages, and the [[Dúnedain]] of Arnor created new homes in the [[Angle of Eriador|Angle]] south of [[Rivendell]], where some of them became known as the [[Rangers of the North]].<ref name="lotr1018">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.</ref>

=== Conflict with Angmar ===

[[File:Grant Gould - The Witch King.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Eliot Gould - ''The Witch King'']] Arnor's greatest enemy in the north by the middle of the Third Age was Angmar, ruled by the [[Witch-king|Witch King of Angmar]]. During the reign of Malvegil (c. {{TA|1300}}), this new power arose beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. This land became populated with the Orcs and men of Sauron, and began attacking Rhudaur and Cardolan. Eventually this Witch-king was identified as in fact the chief of Sauron's Ringwraiths. Years later, Argeleb I of [[Arthedain]], reasserted control over [[Cardolan]], and fortified a line along the [[Weather Hills]]. Despite this action, Argeleb fell in battle with Angmar and its ally, [[Rhudaur]]. His son Arveleg, however, counterattacked in conjunction with Cardolan and drove the enemy back. He held this frontier in force for quite some years successfully.

[[File:BFME2 - Weathertop.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''Weathertop'' from BFME2]] Then in {{TA|1409}}, Angmar crossed the Hoarwell river into Cardolan and attacked again. This time, Weathertop was captured and Arveleg fell in battle. While Amon Sûl fell, the ''palantír'' was recovered and taken to Fornost. While Cardolan was laid waste, Angmar was eventually stopped by Elven forces from [[Lindon]] and [[Rivendell]], where [[Elrond]] countered them.

=== The [[Great Plague]] ===

Another threat appeared to the northern successor kingdoms, this time one that swords and spears could not deter. A [[Great Plague|major plague]] began in the east, in the vicinity of the [[Sea of Rhûn]], northeast of [[Mordor]]. After doing great damage in [[Rhovanion]], it struck [[Osgiliath]] in Gondor in {{TA|1636}}, killing [[Telemnar|King Telemnar]] and his family. In seriously affected areas, the plague killed 50% or more of the populace. This plague, which barely affected western Gondor, spread northwards to [[Cardolan]].

In Cardolan, it struck severely, wiping out the last of Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]] at the [[Barrow-downs]]. The Witch-king, exploiting the tragedy, sent evil spirits, the [[Barrow-wights]], to infest the area. The Hobbits of the Shire were damaged by it, but not heavily. The plague lost its strength, however, at this point, so that most of [[Arthedain]] was unaffected.<ref name="lotr1023">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1023.</ref>

=== The Fall of Arthedain ===

In {{TA|1974}}, the final chapter in [[Arthedain|Arthedain's]] history began. The Witch-king attacked during the harsh winter weather. The capital of [[Fornost]] fell, and the remaining Arnorian forces were driven over the Lune river into Lindon. King [[Arvedui]] was compelled to flee to [[Forochel]], and ask aid of the Snowmen there. His son, [[Aranarth]], journeyed to [[Círdan]] at the Havens to inform him of Arthedain's fall. Círdan responded by sending a ship north to rescue Arvedui. When the [[Snowmen of Forochel]] saw the ship arrive, they were uncomfortable and nervous about the escape plan.<ref name="lotr1018">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.</ref> Their chief replied to Arvedui:
{{quote|Do not mount on this sea-monster! If they have them, let the seamen bring us food and other things that we need, and you may stay here till the Witch-king goes home. For in summer his power wanes; but now his breath is deadly, and his cold arm is long.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018}}

It turned out that the Snowmen were right. A storm blew in that night and drove the ice towards the shore, and the ship was crushed and sank, with great loss of life, including King Arvedui. He unfortunately fulfilled [[Malbeth|Malbeth the Seer's]] prophecy about him at his birth that he would be the 'Last king' of Arthedain. So the North-kingdom ended, but the [[Hobbits]] survived in the Shire. They eventually chose a [[Thain]] from among themselves to replace the King, and the first of these was [[Bucca of the Marish]], in {{TA|1979}}.

=== Showdown with Angmar ===

Envoys from Arthedain had journeyed to Gondor to ask assistance from the southern Dúnedain in fighting the Witch-king's forces. Gondor, however, was preoccupied with its own threats from the [[Easterlings]], and so could not respond immediately. Gondor had been in a weakened condition since the death of King Ondoher and his two sons in the [[Battle of the Camp]] fighting the Easterlings in {{TA|1944}}. [[Arvedui]] of Arnor tried to claim the southern throne but this claim was rejected by Gondor. [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]], the victorious commander in the above battle and a member of the royal house, claimed the throne, and was confirmed by the Gondorian royal council.<ref name="lotr1023">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1023.</ref>

[[File:Amir Salehi - Servant of Death.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Amir Salehi - ''Servant of Death'']]King Arvedui sent increasingly urgent messages to Gondor about the crisis he faced from Angmar's continuing assaults. [[Eärnil II]] was unable to react quickly due to his need to order Gondor after succeeding to the throne, however. The king sent his son and heir [[Eärnur]] north to the Havens with a powerful fleet. Unfortunately, it was not in time to save [[Arthedain]], and the northern kingdom perished. When Eärnur's naval forces landed in the [[Grey Havens]], they dazzled both Men and Elves with their size and majesty. From these ships debarked the most powerful army seen in the north of Middle-earth in centuries. Círdan's people were quite impressed with the strength of Gondor's army, particularly its [[Gondorian Military Forces#Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces|cavalry forces]], dominated by riders from the [[Vales of Anduin]]. [[Círdan]] and Eärnur combined their forces, along with the remnant of Arnor's army, in the greatest joint Elf-Man army since the [[War of the Last Alliance]]; this great [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]] re-crossed the River Lune and marched northward.<ref name="lotr1026">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', p. 1026.</ref> These allies drove relentlessly toward the Arnorian capital of [[Fornost]], where the Witch-king had occupied the palace complex there.

=== Angmar is Vanquished ===

When the Witch-king saw the invading [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host]], he failed to take it for the serious threat that it in fact was. Instead of awaiting the invaders in the fortress city of Fornost, he confidently marched his forces out to meet them in the open. He expected to defeat them as easily as Arvedui's forces the previous year. But there was an appreciable difference this time-- the ground and naval might of Gondor. The allied Host continued to advance, and instead of establishing a merely defensive position, they attacked him from the [[Hills of Evendim]], and a [[Battle of Fornost|large battle]] broke out. The Witch-king's army could not stand before the allies, however, and began to retreat back towards their capital. Any hopes for an orderly withdrawal were in vain, however.

[[Gondorian Military Forces#Gondorian Knights and Cavalry Forces|Gondorian cavalry forces]], attacking from the north, routed the forces of Angmar, and put them to flight signalling an end to what became known as the [[Battle of Fornost]]. The Witch-king, in full flight, forsook his new conquests, and made for Angmar. But the cavalry under [[Eärnur]] continued the pursuit and rode down what remained of his forces. To add to his difficulties, an Elven force under [[Glorfindel]] also attacked from [[Rivendell]], and completed his forces' destruction. At the last, the Witch-king charged Eärnur in frustration, but his horse shied away from the evil wraith. As Eärnur once again mastered his horse, Glorfindel uttered his famous prophecy:
{{quote|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.|''The Lord of the Rings'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1027.}}
This prophecy would not be fulfilled until a thousand years later, at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].

=== [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]] ===

After the death of King Arvedui, his son, [[Aranarth]], perceived that the northern Dúnedain had become too few to reestablish the realm of [[Arthedain]]. He took his dwindling people and turned them into wanderers who traveled from place to place in [[Eriador]]. Instead of calling himself a king or prince, he assumed the title [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain]]. Through them the royal line of Arnor was maintained successfully for a thousand years until the refounding of Arnor in {{FoA|1}}. Aranarth brought his son [[Arahael]] to [[Rivendell]] and gave him to [[Elrond]] for safekeeping until he was grown. This became a tradition that was followed through the rest of the Third Age. Also brought to Elrond were the heirlooms of the House of Elendil: the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]], the [[Ring of Barahir]], the shards of [[Narsil]], and the [[Star of Elendil]].<ref name="lotr1018">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1018.</ref>

So the Dúnedain survived in the shadows, waiting for a better day when the kingdom of Arnor would be reborn. There were sixteen Chieftains in direct descent, with [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]] being the last. There were many perils in Eriador in that time, and many of the Chieftains died premature deaths. One of these was Aragorn II's father, [[Arathorn II]], who was slain by Orcs raiding the area.

=== [[War of the Ring]] ===

The Kingdom of Arnor had been fallen for a thousand years by the time the [[War of the Ring]] broke out, but northern forces did participate in the War. [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was a [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain Ranger of the North]], and there were several hundred of them operating during the conflict. A company of this group accompanied Aragorn through the [[Paths of the Dead]] and during the attack on [[Umbar]] which captured the Corsair fleet. They participated at the last battle, fighting under his banner, at the [[Battle of the Morannon]], where [[Sauron]] was finally thrown down.

There was conflict in other areas of the North. There were three different invasions of [[Lothlórien]], which were thrown back by the Elven army under [[Celeborn]] and [[Thranduil]]. Finally, Celeborn led an attack resulting in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur|capture of Dol Guldur]] and put an end to Sauron's northern threat.

There was also a battle fought in [[the Shire]], between Saruman's [[Ruffians]] and [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] militia forces. This was the last battle fought in the [[War of the Ring]], and resulted in the death of Saruman and the death or capture of his followers. This became known as the [[Battle of Bywater]], and represents the Hobbit contribution to the War.<ref name="lotr992-996">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[The Scouring of the Shire]], pp. 992-996.</ref>

== Restoration and the [[Reunited Kingdom]] ==

[[File:Rowena Morrill - The Last Steward of Gondor.jpg|left|220px|thumb|Rowena Morrill - ''The Last Steward of Gondor'']]Faramir, son of Denethor II the last Ruling Steward, presented his rod of office to the new king, and received it back from him. [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] then was crowned by [[Gandalf]] as [[Aragorn|King Elessar]], refounded the Kingdom of Arnor as part of the [[Reunited Kingdom]], and made [[Annúminas]] his new capital city.<ref name="lotr1019">''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]], p. 1019.</ref> He was wed to the Elven princess Arwen, who became [[Arwen|Queen Evenstar]] of Arnor and Gondor. After the fall of [[Sauron]] Arnor was safe again for resettlement of Men, and although it remained less populated than [[Gondor]] to the south, in time Arnor became a more densely populated region again, even if it had dwindled in size due to the independence of [[the Shire]]. The area encompassed by the Reunited Kingdom now encompassed the territory of the [[Two Kingdoms]] at their greatest extent. In the North, this included all the land between the [[Lune|River Lune]] and the [[Misty Mountains]], and in the South included all the land between Dunland in the west, to the [[Far Harad]] southwards, to [[Rhûn]] in the east. The reborn kingdom continued on into the Fourth Age, with [[Eldarion]] eventually succeeding his father to the throne of this now empire-sized state.

== Languages ==

Many people in Arnor were of Númenórean stock. However, aside from the Exiles, most had long since mingled with non-Númenórean peoples; the predominant language spoken by them was [[Westron]].<ref>{{App|F}}</ref> At least some of the population, especially the upper classes, were fluent in [[Sindarin]], while [[Quenya]] was studied as a language of lore. Many early place names and the names of the [[House of Isildur|royal house]] were Quenya, but by the 8th century of the [[Third Age]], Quenya had given way to Sindarin.

== Etymology ==

'''''Arnor''''' was the colloquial name for the '''North Kingdom'''. The North Kingdom, as the land was called at its conception, was also known as ''Turmen Follondiéva'' in [[Quenya]] and ''Arthor na Forlonnas'' in [[Sindarin]]. These names quickly fell out of use, in favour of ''Arnor'': the ''Land of the King'', so called for the kingship of [[Elendil]], and to seal its precedence over the [[Gondor|southern realm]]. In full, poetic Sindarin, it was called ''Arannor'', which mirrored its Quenya name, '''''Arandórë'''''.<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 28</ref> Though technically ''Arandórë'' would have a Sindarin form ''Ardor'', [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] chose ''Arnor'' because it sounded better. This linguistic change was ascribed to a later, Mannish development of Sindarin.<ref name="L347">{{L|347}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 17</ref> The form '''''Arnanórë''''' is also seen.<ref name="L347" />

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2002: {{tttee}}:'''
:Peter Jackson's movies do not mention the long history of how Arnor and Gondor diverged, nor do they mention Arnor by name. The one passing reference to it is in a scene from the Extended Edition, when Aragorn reveals to Éowyn that he is actually eighty-seven years old. She realises that he must be one of the [[Dúnedain]], a descendant of Númenor blessed with long life, but says that she thought his race had passed into legend. Aragorn acknowledges that he is one of the Dúnedain, and explains that there are not many of his people left, because "the Northern kingdom was destroyed long ago".

==See also==
* [[Kings of Arnor]]
* [[Kings of Gondor]]
* [[Gondor]]
* [[War of the Last Alliance]]
* [[War of the Ring]]

{{References}}

[[Category:Arnor| ]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Arnor]]
[[fi:Arnor]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/royaumes/arnor]]

Aragorn

2018-04-18T22:16:32Z

Dman:

{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}
{{arnorian infobox
| name=Aragorn
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Aragorn II, [[Elessar]], [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], [[Thorongil]] (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] [[King of the Reunited Kingdom]]
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]
| location=[[Rivendell]] [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]] and [[Quenya]]
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain) {{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)
| death={{FoA|120}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| age=210
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Isildur]]
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father [[Gilraen]], mother [[Elrond]], foster father
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Arwen]]
| children=[[Eldarion]], at least two daughters
| gender=Male
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 229</ref>
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/>
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/> Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>
| weapons=[[Andúril]]
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]
}}

<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Steward and the King]]}}</center>
'''Aragorn II''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}; 1 March [[Third Age]] {{TA|2931|n}} – [[Fourth Age]] {{FoA|120|n}}, aged 210 years<ref>{{HM|AB}}.</ref>) was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]].

==History==
===Early Life===
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. But his grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref>

A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]] from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come his royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone"), and he would be a healer and a renewer.

When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. By Elrond's order, his identity was kept secret, as he feared he would be slain like his father and grandfather. Aragorn was named '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys. <ref name="A1v">{{App|A1v}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|[[Stephen Hickman]] - ''Aragorn and Arwen'']]
Elrond revealed to "Estel" his true name and ancestry when he returned from a journey with Elrohir and Elladan in {{TA|2952}}, when Aragorn was twenty-one years old; as part of this revelation, he delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Later, Aragorn met and fell in love with [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]].<ref name="A1v"/>

===Life as a Ranger===
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="A1v"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Catherine Karina Chmiel]] - ''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'']]
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys, serving in the armies of King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of Gondor.<ref name="TA"/> Many of his tasks weakened [[Sauron]] and his allies, which during the [[War of the Ring]] helped the West survive. His name in Gondor and Rohan was '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"), and became one of Ecthelion II's most important advisers. He warned Ecthelion of the [[Corsairs of Umbar]], who threathened the [[Southern Fiefs]] and was eventually allowed by Ecthelion to attack [[Umbar]]. He led a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|Surprise Attack on the Havens of Umbar]] with a few Gondorian ships, destroying many of their ships and slaying its lord with only few casualties. After his return in [[Pelargir]] he crossed the [[Anduin]] and left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord.<ref>{{App|A1ivS}}</ref>

Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they lived together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="A1v"/>

Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="A1v"/>

===Hunt for Gollum===
In the year [[Third Age 3001|3001]], as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time, she died before that year's spring.

In [[Third Age 3017|3017]] after searching intermittently over the years,<ref name="TA"/> Aragorn finally overtook Gollum in the [[Dead Marshes]] on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] in to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

===War of the Ring===
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the Black Riders had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there were no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/>

While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions. He watched as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]].

Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref>. It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.

Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.

[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Inger Edelfeldt]] - ''Death of Boromir'']]
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].

He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defense against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].

After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.

====Return of the King====
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.

The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.

Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Aragorn then left the city, hooded and cloaked, and yet the people of Minas Tirith followed him, for they had heard rumours. Yet when in the morning they saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.

Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].

===Reign as Elessar===
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]].

Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.

One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>

Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.

As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref>{{App|Later}}</ref>

He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son and a number of daughters.

King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}
The name '''''Aragorn''''' is [[Sindarin]], meaning '''"Revered King"''', from ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 113</ref>

This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref>
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref>
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref>

The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Aracorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 71</ref>

===Names and titles===
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'', the Renewer]]
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two.
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.
* '''Wingfoot''' - A honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref>
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]].
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved.
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya "and".<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.

==Family tree==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=''[[Kings of Númenor]]''}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=''[[Kings of Arnor]]''|KOG=''[[Kings of Gondor]]''}}
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''}}
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<center><gallery>
File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|<center>''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''</center>
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|<center>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center>
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|<center>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center>
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|<center>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center>
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|<center>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]</center>
File:Aragorn LOTRO.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''</center>
File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''</center>
File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|<center>Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt. Jackson explained that this was to give him a character development arc.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Aragorn shows great trouble over the choice whether or not he should become king, whereas in the book, there is no doubt of his purpose to return as the king from the very first time his lineage is revealed.

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defense of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref>

:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref>

'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Aragorn|Images of Aragorn]]
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.
{{references}}
==Titles==
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=arnorian
| house=[[House of Telcontar]] Continuation of the senior branch of the [[House of Isildur]]
| born=[[1 March|March 1]], {{TA|2931}}
| died={{FoA|120}}
}}
{{seq
| prow=2
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]
| dates={{TA|2933}} – {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=Position abolished
| nvac=None
}}
{{seq
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]
| dates={{TA|2933}} - {{FoA|120}}
| next=[[Eldarion]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Gandalf]]
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| dates=[[15 January|January 15]] - [[22 August|August 22]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=Position abolished
| nvac=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]
| dates={{TA|3019}} – {{FoA|120}}
| next=[[Eldarion]]
| nrow=4
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]
| dates={{TA|3019}} – {{FoA|120}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]
| dates={{TA|3019}} – {{FoA|120}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New title
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]
| dates={{TA|3019}} – {{FoA|120}}
}}
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]
[[Category:Featured Articles]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Isildur]]
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Aragorn II.]]
[[fi:Aragorn II]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/dunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]

Narsil

2018-04-18T22:07:32Z

Dman:

{{object infobox
| name=Narsil
| image=[[File:John Howe - Narsil.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Narsil" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun={{respell|nar|sil}}
| othernames="Sword That Was Broken", "The Sword Reforged"
| location=[[Nogrod]], [[Númenor]], [[Arnor]], [[Rivendell]]
| owner=[[Kings of Númenor]], [[Lords of Andúnië]], [[Elendil]], [[Kings of Arnor]], [[Kings of Arthedain]], [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]
| type=Weapon
| appearance=
| creator=[[Telchar]]
| created=[[First Age]]
| createdlocation=[[Nogrod]]
| destroyer=
| destroyed=
| destroyedlocation=
| notablefor=Cutting the [[One Ring]] of [[Sauron|Sauron's]] finger
}}
'''Narsil''' was the sword of King [[Elendil]] of the [[Dúnedain]]. It was later known as '''[[Andúril]]'''.

==History==
[[File:Donato Giancola - Telchar forging Narsil.jpg‎|thumb|left|[[Donato Giancola]] - ''Telchar forging Narsil'']]
The sword was forged during the [[First Age]] by the famed Dwarven-smith [[Telchar]] of [[Nogrod]].

In the [[Second Age]], Narsil was an heirloom of the descendants of Elros, the first [[King of Númenor]]. Although nothing is said of Narsil during this period, it eventually came into the hands of [[Elendil]], a distant descendant, towards the close of the Second Age.

Elendil carried Narsil in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] where it shone with the light of the [[Sun]] and [[Moon]], and then in the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]; but [[Sauron]] killed him and the sword broke into two pieces under him as he fell, and its light was extinguished. Elendil's son [[Isildur]] took up the sword and used its shard to cut [[the One Ring]] from the hand of Sauron. <ref name=rings/> Isildur took the shards home with him. Shortly before Isildur was killed in the second year of the [[Third Age]] in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], the shards were rescued by [[Ohtar]], esquire of Isildur<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>. He took them to [[Rivendell]], where Isildur's youngest son [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]] was fostered, but [[Elrond]] foretold that it wouldn't be forged again until the One Ring was found agan and Sauron returned.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

The '''Shards of Narsil''' were one of the heirlooms of the [[Kings of Arnor]], and after the Northern Kingdom was destroyed they remained an heirloom of the [[Rangers of the North]]. It was not reforged until the [[War of the Ring]] at the end of the Third Age in Rivendell as '''[[Andúril]]''', the "Flame of the West", for [[Aragorn]], who was by that time the [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and heir of Isildur.

He carried the sword during his journey south as part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], and fought with it in many instances. He referred to it as the "Sword That Was Broken" or "The Sword Reforged".

== Etymology ==
''Narsil'' is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "red and white flame".<ref>{{HM|UI}}, p. 231</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 29</ref> The name is said to consist of the [[Sundocarme|stems]] NAR ("fire"; cf. ''[[Nár (Quenya)|nár]]'' "fire") + THIL ("white light"). It was a symbolic name, pointing to the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]], the "''chief heavenly lights, as enemies of darkness''".<ref>{{L|347}}, p. 425</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Narsil was not broken in two but in several parts, and by Sauron stepping on it instead of it breaking as Elendil fell.

:Unlike in the book, Aragorn does not bear them with him, but are kept on a display in [[Rivendell]]. Boromir drops the hilt on the floor and Aragorn is seen reverently replacing it back into the display. The sword is not reforged into Andúril until the third film.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
[[Arwen]] persuades [[Elrond]] to have [[Elves|Elven]] smiths reforge it from the shards and bring to Aragorn.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The reforging of Narsil is experienced by the player in the quest arc called "The Blade that was Broken". The player sets out to find the last of the Silithair, shining adamants crafted by Elves of the [[house of Fëanor]] in days of old, in order for the Elf-smiths of Imladris to reforge the sword.<ref>[http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Quest_Arc:The_Blade_That_Was_Broken Quest Arc: The Blade That Was Broken], Lorebook, lotro.com</ref>

'''2012: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:As revealed in the trailer, [[Bilbo Baggins]] is seen to approach and examine the shards in curiosity, while in Rivendell. Although the Shards are not mentioned in [[The Hobbit|the book]], it establishes continuity with [[Peter Jackson|Peter Jackson's]] [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]].

{{references}}

{{weapons}}
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Swords]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]
[[de:Narsil]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/armes/narsil]]
[[fi:Narsil]]

Durin I

2018-04-18T22:05:25Z

Dman:

{{disambig-more|Durin|[[Durin (disambiguation)]]}}
{{dwarves infobox
| name=Durin
| image=[[File:Liz Danforth - Durin I.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Durin I" by [[Liz Danforth]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Durin the Deathless "Father of the Dwarves"
| titles=[[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]] [[Kings of Khazad-dûm|King of Khazad-dûm]]
| position=
| location=[[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Khuzdul]]
| birth=[[Years of the Trees]]
| birthlocation=[[Mount Gundabad]]
| rule=
| death=[[First Age]]
| deathlocation=
| age=at least 2,395
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Durin]]
| parentage=None; created by [[Aulë]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Durin I''' ([[Years of the Trees]] – [[First Age]]), also known as '''Durin the Deathless''' due to his longevity, was the first of the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], the founder of the city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], and the first king of the [[Longbeards]].

==History==
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Aulë and the Seven Fathers.jpg‎|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Aulë and the Seven Fathers'']]
Long before the awakening of the [[Elves]] it is said that Aulë, yearning for the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], fashioned the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] in a hall under the mountains in [[Middle-earth]]. Pleased with his work, Aulë was instructing his creations in the [[Khuzdul|speech]] he had devised for them when [[Ilúvatar]] rebuked him, pointing out that they were mere counterfeits that would only stand idle without Aulë’s will. Aulë humbled himself before Ilúvatar and prepared to destroy the Dwarves, but at that moment Ilúvatar gave them independent life. However, Ilúvatar would not suffer their arrival in the world before the Firstborn, so the seven fathers were laid to sleep until after the coming of the [[Elves]].<ref>{{S|Aule}}</ref>

Ilúvatar commanded Aulë to lay the sleeping fathers in deep places, each with a mate, save Durin the eldest who had none.<ref>{{L|212}}</ref> Durin was set to sleep under [[Mount Gundabad]] in the [[Misty Mountains]] during the [[Years of the Trees]].<ref>{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref>
===King of the Longbeards===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Durin I Discovers the Three Peaks.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Durin I Discovers the Three Peaks'']]
When he awoke he journeyed south alone through the wild where no person ever wandered before, and gave name to "nameless hills and dells", perhaps [[Azanulbizar]] and the nearby features<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref>. He came upon [[Kheled-zâram]]. Looking upon [[Seven Stars|mysterious stars]] set [[Durin's Crown|like a crown]] reflected in its surface, he took this as a sign, and there in the caves above the lake, founded a great city. This was [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], later called [[Moria]], and for many years it was the greatest Dwarven city in Middle-earth.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>

Durin was the founder of the [[Longbeards]] house, which became known as [[Durin's folk]]. He lived to a great age even by the measure of the Dwarves until he was known as "The Deathless". However, he was not actually immortal, and died sometime during the First Age.<ref name="Durin"/>

All that can be known for certain about his age, is that he was born before {{YT|1250}}<ref name="GA">{{GA|19}}</ref> and died before the end of the [[First Age]].<ref name="Durin"/> This makes Durin ''at least'' 2,395 years old, about ten-times the lifespan of [[Dwarves]].<ref group="note">[[coranar|Years of the Sun]]. Each Year of the Trees is equal to 9.582 Years of the Sun, and the Years of the Trees ended in the year 1500. So, 9.582 x 250 = 2,395.</ref>

==Legacy==
The Longbeards believed that Durin would return to them seven times, and in each reincarnation he will again be named Durin and reign as King. He did have six descendants that were named Durin, all were kings of Durin's folk.<ref name="Durin"/>

[[Durin's Axe]], a great heirloom of Durin's folk, was probably his; it was apparently found when [[Balin]] and [[Balin's colony|his colony]] came to Khazad-dûm in {{TA|2989}}.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref><ref>{{App|B2}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Durinn'' is one of the Dwarfs in the ''[[Völuspá|Dvergatal]]''. The name means "Sleepy".<ref>Chester Nathan Gould, "Dwarf-Names: A Study in Old Icelandic Religion", published in ''Publications of the Modern Language Association of America'', Vol 44 (1929), issue #4, pp. 939-967</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| DU1 | |DU1='''DURIN I'''''fl. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DU2 | |DU2=[[Durin II]]''fl. late {{FA}}/early {{SA}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DU3 | |DU3=[[Durin III]]''fl. mid {{SA}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DU4 | |DU4=[[Durin IV]]''fl. late {{SA}}/early {{TA}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DU5 | |DU5=[[Durin V]]''fl. late {{SA}}/early {{TA}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DUR | |DUR=[[Durin VI]] ''{{TA|1731}} - {{TA|1980|n}}''†}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{references|note}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| name=Durin I
| race=dwarf
| house=[[Durin's Folk|House of Durin]]
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position created
| prow=2
| list=[[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]]
| nvac=Unknown
| next=Next known: [[Durin II]]
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
| list=[[Kings of Khazad-dûm|King of Khazad-dûm]]
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{durinskings}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Longbeards]]
[[de:Durin I.]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:nains:1a:durin_ier]]
[[fi:Durin Kuolematon]]

Dwarves

2018-04-18T22:03:00Z

Dman:

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Dwarves
| image=[[File:Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg|250px]]
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]).''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Casar]]i'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=Created by [[Aulë]]
| location=[[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], [[Belegost]], [[Nogrod]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[Iron Hills]], [[Orocarni]], [[Glittering Caves]], [[Grey Mountains]], [[Blue Mountains]], [[Gundabad]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=[[Elves]], [[Orcs]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]] ([[Dwarvish]]), [[Iglishmêk]] (sign language), [[Westron]]
| people='''Clans:''' [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]], [[Petty-dwarves]] '''Groups:''' [[Dwarves of Belegost|Belegost Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of Erebor|Erebor Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm|Khazad-dûm Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of Nogrod|Nogrod Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains|Blue Mountain Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains|Grey Mountain Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|Iron Hill Dwarves]]
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]
| lifespan=c. 250-350 years<ref name="LOTRProjectStats">{{webcite|author=Emil Johansson|articleurl=http://lotrproject.com/statistics/#lifeexpectancy|articlename=Lord of the Rings in Statistics|website=[http://lotrproject.com/ Lord of the Rings Project]|accessed=15 April 2018}}</ref>
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn
| height=
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue, red, and (when older) grey or white
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Often axes, swords, hammers, mattocks
}}
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|[[The Silmarillion]], "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}
The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivaled in some of their arts even by the Elves.

While there were several tribes (Houses) of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].

==History==
===Origin===
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>

[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in [[The Battle for Middle-earth II]] game.]]
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}</ref><ref>{{PM|X}}</ref>

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:

* [[Longbeards]], Durin's Folk, originally from [[Gundabad]].
* [[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]], originally from [[Mt. Dolmed]].
* [[Ironfists]] and [[Stiffbeards]], originated in the East.
* [[Blacklocks]] and [[Stonefoots]], originated in the East.

Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom.

There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.

===First Age===
The Dwarves for many years did not know any other folk, until Firebeards and Broadbeams had their first meeting with the [[Elves]] in [[Beleriand]] in the year {{YT|1250|n}} of the [[Years of the Trees]]. From that time on there was friendship between the [[Sindar]] and the Dwarves, and they began exchanging knowledge and creating ring-mails and many other works; the [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] were unmatched in Middle-earth in smithing. They delved the caves of [[Menegroth]], and adopted the [[cirth|writing]] of [[Daeron]]. It was the Dwarves who told the Sindar about [[Orcs]] attacking their Elven kin on the other side of the mountains, which prompted King [[Thingol]] to begin a build up of arms which the Dwarves made for him.

Later on a great army of Orcs attacked the Elves, but in the [[First Battle of Beleriand]] were defeated and fled. Those that got away ran south right into an army of Dwarves who issued from Mount Dolmed and destroyed them.

After the [[Return of the Noldor]], [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] desired to settle himself in the [[Caves of Narog]] and the Dwarves of the Ered Luin aided him and gave him the dwarven name ''Felak-gundu'' (''[[Felagund]]''). They eventually made for him the [[Nauglamír]]. This necklace without equal contained one of the [[Silmarils]], and sparked jealousy and conflicts over its true ownership. These initial conflicts receded by the beginning of the Second Age, but were rekindled to a new intensity by the discord sown by [[Sauron]]. They eventually created a rivalry and mistrust between Elves and Dwarves that endured to the end of the Third Age, when [[Gimli]] the Dwarf bridged the distance between the two races by developing a deep admiration for lady [[Galadriel]] and forming a strong friendship with [[Legolas]] the Elf.

Things finally came to a head between the forces of Morgoth and the Elves, Men, and Dwarves in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. The Dwarves fought for the [[Union of Maedhros]]

In early [[Second Age]] most of the [[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]] houses migrated to [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] from their cities in the [[Blue Mountains]] which were ruined during the sinking of Beleriand.

===Second Age===
The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves perhaps became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.

When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.

At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance|great War]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. The [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Third Age===

[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]
In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit".

Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.

Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór traveled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans however were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin therefore came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his realm there.

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.

[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

===Fourth Age===
Not much is known about the Dwarves in the [[Fourth Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumored that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.

[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook Moria and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendor, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".

==Nature==
They were 4.5 - 5 feet (1.35 - 1.52 m) tall and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and which they shave only in shame.<ref name=wj13>{{WJ|13}}</ref>

As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth, but had a tendency toward gold lust, and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name=rings/>

Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name=S10>{{S|10}}</ref>
===Hardiness===
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty.

Despite their short stature, they were known for their strength and endurance in battle, as well as their fury, particularly when avenging their fallen kin, and for being some of the greatest warriors in all of Middle-earth. They fought valiantly in many wars and battles over the Ages holding axes.<ref name=wj13/>

Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name=PMAiv/>

They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them.

Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

===Lifespan===
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their ancestry. The Longbeards were particularly long-lived, but by the Third Age their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years. Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labor or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigor. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald. Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

==Culture and family==
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than a third, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name=AppA3>{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name=PMAiv/>

Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death they returned to that stone.<ref name=AppA3/><ref name=PMAiv/>

Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name=PMAiv/>

==Religion==
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë.<ref name=S10/><ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>

Of old the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name=S2/>

==Language==
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called [[Khuzdul]]. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult, and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbors. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races.
The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref>

==Names==
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this is adapted as '''''[[Hadhod]]'''rim'' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''[[Casar]]'''i'' in [[Quenya]]. Casari was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'', the Stunted People.<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref>

An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was ''Auleonnar'', meaning "offspring of Aule".<ref>{{HM|PM}}, p. 391</ref>

In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.

==Inspiration==
Almost all the names of the Dwarves of Middle-earth are taken from the Old Norse [[Völuspá]].

According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|Letters]]'', 17), but in Appendix F to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of ''dwarves'' regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales.

The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books, especially ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]],'' has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature. Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''. In fact, the latter spelling was so common that the original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs'' (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 138).

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's Middle-earth mythology (see: ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'') the dwarves were evil beings created by [[Morgoth|Melkor]].

In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref name="#">{{LT2|IV}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Dwarves|Images of Dwarves]]

==External links==

*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{references}}
{{Dwarvenclans}}
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Zwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]

Dwarves of the Iron Hills

2018-04-18T22:01:42Z

Dman: Added references to page

{{people infobox
| name=Dwarves of the Iron Hills
| image=[[File:Angelo Montanini - Iron Hill Dwarves.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Iron Hill Dwarves" by Angelo Montanini
| pronun=
| othernames=
| origin=[[Durin's Folk]]
| location=[[Iron Hills]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Khuzdul]]
| members=[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], [[Grór]], [[Náin (son of Grór)]]
| lifespan=c. 250 years
| distinctions=Fierce warriors<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Hobbit]], [[The Clouds Burst]]</ref>
| height=Five feet or less
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=Well-armoured in combat<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Hobbit]], [[The Clouds Burst]]</ref>
| weapons=Mostly mattocks; also carried swords and shields<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Hobbit]], [[The Clouds Burst]]</ref>
}}
The '''Dwarves of the Iron Hills''' were [[Dwarves]] belonging to the house of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], otherwise known as [[Durin's Folk]], who lived in the [[Iron Hills]].

==History==
===Early history===
The [[Durin's Folk|Longbeard]] [[Dwarves]] of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] colonized the Iron Hills in the [[First Age]]. The Hills were their primary source of iron-ore.<ref name=Relations>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 302</ref> The [[Old Forest Road|Dwarf-road of Mirkwood]] ran north-east from Khazad-dûm to the Hills for use by dwarf-traders and merchants.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, p. 323 (note 30)</ref>

After [[Sauron]] destroyed [[Eregion]] in the [[Second Age]], the Longbeards sealed Khazad-dûm and Orcs took control of the northern Misty Mountains and the Grey Mountains. This ended communication between the Iron Hills and Khazad-dûm for some time.<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 306</ref>

=== Third Age===
====Founding of Grór's Realm====
In the Third Age, many Longboard Dwarves lived in the [[Grey Mountains]], but they were greatly troubled by [[Dragons]] in that region. After King [[Dáin I]] was slain by one of these dragons, his surviving sons led an exodus into the east. Dáin's elder son [[Thrór]] recreated the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], while his younger brother [[Grór]] led a part of the people further into the east to join their kindred living in the [[Iron Hills]].

Grór settled in the Iron Hills in the year {{TA|2590}} and became [[Lord of the Iron Hills]]. During his reign, the realm became the strongest in the North, being the only realm standing between Sauron and his plans to destroy Rivendell and taking back the lands of Angmar.{{fact}} Also, following the [[Sack of Erebor]] many of Durin's folk fleeing from [[Smaug]] and those wandering in exile, except for [[Thrór]] and his small company of family and followers, came to the Iron Hills, bolstering their numbers.

====War of the Dwarves and Orcs====
During the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], many Dwarves from the Iron Hills fought several battles, but they are mostly remembered from the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] in the year {{TA|2799}}. [[Náin son of Grór|Naín]] and his army came to the battle in the most crucial moment, when the main Dwarven army was being decimated by the great host of Orcs. With these fresh reinforcments, the Dwarves were able to route and destroy their opponents, fighting their way all up to the steps of the [[Great Gates|East-gate]] of [[Moria]]. There, Nain dueled with [[Azog]], the [[Orcs|Orc]] commander, resulting to his death. Later in the battle,[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] killed Azog out of vengeance for his father, achieving recognition because he was very young for dwarven standards. After this battle Dain led his Dwarves back to Grór's Halls.

====Dáin's Reign====
Grór ruled the Dwarves of the Iron Hills for 215 years, and he died in {{TA|2805}} at 241 years of age. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] became the next Lord of the Iron Hills. During his reign, the Iron Hills evolved to the mightiest Dwarf-realm of its time.{{fact}}

Years later, Dáin's cousin [[Thorin]] attempted to restore the kingdom at Erebor, but he was trapped by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] and [[Northmen]] of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] and sent to the Iron Hills for aid. Dáin arrived with 500 armoured Dwarves and as events developed, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills proved crucial in winning the ensuing [[Battle of Five Armies]] against the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]. Thorin died in that battle, and with him the royal line of [[Thrór]]. Through his ancestor Grór, the Kingship of Durin's Folk then fell on Dáin. Dáin II Ironfoot removed from the Iron Hills, and re-established a kingdom under the [[Lonely Mountain]]. It is possible that both Iron Hills and [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] were ruled by him and later by his son [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]].

It is unknown whether the Dwarves of the Iron Hills fought alongside the Dwarves of Erebor in the [[Battle of Dale]] against the [[Easterlings]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

==Other information==
They became well-known for making a metal mesh that could be used for making flexible items like leg-coverings.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Hobbit]], [[The Clouds Burst]]</ref>

These Dwarves of Durin's folk were known for being some of the most fierce and elite of all Dwarf armies, capable of matching Sauron's armies on equal footing. Their main weapon of choice seemed to have been the mattocks, though they also carried a short broad sword with a round shield.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Hobbit]], [[The Clouds Burst]]</ref>

Not much is said on whom were enemies of these dwarves, but it seems likely that the [[Easterlings]] were one of them, since their empire was near and around the Iron Hills, and possibly the Dragons that lived nearby in the northern wastes.

{{references}}
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]''
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''

[[Category:Dwarven peoples]]
[[de:Eisenberge (Rhûn)]]
[[fi:Rautavuoret#_Itäisen_Keski-Maan_Rautavuoret]]

Dwarves of the Iron Hills

2018-04-18T21:56:42Z

Dman:

{{people infobox
| name=Dwarves of the Iron Hills
| image=[[File:Angelo Montanini - Iron Hill Dwarves.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Iron Hill Dwarves" by Angelo Montanini
| pronun=
| othernames=
| origin=[[Durin's Folk]]
| location=[[Iron Hills]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Khuzdul]]
| members=[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], [[Grór]], [[Náin (son of Grór)]]
| lifespan=c. 250 years
| distinctions=
| height=Five feet or less
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=Well-armoured in combat
| weapons=
}}
The '''Dwarves of the Iron Hills''' were [[Dwarves]] belonging to the house of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], otherwise known as [[Durin's Folk]], who lived in the [[Iron Hills]].

==History==
===Early history===
The [[Durin's Folk|Longbeard]] [[Dwarves]] of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] colonized the Iron Hills in the [[First Age]]. The Hills were their primary source of iron-ore.<ref name=Relations>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 302</ref> The [[Old Forest Road|Dwarf-road of Mirkwood]] ran north-east from Khazad-dûm to the Hills for use by dwarf-traders and merchants.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, p. 323 (note 30)</ref>

After [[Sauron]] destroyed [[Eregion]] in the [[Second Age]], the Longbeards sealed Khazad-dûm and Orcs took control of the northern Misty Mountains and the Grey Mountains. This ended communication between the Iron Hills and Khazad-dûm for some time.<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 306</ref>

=== Third Age===
====Founding of Grór's Realm====
In the Third Age, many Longboard Dwarves lived in the [[Grey Mountains]], but they were greatly troubled by [[Dragons]] in that region. After King [[Dáin I]] was slain by one of these dragons, his surviving sons led an exodus into the east. Dáin's elder son [[Thrór]] recreated the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], while his younger brother [[Grór]] led a part of the people further into the east to join their kindred living in the [[Iron Hills]].

Grór settled in the Iron Hills in the year {{TA|2590}} and became [[Lord of the Iron Hills]]. During his reign, the realm became the strongest in the North, being the only realm standing between Sauron and his plans to destroy Rivendell and taking back the lands of Angmar.{{fact}} Also, following the [[Sack of Erebor]] many of Durin's folk fleeing from [[Smaug]] and those wandering in exile, except for [[Thrór]] and his small company of family and followers, came to the Iron Hills, bolstering their numbers.

====War of the Dwarves and Orcs====
During the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], many Dwarves from the Iron Hills fought several battles, but they are mostly remembered from the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] in the year {{TA|2799}}. [[Náin son of Grór|Naín]] and his army came to the battle in the most crucial moment, when the main Dwarven army was being decimated by the great host of Orcs. With these fresh reinforcments, the Dwarves were able to route and destroy their opponents, fighting their way all up to the steps of the [[Great Gates|East-gate]] of [[Moria]]. There, Nain dueled with [[Azog]], the [[Orcs|Orc]] commander, resulting to his death. Later in the battle,[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] killed Azog out of vengeance for his father, achieving recognition because he was very young for dwarven standards. After this battle Dain led his Dwarves back to Grór's Halls.

====Dáin's Reign====
Grór ruled the Dwarves of the Iron Hills for 215 years, and he died in {{TA|2805}} at 241 years of age. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] became the next Lord of the Iron Hills. During his reign, the Iron Hills evolved to the mightiest Dwarf-realm of its time.{{fact}}

Years later, Dáin's cousin [[Thorin]] attempted to restore the kingdom at Erebor, but he was trapped by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] and [[Northmen]] of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] and sent to the Iron Hills for aid. Dáin arrived with 500 armoured Dwarves and as events developed, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills proved crucial in winning the ensuing [[Battle of Five Armies]] against the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]. Thorin died in that battle, and with him the royal line of [[Thrór]]. Through his ancestor Grór, the Kingship of Durin's Folk then fell on Dáin. Dáin II Ironfoot removed from the Iron Hills, and re-established a kingdom under the [[Lonely Mountain]]. It is possible that both Iron Hills and [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] were ruled by him and later by his son [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]].

It is unknown whether the Dwarves of the Iron Hills fought alongside the Dwarves of Erebor in the [[Battle of Dale]] against the [[Easterlings]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

==Other information==
They became well-known for making a metal mesh that could be used for making flexible items like leg-coverings.

These Dwarves of Durin's folk were known for being some of the most fierce and elite of all Dwarf armies, capable of matching Sauron's armies on equal footing. Their main weapon of choice seemed to have been the mattocks, though they also carried a short broad sword with a round shield.

Not much is said on whom were enemies of these dwarves, but it seems likely that the [[Easterlings]] were one of them, since their empire was near and around the Iron Hills, and possibly the Dragons that lived nearby in the northern wastes.

{{references}}
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]''
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''

[[Category:Dwarven peoples]]
[[de:Eisenberge (Rhûn)]]
[[fi:Rautavuoret#_Itäisen_Keski-Maan_Rautavuoret]]

Dwarves

2018-04-18T21:53:42Z

Dman: Changed the lifespan from 200-250 to 250-350

{{sources}}
{{race infobox
| name=Dwarves
| image=[[File:Alarie - A bunch of dwarves.jpg|250px]]
| caption="A bunch of dwarves" by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Naugrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Nogothrim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]).''[[Khazâd]]'' ([[Khuzdul|K]]), ''[[Hadhod]]rim'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''[[Casar]]i'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=Created by [[Aulë]]
| location=[[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], [[Belegost]], [[Nogrod]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], [[Iron Hills]], [[Orocarni]], [[Glittering Caves]], [[Grey Mountains]], [[Blue Mountains]], [[Gundabad]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=[[Elves]], [[Orcs]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]] ([[Dwarvish]]), [[Iglishmêk]] (sign language), [[Westron]]
| people='''Clans:''' [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], [[Firebeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Ironfists]], [[Stiffbeards]], [[Blacklocks]], [[Stonefoots]], [[Petty-dwarves]] '''Groups:''' [[Dwarves of Belegost|Belegost Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of Erebor|Erebor Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm|Khazad-dûm Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of Nogrod|Nogrod Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains|Blue Mountain Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains|Grey Mountain Dwarves]], [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills|Iron Hill Dwarves]]
| members=[[Durin]], [[Gimli]], [[Thorin]], [[Dáin Ironfoot]], [[Azaghâl]], [[Mîm]], [[Balin]]
| lifespan=c. 250-350 years<ref name="LOTRProjectStats">{{webcite|author=Emil Johansson|articleurl=http://lotrproject.com/statistics/#lifeexpectancy|articlename=Lord of the Rings in Statistics|website=[http://lotrproject.com/ Lord of the Rings Project]|accessed=15 April 2018}}</ref>
| distinctions=Stocky; bearded; never bald; especially hardy and loyal; notoriously stubborn
| height=
| hair=Blond, brown, black, blue, red, and (when older) grey or white
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Often axes, swords, hammers, mattocks
}}
{{quote|Since they were to come in the days of the power of [[Morgoth|Melkor]], [[Aulë]] made the dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not forever.|[[The Silmarillion]], "[[Of Aulë and Yavanna]]"}}
The '''Dwarves''', or '''''[[Khuzd|Khazâd]]''''' in their own tongue, were beings of short stature, often friendly with [[Hobbits]] although long suspicious of [[Elves]]. They were typically blacksmiths and stoneworkers by profession, unrivaled in some of their arts even by the Elves.

While there were several tribes (Houses) of the Dwarves, the most prominent was that of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]].

==History==
===Origin===
Unlike Elves and [[Men]], the Dwarves are not counted among the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Their creator was [[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]], known as [[Aulë]] the Smith. Aulë created the Seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]], from whom all other Dwarves are descended, deep beneath an unknown mountain somewhere in [[Middle-earth]]. However, Aulë did not have the divine power to grant independent life to any creation, and the dwarves were bound to his will. [[Ilúvatar]] came and reprimanded Aulë, who confessed his desire to create more living things, but in repentance lifted his hammer to destroy the dwarves. Even as the blow was about to land, the dwarves cowered and begged for mercy, as Ilúvatar had taken pity and given true life to the creations of his child, including them in His plan for [[Arda]]. However, Ilúvatar did not wish them to wake before the [[Elves]], whom he intended to be the first-born. Ilúvatar granted the Dwarves life, and therefore they are known as the Adopted Children of Ilúvatar, but he bade Aulë lay them to sleep in their chamber deep beneath the mountain, and they were to awake after the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>

[[File:BFME2 - Dwarf 4.jpg|thumb||Dwarves as portrayed in [[The Battle for Middle-earth II]] game.]]
The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though [[Durin|Durin I]] had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}</ref><ref>{{PM|X}}</ref>

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:

* [[Longbeards]], Durin's Folk, originally from [[Gundabad]].
* [[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]], originally from [[Mt. Dolmed]].
* [[Ironfists]] and [[Stiffbeards]], originated in the East.
* [[Blacklocks]] and [[Stonefoots]], originated in the East.

Durin settled in the caves above [[Kheled-zâram]] which later became the greatest of Dwarf realms, [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Therefore the halls of the Longbeards were not located near the halls of another Dwarf-kingdom.

There was also an eighth group of Dwarves that was not a separate member from these seven kindreds, but composed of exiles from each: the [[Petty-dwarves]], who were hunted like animals to the point of extinction by the [[Elves]] in the First Age.

===First Age===
The Dwarves for many years did not know any other folk, until Firebeards and Broadbeams had their first meeting with the [[Elves]] in [[Beleriand]] in the year {{YT|1250|n}} of the [[Years of the Trees]]. From that time on there was friendship between the [[Sindar]] and the Dwarves, and they began exchanging knowledge and creating ring-mails and many other works; the [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] were unmatched in Middle-earth in smithing. They delved the caves of [[Menegroth]], and adopted the [[cirth|writing]] of [[Daeron]]. It was the Dwarves who told the Sindar about [[Orcs]] attacking their Elven kin on the other side of the mountains, which prompted King [[Thingol]] to begin a build up of arms which the Dwarves made for him.

Later on a great army of Orcs attacked the Elves, but in the [[First Battle of Beleriand]] were defeated and fled. Those that got away ran south right into an army of Dwarves who issued from Mount Dolmed and destroyed them.

After the [[Return of the Noldor]], [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] desired to settle himself in the [[Caves of Narog]] and the Dwarves of the Ered Luin aided him and gave him the dwarven name ''Felak-gundu'' (''[[Felagund]]''). They eventually made for him the [[Nauglamír]]. This necklace without equal contained one of the [[Silmarils]], and sparked jealousy and conflicts over its true ownership. These initial conflicts receded by the beginning of the Second Age, but were rekindled to a new intensity by the discord sown by [[Sauron]]. They eventually created a rivalry and mistrust between Elves and Dwarves that endured to the end of the Third Age, when [[Gimli]] the Dwarf bridged the distance between the two races by developing a deep admiration for lady [[Galadriel]] and forming a strong friendship with [[Legolas]] the Elf.

Things finally came to a head between the forces of Morgoth and the Elves, Men, and Dwarves in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. The Dwarves fought for the [[Union of Maedhros]]

In early [[Second Age]] most of the [[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]] houses migrated to [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] from their cities in the [[Blue Mountains]] which were ruined during the sinking of Beleriand.

===Second Age===
The Dwarves had little participation in most of the important events involving the other races. However their friendship with the Elves perhaps became more close than ever; the Dwarves of [[Moria]] maintained close connections to the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]] of [[Eregion]]; the [[Doors of Durin]] of Moria were built to facilitate the communication between the two people, and was constructed jointly by both races.

When Eregion was sacked by [[Sauron]]'s forces, the Dwarves assailed them from behind however it was too late to stop him from conquering all [[Eriador]].<ref name="UTGalad">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
[[File:Liz Danforth - Annatar and the Seven Rings.png|thumb|[[Liz Danforth]] - ''Annatar and the seven rings'']]
When "[[Annatar]]" distributed the Rings of Power, he gave [[seven Rings|seven]] to Dwarf Lords in order to subdue and control them. However, they did not have the same effect as they did over Men. Dwarves did not shift into the [[wraith-world]] and in fact resisted domination. The Rings only augmented their greed and ability to create riches.

At the end of the Age, very few Dwarves participated in the [[War of the Last Alliance|great War]], with some joining the side of [[Sauron]]. Some of the [[Dwarves of Moria]] joined the great host of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Third Age===

[[File:Angus McBride - Dwarves.jpg|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''The Dwarves are upon You!'']]
In [[Third Age 1980]], after centuries of greedy digging for ''[[mithril]]'' and other minerals, the Dwarves woke a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] that was sleeping in the deeps of the Misty Mountains since the First Age. The Dwarves fled Khazad-dum, which from then on was called ''Moria'', which means "Black pit".

Most of Durin's folk left for the [[Grey Mountains]] in the North, while some followed the new king, [[Thráin I]], who briefly went to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] in {{TA|1999}}. For more than 300 years the [[Dwarves of the Grey Mountains]] prospered until the Dragons in the far North started to gain strength. Some fled to the [[Iron Hills]], while most followed the new king [[Thrór]] to Erebor to start a new [[Kingdom under the Mountain]]. There, they prospered for over 200 years until the dragon [[Smaug]] descended in {{TA|2770}}. The King and his company went in exile South, while most of the survivors went to the Iron Hills.

Durin's folk settled in [[Dunland]], and in {{TA|2790}} King Thrór traveled North to Moria where he was killed by the [[Orcs|Goblin]] king [[Azog]]. Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] (who had received the Last of the Seven Rings from his father before his departure) summoned all the Houses of Dwarves to war. Thus began the [[War of Dwarves and Orcs]], in which the Dwarves destroyed all the Goblin strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] culminating to the great [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] where all the dwarven clans united. The Goblin hosts issuing from Moria were strong and relentless until the arrival of fresh [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]. The Battle ended with the victory of Dwarves, but at great cost. The Dwarven clans however were unwilling to repopulate Moria. Thráin therefore came to the [[Blue Mountains]] and established his realm there.

[[File:Angelo Montanini - Dori.jpg|thumb|[[Angelo Montanini]] - ''Dori'']]
The Wizard [[Gandalf]] was instrumental into helping Thráin's son Thorin in reclaiming the Kingdom of Erebor. Thorin gathered around him [[Thorin and Company|twelve dwarves]], mostly from his own line, and was joined by [[Gandalf]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The [[Quest of Erebor]] ended with the death of [[Smaug]]. After a quarrel with the Men and Elves over the unguarded hoard, the Dwarves - assisted by those from the [[Iron Hills]] - united with the Men and Elves to fight the attacking Goblins and Wargs, in what was called the [[Battle of Five Armies]], where Thorin was killed.

[[Gimli]] son of Glóin joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] as a representative of the Dwarves and befriended [[Legolas]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

===Fourth Age===
Not much is known about the Dwarves in the [[Fourth Age]]. After the [[War of the Ring]], [[Gimli]] brought a part of Durin's Folk from Erebor to the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep and founded a colony there. Subsequently, Gimli went on many travels with his friend Legolas, and History lost track of their fate. Through their friendship and influence, the feud between the two races that had lasted for millennia finally ended, shortly before the departure of the last Elves from Middle-earth. It is rumored that Gimli and Legolas eventually boarded a ship that sailed down the river Anduin, out to sea and across to Valinor in the year {{FoA|120}}. Gimli would thus have become the only Dwarf to ever be permitted to cross to the Undying Lands.

[[Durin VII]] (the Last), retook Moria and brought Khazad-dûm back to its original splendor, and the Longbeards lived there till the "world grew old and the days of Durin's race ended".

==Nature==
They were 4.5 - 5 feet (1.35 - 1.52 m) tall and their more distinctive characteristic was their beard which they have from the beginning of their lives, male and females alike; and which they shave only in shame.<ref name=wj13>{{WJ|13}}</ref>

As creations of Aulë, they were attracted to the substances of Arda and crafts. They mined and worked precious metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth, but had a tendency toward gold lust, and committed their share of rash and greedy acts. Among these was the dispute over the [[Nauglamír]], which led to the slaying of Elu [[Thingol]] and stirred up the initial suspicion between Elves and Dwarves to open hatred.<ref name=rings/>

Dwarves generally lived far from the sea and avoided getting on boats, as they disliked the sound of the ocean and were afraid of it.<ref name=S10>{{S|10}}</ref>
===Hardiness===
The Dwarves were created by Aulë to be strong, resistant to fire and the evils of Morgoth. They were hardier than any other race, secretive, stubborn, and steadfast in enmity or loyalty.

Despite their short stature, they were known for their strength and endurance in battle, as well as their fury, particularly when avenging their fallen kin, and for being some of the greatest warriors in all of Middle-earth. They fought valiantly in many wars and battles over the Ages holding axes.<ref name=wj13/>

Sickness was almost unknown to the Dwarves, as they were immune to human diseases.<ref name=PMAiv/>

They were generally less corruptible than Men. When Sauron attempted to enslave the Free Folk of Middle-earth using the [[Rings of Power]], the Elves completely resisted his power (indeed, his hand had never sullied the [[Three Rings]]), while the [[Nine Rings]] utterly corrupted the Men who bore them into the [[Ringwraiths]]. In contrast, the Dwarves were sturdy and resistant enough that Sauron was not able to dominate them using the [[Seven Rings]]. At most, the Seven Rings sowed strife among the Dwarves and filled their wearers with an insatiable greed for gold, but they did not turn them into wraiths subservient to the Dark Lord, and he considered his plan to have failed. Sauron was furious at the Dwarves' resistance, spurring his drive to recapture the Seven Rings from them.

Another example was [[Gimli]], who, while [[Saruman]] used the power in his voice and the [[Rohirrim]] were spell-bound by his magic, Gimli was unmoved and commented that Saruman's words cannot be trusted, causing Saruman to be angered enough to lose his charm.<ref>{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

===Lifespan===
The lifespan of Dwarves was varied depending on their ancestry. The Longbeards were particularly long-lived, but by the Third Age their lifespan was diminished and they lived, on average, 250 years. Until they were around 30 years of age, Dwarves were considered too young for heavy labor or war (hence the slaying of Azog by [[Dain Ironfoot]] at age 32 was a great feat). By the age of 40, Dwarves were hardened into the appearance that they would keep for most of their lives. Between the approximate ages of 40 and 240, most Dwarves were equally hale and able to work and fight with vigor. They took on the appearance of age only about ten years before their death, wrinkling and greying rapidly, but never going bald. Occasionally they would live up to 300 years of age, and [[Dwalin]] reached the rare lifespan of 340 years (comparable to a Middle Man living to 100).<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

Although Dwarves did not suffer from diseases, corpulence could affect them. In prosperous circumstances, many grew fat by the age of 200 and became physically inept.<ref name=PMAiv>{{PM|Aiv}}</ref>

==Culture and family==
The Dwarves' numbers, although they sometimes flourished, often faced periods of decline, especially in periods of war. The slow increase of their population was due to the rarity of [[Dwarf-women]], who made up only about a third of the total population. Dwarves seldom wedded before the age of ninety or more, and rarely had so many as four children. They took only one husband or wife in their lifetime, and were jealous, as in all matters of their rights. The number of Dwarf-men that married was actually less than a third, for not all the Dwarf-women took husbands; some desired none, some wanted one they could not have and would have no other. Many Dwarf-men did not desire marriage because they were absorbed in their work.<ref name=AppA3>{{App|A3}}</ref><ref name=PMAiv/>

Dwarf-women seldom walked abroad, and that only in great need. When they did travel, they were so alike Dwarf-men in voice, appearance, and garb that it was hard for other races to tell them apart. They were likewise seldom named in genealogies, joining their husbands' families. The only Dwarf-woman named in Tolkien's legendarium is [[Dís]], sister of Thorin Oakenshield, who was given a place in the records because of the gallant deaths of her sons, Fíli and Kíli. The scarcity of women, their rare mention, and their identical looks with the males, coupled with the Dwarves' secretive culture, led many to mistakenly believe that Dwarves were born out of stone, and upon death they returned to that stone.<ref name=AppA3/><ref name=PMAiv/>

Dwarves are fiercely devoted to their parents and children. In their desire for their children to grow up hardy and enduring, they may treat them harshly, but they will protect them at all costs. Dwarves resent injuries to their children and to their parents more than injuries to themselves.<ref name=PMAiv/>

==Religion==
The Dwarves loved and revered the Vala Aulë.<ref name=S10/><ref name=S2>{{S|2}}</ref>

Of old the Elves believed that the Dwarves would have no future in [[Arda Unmarred]], but the Dwarves themselves held to a promise that Ilúvatar would hallow them and adopt them as his Children. They maintained that after death Aulë (Mahal) cared for them, gathering them to the [[Halls of Mandos]] with the other Children of Ilúvatar, though in halls set apart. It is said that after the Last Battle they will work alongside Aulë in the remaking of Arda.<ref name=S2/>

==Language==
The Dwarven language was created by Aulë, and was called [[Khuzdul]]. It was a strange language to Elves and Men, and few non-Dwarves learned it, because it was difficult, and the Dwarves kept it secret, preferring to communicate in the languages of their neighbors. Only one Khuzdul phrase was well known to outsiders: the ancient battle cry, going back to at least the First Age: "''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!''", which means "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!". The Dwarves taught Khuzdul carefully to their children, as a learned language, not a cradle-tongue, and thus the language changed very little over the ages, unlike those of other races.
The Dwarves also devised a secret language of gestures to communicate between themselves in silence, the ''[[iglishmêk]]''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 395</ref>

==Names==
The Dwarves called themselves the ''[[Khazâd]]'', the name Aulë gave them; this is adapted as '''''[[Hadhod]]'''rim'' in [[Sindarin]], and '''''[[Casar]]'''i'' in [[Quenya]]. Casari was the common word for Dwarves among the [[Noldor]], but the [[Sindar]] usually called them ''Naugrim'' or ''Nogothrim'', the Stunted People.<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref>

An epithet for the Dwarves in [[Quenya]] was ''Auleonnar'', meaning "offspring of Aule".<ref>{{HM|PM}}, p. 391</ref>

In their dealings with people of other races, the Dwarves did not reveal their true names, rather adopting new names in other languages (the [[petty-dwarves]] were an exception). During the Third Age, the Longbeards used [[northern Mannish]] names in public.

==Inspiration==
Almost all the names of the Dwarves of Middle-earth are taken from the Old Norse [[Völuspá]].

According to Tolkien, the "real 'historical'" plural of ''dwarf'' is ''dwarrows'' or ''dwerrows''. He once referred to ''dwarves'' as "a piece of private bad grammar" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|Letters]]'', 17), but in Appendix F to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he explains that if we still spoke of ''dwarves'' regularly, English might have retained a special plural for the word ''dwarf'' as with ''man''. The form ''dwarrow'' only appears in the word ''Dwarrowdelf'', a name for [[Moria]]. Tolkien used ''Dwarves'', instead, which corresponds with ''Elf'' and ''Elves'', making its meaning more apparent. The use of a different term also serves to set Tolkien's Dwarves apart from the similarly-named creatures in mythology and fairy-tales.

The enduring popularity of Tolkien's books, especially ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]],'' has led to the popular use of the term ''dwarves'' to describe this race in fantasy literature. Before Tolkien, the term ''dwarfs'' (with a different spelling) was used, as seen in ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''. In fact, the latter spelling was so common that the original editor of ''The Lord of the Rings'' "corrected" Tolkien's ''dwarves'' to ''dwarfs'' (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 138).

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In the earliest versions of Tolkien's Middle-earth mythology (see: ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'') the dwarves were evil beings created by [[Morgoth|Melkor]].

In an earlier version of the legendarium it is hinted that the Dwarves do not know about Ilúvatar, or that they disbelieve his existence, but later writings contradict that suggestion.<ref name="#">{{LT2|IV}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Dwarves|Images of Dwarves]]

==External links==

*"[http://lingwe.blogspot.se/2013/02/did-tolkien-coin-plural-dwarves.html Did Tolkien coin the plural “dwarves”?]" by [[Jason Fisher]]

{{references}}
{{Dwarvenclans}}
[[Category:Dwarves| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Zwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/nains]]
[[fi:Kääpiöt]]

Orthanc

2018-04-18T21:48:00Z

Dman:

{{location infobox
| name=Orthanc
| image=[[File:Alan Lee - The Voice of Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Voice of Saruman" by [[Alan Lee]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Isengard]], at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains]]
| type=Tower
| description=Black-coloured stone tower of 500 feet
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Dúnedain]] [[Gondorians]] [[Saruman]]
| created=Late [[Second Age]]
| destroyed=
| events=[[Battle of Isengard]]
}}
<center>{{Quote|They came now to the foot of Orthanc. It was black, and the rock gleamed as if it were wet.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>}}</center>
'''Orthanc''' was the impregnable tower of [[Isengard]] built by the [[Dúnedain]] during the [[Second Age]].<ref>{{FR|Council}}; {{S|V}}</ref>

==Description==
The tower of Orthanc was composed of four welded pillars of many-sided stone that stood in the centre of the [[Ring of Isengard]] like an island, roughly half a mile from the rim.<ref name="TTRoad" />

At its peak the tower reached a height of just over five hundred feet. The colour of the rock was a deep, gleaming black. At Orthanc's pinnacle the four piers opened out to form four pinnacles of sharp rock; between these isles of rock there was a narrow, polished floor on which many strange signs were written.<ref name="TTRoad" />

{{blockquote|There stood a tower of marvellous shape. It was fashioned by the builders of old, who smoothed the Ring of Isengard, and yet it seemed a thing not made by the craft of Men, but riven from the bones of the earth in the ancient torment of the hills.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="TTRoad">{{TT|Road}}</ref>}}

==History==
===Second Age===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Orthanc in the Second Age.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Orthanc in the Second Age'']]
The exact date of the construction of Orthanc and the establishment of the fortress of [[Isengard]] is unknown. However it must have been built between {{SA|3320}}, the year in which [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] were established, and {{SA|3430}}, when the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] was first formed.<ref name="AppB1">{{App|B1}}</ref> Within Orthanc was placed one of the ''[[Palantíri]]'', the [[Orthanc-stone]]. Thus, Orthanc became one of the seven [[Dúnedain]] towers which stored the seeing stones that had been brought from [[Númenor]].<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref>
===Third Age===
The region of [[Calenardhon]] was never densely populated; indeed it suffered greatly in the [[Great Plague]] of {{TA|1636}} and many inhabitants of Númenórean descent gradually migrated eastward. Eventually the tower of Orthanc itself became deserted, and [[Key of Orthanc|its keys]] were removed to [[Minas Tirith]] and held in the keeping of the [[Stewards of Gondor|Stewards]].<ref name="UTPalantiri">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

In {{TA|2510}},<ref name="UTIsen" /> after the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]], the lands of [[Calenardhon]] were ceded to the [[Éothéod]] and [[Eorl]] became the first king of [[Rohan]]. Nonetheless Gondor retained control of the fortress of Isengard, and Orthanc remained the third tower of the southern realm. During this time Isengard was manned by a small number of Gondorians led by a hereditary Captain. However the keys of Orthanc were kept by the Stewards of Gondor.<ref name="UTCirion">{{UT|Cirion}}</ref>

Over time the links and correspondence between Isengard and [[Minas Tirith]] became ever more infrequent; whilst retaining the keys of Orthanc, the Stewards forsook the tower as their thoughts looked eastwards. Eventually the line of Gondorian chieftains failed and the people mingled ever more with the [[Dunlendings]]. They even allowed them entry into Isengard and eventually the two peoples willingly merged into one. Thus it was that Isengard came under the control of the Dunlendings who led numerous raids on the [[Westfold]]. Whilst the Rohirrim had not the strength to assail the fortress, the Dunlendings were eventually starved out in the great famine after the [[Long Winter]]. Therefore both [[Fréaláf|King Fréaláf]] and [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Steward Beren]] greatly welcomed [[Saruman|Saruman's]] offer to take command of Isengard. Thus it was that, in {{TA|2759}},<ref name="AppStewards">{{App|Stewards}}</ref> the wizard was given the keys of Orthanc.<ref name="UTIsen" />

Saruman began to desire [[The One Ring|the ring]] for himself and hoped that it might reveal itself by giving [[Sauron]] time to re-gain his strength. As head of the [[White Council]], Saruman overruled Gandalf's call for an attack on [[Dol Guldur]] in {{TA|2851}}. However, in {{TA|2941}}, after Saruman discovered that the servants of Sauron were searching for the ring near [[Gladden Fields]], he agreed to attack Sauron's fortress in [[Mirkwood]]. After the last meeting of the White Council in {{TA|2953}}, Saruman withdrew to [[Isengard]] and fortified it. It was in ''circa'' {{TA|3000}} that Saruman used the [[Orthanc-stone]] for the first time. Thus it was that Sauron corrupted Saruman's mind and bent it to his will.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir'']]
{{Blockquote|Gandalf the Grey caught like a fly in a spider's treacherous web!|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref>}}
In {{TA|3018}}, [[Gandalf]] rode to the foot of Orthanc and there met [[Saruman]]. It was then that Saruman revealed his true thoughts to Gandalf. He declared his desire to become a ruler of [[Men]] and to join with [[Sauron]]. But, most importantly, he announced his desire for [[The One Ring]]. Gandalf refused to submit to Sauron and Saruman. Subsequently, Saruman had Gandalf taken to the pinnacle of Orthanc where, Saruman schemed, Gandalf would stay until he reveal the location of the ring or until Sauron reclaimed it for himself. There Gandalf was trapped and for the first time he saw [[wolves]] and [[orcs]] in the valley of Isengard below. After many weeks of imprisonment,<ref group="note">[[Gandalf]] was imprisoned on [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}} and escaped in the early hours of [[18 September]], {{TA|3018|n}}.</ref> Gandalf escaped as [[Gwaihir]] the [[Eagles|Great Eagle]] came unlooked-for to Orthanc and bore him away.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

On [[2 March]], {{TA|3019}}, the [[Ents]] of [[Fangorn Forest]] began their [[Battle of Isengard|attack on Isengard]]. By the next day, the Ents have completely subdued Isengard.<ref name="AppB3">{{App|B3}}</ref> [[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Wrath of the Ents'']]
However, their attacks on Orthanc proved futile because the rock of the tower was too hard for the Ents to damage. Therein Saruman remained.<ref name="TTFlotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref> On [[5 March]], [[Théoden]], [[Éomer]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]] approached the foot of Orthanc and climbed its stair until they reached the door. There they parleyed with Saruman, who remained inside the tower and spoke to them from a balcony above the door. Saruman refused to co-operate and subsequently Gandalf cast him from the [[Istari|order of Wizards]] and the [[White Council]], and broke Saruman's staff. After this confrontation, [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]], who was also inside Orthanc, threw the [[Orthanc-stone|''palantír'' of Orthanc]] at the party outside as a parting shot.<ref name="TTVoice"/>

A week before [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}},<ref name="AppB3"/> when [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] and company arrived at Orthanc, Saruman had departed Isengard with Gríma Wormtongue. However, before he left, [[Treebeard]] made him lock the tower and hand over the keys of Orthanc.<ref name="RKPartings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

===Fourth Age===
One of [[Aragorn|King Elessar's]] first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of Orthanc. He ordered that the [[Palantíri|palantír]] recovered from [[Saruman]] should be returned to the tower. It was then that the tower was searched and many secrets were revealed. It became clear that Saruman had hoarded many ancient treasures and heirlooms. They found that, with the aid of [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], Saruman had acquired jewels and heirlooms of [[Eorl]]. With the help of [[Gimli]] a hidden door was found and opened. Inside a casket found on a shelf they found two precious items. One was a small golden case attached to a chain; this was used by [[Isildur]] to bear [[the One Ring]]. The second item in the casket was the [[Elendilmir]], the "white star of Elvish crystal upon a fillet of ''[[mithril]]''" that had been lost since Isildur's demise. Elessar recieved the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]]. It was clear that Saruman had found the remains of Isildur and that he had probably burned the body.<ref name="UTIsen" />

Orthanc and the lands of Isengard remained part of the [[Reunited Kingdom|Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor]]. However King Elessar granted the [[Ents]] complete self-governance of the area surrounding Orthanc. This new forest became known as the [[Treegarth of Orthanc]].<ref name="RKPartings" />

==Etymology==
{{Transcribed|Tengwar Orthanc.png|Orthanc|Tengwar, Sindarin mode}}

''Orthanc'' displays a curious double etymology (co-existing "by design or chance") since it has a meaning both in the "[[Rohirric|language of the Mark of old]]" (rendered as [[Old English]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'') and [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s constructed language [[Sindarin]].<ref name=Ui>{{HM|RC}}, p. 243 (citing the "[[Unfinished index]]")</ref><ref name=TTRoad /> Tolkien regarded this coincidence as an 'accident'.<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

In Old English, ''Orthanc'' is said to mean "Cunning Mind".<ref name=TTRoad/> [[Wayne G. Hammond|Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull|Scull]] has noted that Old English ''orþanc'' as a noun means "original, inborn thought" or "a skilful contrivance or work, artifice, device, design"; as an adjective it means "cunning, skilful".<ref name=Ui/> Cf. the meaning of Saruman's name "the one of cunning devices" or "Man of Skill".<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>

In the published text, ''Orthanc'' is said to mean "Mount Fang" in [[Elvish]].<ref name=TTRoad/> In other sources, the name is glossed as "forked-height".<ref name=Ui/><ref>{{S|Appendix}} (glossed as "Forked Height")</ref> The name is likely supposed to be Sindarin,<ref name=Ui/> consisting of ''[[or]]'' + ''[[thanc]]''.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiendil.com/langues/english/i-lam_arth/compound_sindarin_names#o|articlename=Compound Sindarin Names in Middle-earth|website=[http://www.tolkiendil.com/ Tolkiendil]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

==Tolkien's changing conception of Orthanc==
{{Gallery
|title=Sketches by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]
|height=300
|width=250
|lines=4
|File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Orthanc I.jpg|This sketch reflects Tolkien's description of Orthanc in an early manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''
|File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Orthanc.jpg|This sketch complements best Tolkien's description of Orthanc in {{TT|III8}}
}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Orthanc in Adaptations
|height=140
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:Orthanc film.jpg|Orthanc in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:Orthanc EA RotK.png|Orthanc in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' video game]]:'''
|File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Orthanc concept art.jpg|Concept art of '''Orthanc''' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''
|File:LOTRO-Rise of Isengard-Orthanc-1-.png|'''Orthanc''' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]''
}}
===Films===
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Orthanc and [[Barad-dûr]] are presented as ''The Two Towers'' identified in the title of the film. Tolkien himself was never certain about which two towers ''The Two Towers'' referred to; in [[Letter 140]] noted his disapproval of the title itself but also stated that the title was deliberately ambiguous. Indeed it could refer to Orthanc and Barad-dûr, Minas Tirith and Barad-dûr, or Orthanc and Cirith Ungol.<ref>{{L|140}};{{L|143}}</ref> Later Tolkien seemed to settle with Orthanc and Minas Morgul in his original design for the jacket of ''The Two Towers''.<ref>{{L|140|1}}</ref> However the producers of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'' decided that, for theatrical and stylistic purposes, ''The Two Towers'' should refer to the towers of Orthanc and Barad-dûr.

===Games===
'''2004: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Orthanc is part of the scenery in the mission "The Road to Isengard", visible as Gandalf makes his way to the dam.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]], "The Road to Isengard"</ref> It also appears in cutscenes at various stages of the game.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Orthanc will feature in the new region, [[Isengard]], added to [[Lord of the Rings Online]].<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Olivetti|articleurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/|articlename=Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future|dated=21-April-2011|website=[http://massively.joystiq.com/ MASSIVELY by joystiq]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Orthanc|Images of Orthanc]]
*[[Isengard]]

{{References|n}}
[[Category:Misty Mountains]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Towers]]
[[de:Orthanc]]
[[fi:Orthanc]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/gondor/orthanc]]

Durin IV

2018-04-18T21:40:25Z

Dman:

{{disambig-more|Durin|[[Durin (disambiguation)]]}}
{{dwarves infobox
| name=Durin IV
| image=
| caption
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=[[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]] [[Kings of Khazad-dûm|King of Khazad-dûm]]
| position=
| location=[[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Khuzdul]]
| birth=late [[Second Age]]/early [[Third Age]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=late [[Second Age]]/early [[Third Age]]
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=Sent help to the [[Last Alliance]]
| house=[[House of Durin]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Durin IV''' (Lived during late [[Second Age]] or early [[Third Age]]) was a King of [[Durin's folk]] who ruled the great [[Dwarves|Dwarven]] city of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]], and the fourth king to have the name Durin. Like his father he bore a [[Ring of Thrór|Ring of Power]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>

==History==
Like all Durins after [[Durin|Durin I]], he was given the name of the first of the [[Seven Fathers of the Dwarves]] because he greatly resembled him in both appearance and manner. Indeed it was believed among the Dwarves that he was the reincarnation of Durin I, though whether this is possible is unclear.<ref name="Durin"/> Durin IV was the King of Durin's Folk during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], and he led an army of Dwarves to fight alongside the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].

==Etymology==
''Durinn'' is one of the Dwarfs in the ''[[Völuspá|Dvergatal]]''. The name means "Sleepy".<ref>Chester Nathan Gould, "Dwarf-Names: A Study in Old Icelandic Religion", published in ''Publications of the Modern Language Association of America'', Vol 44 (1929), issue #4, pp. 939-967</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| DU1 | |DU1=[[Durin|Durin I]]''fl. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DU2 | |DU2=[[Durin II]]''fl. late {{FA}}/early {{SA}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DU3 | |DU3=[[Durin III]]''fl. mid {{SA}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DU4 | |DU4='''DURIN IV'''''fl. late {{SA}}/early {{TA}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DU5 | |DU5=[[Durin V]]''fl. late {{SA}}/early {{TA}}''}}
{{familytree| |:| | |}}
{{familytree| DUR | |DUR=[[Durin VI]] ''{{TA|1731}} - {{TA|1980|n}}''†}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=dwarf
| house=[[House of Durin]]
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Unknown
| prev=Last known: [[Durin III]] (mid-[[Second Age]])
| prow=2
| list=[[Kings of Durin's Folk|King of Durin's Folk]]
| nvac=Unknown
| next=Next known: [[Durin V]]
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
| list=[[Kings of Khazad-dûm|King of Khazad-dûm]]

}}
{{seq-end}}
{{references}}
{{durinskings}}
[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:Longbeards]]
[[de:Durin IV.]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:nains:durin_iv]]

War of the Last Alliance

2018-04-18T21:38:05Z

Dman: Added reference to page

{{war
| previous=[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]
| next= [[Angmar War]]
| image=[[File:Matt DeMino - Sauron - War of the Last Alliance.png|275px]]
| name= War of the Last Alliance
| place= Mordor and lower Anduin region
| result= Victory for the Last Alliance, fall of Sauron, loss of the One Ring
| battles= [[Fall of Minas Ithil]], [[Anárion's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]
| begin= {{SA|3429}}
| end= {{SA|3441}}
| side1= Greatest host since the [[War of Wrath]], Men from [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Elves from [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] , beasts and birds
| side2= Greater host than the Alliance, myriads of [[Orcs]], [[Easterlings]], [[Haradrim]], some [[Dwarves]] of other Houses, beasts and birds, and other creatures of Sauron|
|casual1=Thousands, innumerable|
|casual2=Nearly all Orcs, Men, and other creatures were killed|
| commanders1=
{{Gil-galad blazon|died}}
* [[Elrond]]
* [[Durin IV]]
* [[Oropher]] †
* [[Amdír]] †
* [[Elendil]] †
* [[Isildur]]
* [[Anárion]] †
| commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon}}
}}

The '''War of the Last Alliance''' was the war late in the [[Second Age]] in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] marched against the fortress of [[Sauron]], [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. Against all hope, they were victorious, but when [[the One Ring]] was not destroyed, [[Sauron]] rose again during the long years of the [[Third Age]].

== History ==
===Prelude===
Ever since his defeat in the [[Battle of the Gwathló]] Sauron nursed a special hatred against the [[Númenóreans]] and longed to take revenge on them.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> In {{SA|3261|n}}, Sauron dared to wage war against Númenor and the last [[King of Númenor]] [[Ar-Pharazôn]] had gathered a massive army to counter this threat. Perceiving the might and splendour of the Númenóreans Sauron's servants deserted him, and Sauron was filled with fear and humbled himself. He was brought as hostage to Númenor and finally succeeded in taking his revenge by playing a vital role in the events that led to the Downfall. Yet of all Númenóreans he hated Elendil most, and his wrath was great that he and his sons had escaped.

After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}} the remaining [[Faithful]] led by [[Elendil]] and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]] etablished the [[Realms in Exile]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Elendil ruled [[Arnor]] in the north, Isildur and Anarion jointly ruled the southern realm of [[Gondor]]. [[Sauron]] however perished physically, by drowning; being caught in the Fall of Númenor which he had cleverly schemed to bring about. Yet nevertheless, even though he truly was drowned, Sauron's spirit endured; he returned to his fortress [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]] and was able in time to take shape again. However, it should be noted that hereafter Sauron could no longer take on a deceptively fair and greatly pleasing form, as Sauron had done so long before, in order to deceive the Elves and then again much later, the [[Númenóreans]] too, whilst he was held a willing captive.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Opening Stages===
Perceiving that his enemies of old had escaped the downfall, Sauron's wrath was great and in {{SA|3429|n}} he launched an attack upon Isildur's fortress, Minas Ithil. Believing that Sauron had perished in the [[Downfall of Númenor]], they were completely taken by surprise, [[Minas Ithil]] was taken, and the [[White Tree of Gondor]] that Isildur had planted there was burned. Nevertheless Isildur, his wife and children escaped, saving a seedling of the tree, too, and sailing down [[Anduin]] journeyed to Elendil's realm in Arnor. There Elendil and [[Gil-galad]], [[High King of the Noldor]] forged the [[Last Alliance|Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] in {{SA|3430|n}}, to defeat Sauron ultimately. Meanwhile Anárion held out in Gondor, defending [[Osgiliath]] and [[Minas Anor]]<ref name="Rings"/>.

In {{SA|3431}} the [[Elves of Lindon]] led by Gil-galad and [[Círdan]] marched eastward and where awaited by Elendil at [[Amon Sûl]]. The combined host marched towards [[Rivendell|Imladris]], where they joined with [[Elrond|Lord Elrond]], who was Gil-galad's herald, and acted as his second-in-command in the coming campaign.

The united host rested for about three years in Imladris, forging weapons and making plans. They crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] over many passes and marched down [[Anduin]] where they were joined by Dwarves from [[Khazad-dûm]], Elves from [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] led by [[Oropher]] and his son [[Thranduil]], and Lothlórien Elves under [[Amdír]]<ref name="Rings"/><ref name="Silvan Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>. At the southern eaves of [[Eryn Galen]] the host turned south-east and marched through desolate areas that had once been the [[Entwives]]' gardens. They, and probably the Entwives themselves, had been destroyed by [[Sauron]] to deprive the Alliance's forces of supplies<ref>{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>.

The Alliance entered the vast plain outside Mordor where they were joined by Anárion's forces. There Sauron's host awaited them from the north-west.

Of the Dwarves, few fought upon either side; but the kindred of [[Durin]] of [[Moria]] fought against [[Sauron]].<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien,]] [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), [[The Silmarillion]], "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"</ref>

=== The [[Battle of Dagorlad]] ===
During preliminary skirmishing, [[Oropher]] and his Elves, being scantily equipped, rashly charged forward into the numerous Orc forces before Gil-galad had given the command, and suffered heavy casualties, including Oropher himself. Amdír and his forces also were cut off from the main battle and driven into the marshes just to the south, where he also fell along with half of his troops<ref name="Silvan Princes"/>. This area became known afterwards as the [[Dead Marshes]], because of the thousands of bodies buried there.

This battle raged for days and nights continuously. But the Elves were still mighty in these times and the Númenóreans were tall and strong and terrible. And none could withstand [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]] and [[Narsil]], Gil-galad's spear and Elendil's sword which filled the orcs and wicked men with fear. Slowly Elves and Númenóreans whittled down the vast numbers of Orcs and pushed them back towards the [[Black Gate]]<ref name="Rings"/>.
No account is given how the Alliance managed to break through this mighty fortification though.

=== The [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] ===

The forces of the Last Alliance had forced their way through the Black Gate into Mordor itself. Victory seemed close, but no power short of the [[Valar]] could breach the [[Dark Tower]] by force. Though a great part of Sauron's forces was destroyed at the Dagorlad his host was still numerous and Sauron ordered many a sortie. The siege went on year after year, from {{SA|3434}} to {{SA|3441|n}}<ref name="Rings"/>. Isildur's sons, [[Aratan]] and [[Ciryon]], were detached and sent to Minas Ithil to guard against a breakout to the southwest, but his oldest son, Elendur served by his side till the end<ref name="Gladden">{{UT|Gladden}}</ref>. [[Anárion]] was killed in {{SA|3440|n}} by a projectile thrown from the tower.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref>

In the seventh year of the siege, it became so pressing that [[Sauron]] himself came forth. His onslaught was terrible and the siege was almost broken as Sauron and his host advanced to the slopes of [[Mount Doom]]. There he was encountered by the captains of the Alliance, Gil-galad and Elendil and to their side stood Elrond, Círdan and Isildur. Sauron fought with Gil-galad and Elendil, and both were slain. As Elendil fell, his sword was broken beneath him. Yet Sauron was thrown down, too, and Isildur seized the hilt of his father's sword and cut off the finger on which Sauron wore the One Ring. Being bereft of its power, Sauron was no longer able to hold a physical form and perished<ref name="Rings"/>.

===Aftermath===

The Alliance pursued the Orcs, who were then in disarray, and killed them all. The Barad-dûr was leveled but its foundations remained behind, since they were built with the power of [[the One Ring]] which was not destroyed. The thousands of dead Men and Elves were taken out of Mordor and buried in the Dagorlad Plain.

While he had captured [[the One Ring]], Isildur refused Elrond and Círdan's entreaties that he destroy it by casting it into the [[Crack of Doom]], claiming it as a weregild for his father's and brother's death<ref name="Rings"/>. The result of this was that while [[Sauron]] was defeated and cast down, his spirit was not destroyed. He hid himself in the dark lands east of Mordor, and slowly rebuilt his power. The Nine ([[Nazgûl]]) also bided their time for the day when he would rise again.

While the Orc armies of Sauron had been well nigh destroyed in the War, scattered groups of them survived. In the Last Alliance, the casualties had been heavy. [[Elendil]] and [[Anárion]] were gone, and [[Gil-galad]], last [[High King of the Noldor]], was no more. [[Arnor]] took grievous losses, and suffered from a decline in population. It never really recovered as a major power, and broke into three pieces some centuries later. [[Gondor]] suffered less heavily and became a powerful nation. [[Isildur]], the new [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]], perished only two years later in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], along with his three older sons. They were ambushed by an Orc task force operating near the River Anduin. In the course of Isildur's death, the Ring was lost in the depths of [[Anduin]]<ref name="Gladden"/>. Much was lost, but [[Sauron]] was suppressed-- for a while.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The [[War of the Last Alliance|entire venture]] of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] was combined into a short silhouette play, in which [[Isildur]] cut the [[The One Ring|Ring]] off [[Sauron]]'s hand in battle - not when Sauron was already conquered.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Last Alliance.jpg|thumb|right|240px|The War of the Last Alliance in ''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'']]
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:This film also compresses the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], the Siege, and the final duel into one, and places them all at [[Mount Doom]], in a prologue similar to that of the 1978 film. The main perspective of the entire prologue - ''One Ring to rule them All'' - lies with [[Elrond]]. The death of [[Gil-galad]] is not mentioned, [[Anárion]] is cut completely, and the deaths of [[Elendil]] and Sauron are rewritten: after coming forth, Sauron wreaks havoc among the [[Elves]] and [[Men]], and a blow from his mace throws Elendil against the mountainside, killing him. Isildur tries to take up [[Narsil]], but it breaks as Sauron steps on it. In a desperate strike, Isildur slashes the Ring, and four fingers, from Sauron's hand. Sauron's body sends a shockwave over the land and dissolves into nothingness.

:In a later scene, named ''[[The Fate of the Ring]]'', Elrond tells [[Gandalf]] of the final debate with Isildur, inside Mount Doom. [[Círdan]] is not present, and Isildur refuses by simply saying "No".

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)]]'':''''
:The war serves as the setting for the tutorial. The player controls Isildur making his way through Mordor.

{{References}}

[[Category:Second Age]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]
[[Category:Sieges]]
[[Category:Wars]]

[[fr:encyclo/evenements/2a/guerres/guerre_de_la_derniere_alliance]]

War of the Last Alliance

2018-04-18T21:36:00Z

Dman:

{{war
| previous=[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]
| next= [[Angmar War]]
| image=[[File:Matt DeMino - Sauron - War of the Last Alliance.png|275px]]
| name= War of the Last Alliance
| place= Mordor and lower Anduin region
| result= Victory for the Last Alliance, fall of Sauron, loss of the One Ring
| battles= [[Fall of Minas Ithil]], [[Anárion's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]
| begin= {{SA|3429}}
| end= {{SA|3441}}
| side1= Greatest host since the [[War of Wrath]], Men from [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Elves from [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]] and [[Lothlórien]], [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] , beasts and birds
| side2= Greater host than the Alliance, myriads of [[Orcs]], [[Easterlings]], [[Haradrim]], some [[Dwarves]] of other Houses, beasts and birds, and other creatures of Sauron|
|casual1=Thousands, innumerable|
|casual2=Nearly all Orcs, Men, and other creatures were killed|
| commanders1=
{{Gil-galad blazon|died}}
* [[Elrond]]
* [[Durin IV]]
* [[Oropher]] †
* [[Amdír]] †
* [[Elendil]] †
* [[Isildur]]
* [[Anárion]] †
| commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon}}
}}

The '''War of the Last Alliance''' was the war late in the [[Second Age]] in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] marched against the fortress of [[Sauron]], [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. Against all hope, they were victorious, but when [[the One Ring]] was not destroyed, [[Sauron]] rose again during the long years of the [[Third Age]].

== History ==
===Prelude===
Ever since his defeat in the [[Battle of the Gwathló]] Sauron nursed a special hatred against the [[Númenóreans]] and longed to take revenge on them.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> In {{SA|3261|n}}, Sauron dared to wage war against Númenor and the last [[King of Númenor]] [[Ar-Pharazôn]] had gathered a massive army to counter this threat. Perceiving the might and splendour of the Númenóreans Sauron's servants deserted him, and Sauron was filled with fear and humbled himself. He was brought as hostage to Númenor and finally succeeded in taking his revenge by playing a vital role in the events that led to the Downfall. Yet of all Númenóreans he hated Elendil most, and his wrath was great that he and his sons had escaped.

After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}} the remaining [[Faithful]] led by [[Elendil]] and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]] etablished the [[Realms in Exile]] in [[Middle-earth]]. Elendil ruled [[Arnor]] in the north, Isildur and Anarion jointly ruled the southern realm of [[Gondor]]. [[Sauron]] however perished physically, by drowning; being caught in the Fall of Númenor which he had cleverly schemed to bring about. Yet nevertheless, even though he truly was drowned, Sauron's spirit endured; he returned to his fortress [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]] and was able in time to take shape again. However, it should be noted that hereafter Sauron could no longer take on a deceptively fair and greatly pleasing form, as Sauron had done so long before, in order to deceive the Elves and then again much later, the [[Númenóreans]] too, whilst he was held a willing captive.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

===Opening Stages===
Perceiving that his enemies of old had escaped the downfall, Sauron's wrath was great and in {{SA|3429|n}} he launched an attack upon Isildur's fortress, Minas Ithil. Believing that Sauron had perished in the [[Downfall of Númenor]], they were completely taken by surprise, [[Minas Ithil]] was taken, and the [[White Tree of Gondor]] that Isildur had planted there was burned. Nevertheless Isildur, his wife and children escaped, saving a seedling of the tree, too, and sailing down [[Anduin]] journeyed to Elendil's realm in Arnor. There Elendil and [[Gil-galad]], [[High King of the Noldor]] forged the [[Last Alliance|Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] in {{SA|3430|n}}, to defeat Sauron ultimately. Meanwhile Anárion held out in Gondor, defending [[Osgiliath]] and [[Minas Anor]]<ref name="Rings"/>.

In {{SA|3431}} the [[Elves of Lindon]] led by Gil-galad and [[Círdan]] marched eastward and where awaited by Elendil at [[Amon Sûl]]. The combined host marched towards [[Rivendell|Imladris]], where they joined with [[Elrond|Lord Elrond]], who was Gil-galad's herald, and acted as his second-in-command in the coming campaign.

The united host rested for about three years in Imladris, forging weapons and making plans. They crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] over many passes and marched down [[Anduin]] where they were joined by Dwarves from [[Khazad-dûm]], Elves from [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] led by [[Oropher]] and his son [[Thranduil]], and Lothlórien Elves under [[Amdír]]<ref name="Rings"/><ref name="Silvan Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>. At the southern eaves of [[Eryn Galen]] the host turned south-east and marched through desolate areas that had once been the [[Entwives]]' gardens. They, and probably the Entwives themselves, had been destroyed by [[Sauron]] to deprive the Alliance's forces of supplies<ref>{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>.

The Alliance entered the vast plain outside Mordor where they were joined by Anárion's forces. There Sauron's host awaited them from the north-west.

Of the Dwarves, few fought upon either side; but the kindred of [[Durin]] of [[Moria]] fought against [[Sauron]].

=== The [[Battle of Dagorlad]] ===
During preliminary skirmishing, [[Oropher]] and his Elves, being scantily equipped, rashly charged forward into the numerous Orc forces before Gil-galad had given the command, and suffered heavy casualties, including Oropher himself. Amdír and his forces also were cut off from the main battle and driven into the marshes just to the south, where he also fell along with half of his troops<ref name="Silvan Princes"/>. This area became known afterwards as the [[Dead Marshes]], because of the thousands of bodies buried there.

This battle raged for days and nights continuously. But the Elves were still mighty in these times and the Númenóreans were tall and strong and terrible. And none could withstand [[Aeglos (spear)|Aeglos]] and [[Narsil]], Gil-galad's spear and Elendil's sword which filled the orcs and wicked men with fear. Slowly Elves and Númenóreans whittled down the vast numbers of Orcs and pushed them back towards the [[Black Gate]]<ref name="Rings"/>.
No account is given how the Alliance managed to break through this mighty fortification though.

=== The [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] ===

The forces of the Last Alliance had forced their way through the Black Gate into Mordor itself. Victory seemed close, but no power short of the [[Valar]] could breach the [[Dark Tower]] by force. Though a great part of Sauron's forces was destroyed at the Dagorlad his host was still numerous and Sauron ordered many a sortie. The siege went on year after year, from {{SA|3434}} to {{SA|3441|n}}<ref name="Rings"/>. Isildur's sons, [[Aratan]] and [[Ciryon]], were detached and sent to Minas Ithil to guard against a breakout to the southwest, but his oldest son, Elendur served by his side till the end<ref name="Gladden">{{UT|Gladden}}</ref>. [[Anárion]] was killed in {{SA|3440|n}} by a projectile thrown from the tower.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref>

In the seventh year of the siege, it became so pressing that [[Sauron]] himself came forth. His onslaught was terrible and the siege was almost broken as Sauron and his host advanced to the slopes of [[Mount Doom]]. There he was encountered by the captains of the Alliance, Gil-galad and Elendil and to their side stood Elrond, Círdan and Isildur. Sauron fought with Gil-galad and Elendil, and both were slain. As Elendil fell, his sword was broken beneath him. Yet Sauron was thrown down, too, and Isildur seized the hilt of his father's sword and cut off the finger on which Sauron wore the One Ring. Being bereft of its power, Sauron was no longer able to hold a physical form and perished<ref name="Rings"/>.

===Aftermath===

The Alliance pursued the Orcs, who were then in disarray, and killed them all. The Barad-dûr was leveled but its foundations remained behind, since they were built with the power of [[the One Ring]] which was not destroyed. The thousands of dead Men and Elves were taken out of Mordor and buried in the Dagorlad Plain.

While he had captured [[the One Ring]], Isildur refused Elrond and Círdan's entreaties that he destroy it by casting it into the [[Crack of Doom]], claiming it as a weregild for his father's and brother's death<ref name="Rings"/>. The result of this was that while [[Sauron]] was defeated and cast down, his spirit was not destroyed. He hid himself in the dark lands east of Mordor, and slowly rebuilt his power. The Nine ([[Nazgûl]]) also bided their time for the day when he would rise again.

While the Orc armies of Sauron had been well nigh destroyed in the War, scattered groups of them survived. In the Last Alliance, the casualties had been heavy. [[Elendil]] and [[Anárion]] were gone, and [[Gil-galad]], last [[High King of the Noldor]], was no more. [[Arnor]] took grievous losses, and suffered from a decline in population. It never really recovered as a major power, and broke into three pieces some centuries later. [[Gondor]] suffered less heavily and became a powerful nation. [[Isildur]], the new [[Kings of Arnor|High King of Arnor]], perished only two years later in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], along with his three older sons. They were ambushed by an Orc task force operating near the River Anduin. In the course of Isildur's death, the Ring was lost in the depths of [[Anduin]]<ref name="Gladden"/>. Much was lost, but [[Sauron]] was suppressed-- for a while.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The [[War of the Last Alliance|entire venture]] of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] was combined into a short silhouette play, in which [[Isildur]] cut the [[The One Ring|Ring]] off [[Sauron]]'s hand in battle - not when Sauron was already conquered.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Last Alliance.jpg|thumb|right|240px|The War of the Last Alliance in ''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'']]
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:This film also compresses the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], the Siege, and the final duel into one, and places them all at [[Mount Doom]], in a prologue similar to that of the 1978 film. The main perspective of the entire prologue - ''One Ring to rule them All'' - lies with [[Elrond]]. The death of [[Gil-galad]] is not mentioned, [[Anárion]] is cut completely, and the deaths of [[Elendil]] and Sauron are rewritten: after coming forth, Sauron wreaks havoc among the [[Elves]] and [[Men]], and a blow from his mace throws Elendil against the mountainside, killing him. Isildur tries to take up [[Narsil]], but it breaks as Sauron steps on it. In a desperate strike, Isildur slashes the Ring, and four fingers, from Sauron's hand. Sauron's body sends a shockwave over the land and dissolves into nothingness.

:In a later scene, named ''[[The Fate of the Ring]]'', Elrond tells [[Gandalf]] of the final debate with Isildur, inside Mount Doom. [[Círdan]] is not present, and Isildur refuses by simply saying "No".

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)]]'':''''
:The war serves as the setting for the tutorial. The player controls Isildur making his way through Mordor.

{{References}}

[[Category:Second Age]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]
[[Category:Sieges]]
[[Category:Wars]]

[[fr:encyclo/evenements/2a/guerres/guerre_de_la_derniere_alliance]]

Haradrim

2018-04-18T21:17:22Z

Dman: Added reference to page

{{people infobox
| name=Haradrim
| image=[[File:John_Howe - Southrons.jpg|250px]]
| caption="[[:File:John_Howe - Southrons.jpg|Southrons]]" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun={{respell|ha|rad|rim}}
| othernames=Southrons
| origin=
| location=[[Harad]], including [[Umbar]], [[Near Harad]] and [[Far Harad]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]]
| rivalry=[[Gondorians]]
| language=presumably numerous; different from [[Common Speech]]
| members=[[Black Serpent]]
| lifespan=shorter than [[Númenórean]]
| distinctions=
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark
| skin=Dark
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Oliphaunts]]
}}
The '''Haradrim''' or the '''Southrons''' were the proud and warlike people of the [[Harad]], in the south of [[Middle-earth]]. Ancient enemies of [[Gondor]], they allied with [[Sauron]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

== History ==
The ancestors of the Haradrim were [[Men]] who awoke in the [[First Age]], but stayed to the [[East]] of [[Middle-earth]], not joining the migration of the [[Edain]] to the [[West (disambiguation)|West]]. They eventually settled in [[Harad]], where the [[Sun]] is fierce and there are no clouds. It is possible that they were relatives of the [[Easterlings (First Age)|Swarthy Men]] who went to [[Beleriand]] after the Edain.

In the [[Second Age]] [[Sauron]] escaped the judgment of the [[Valar]] and continued his former master's work, turning the Men of the [[East]] and [[South (disambiguation)|South]] to evil and dominating them. Under the authority of the Dark Lord, many towns and walls of stone were built, and those under his influence became numerous and armed with iron. To these men, Sauron was feared as a king and god.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>
=== Second Age ===
During the Second Age the [[Númenóreans|High Men]] of [[Númenor]] built a great city in the firth of [[Umbar]], a vast natural harbour on the southern shores of the [[Bay of Belfalas]], eventually turning the city into a fortified citadel from whose gates the Men of Númenor initially benefited the people in the lands they explored by teaching them many things about agriculture and craftsmanship.<ref>{{App|Numenor}}</ref> After the reign of [[Tar-Ciryatan]], the Númenóreans began to set themselves up as lords in Middle-earth as they demanded tribute of goods and wealth, causing the oppression of the Haradrim. Under [[Ar-Pharazon]], the Númenóreans made war on the Men of Middle-earth, enslaving them and using them for human sacrifices.<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>

In the following centuries they were influenced by [[Sauron]] and [[Black Númenóreans]], those evil High Men who stayed in Harad and survived the [[Downfall of Númenor]].<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> The Haradrim became enemies of [[Gondor]], as the Kingdom's southern borders were close to their lands. Shortly before the [[War of the Last Alliance]], two Númenórean lords, [[Herumor]] and [[Fuinur]], "rose to great power amongst the Haradrim".<ref name=rings/>

=== Third Age ===
The Haradrim did not trouble the [[Realms in Exile]] for many centuries. There were dealings between the southlands and Gondor in these days, though it is said that there was never friendship between the two realms.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref> When Gondor took the haven of [[Umbar]] from the [[Black Númenóreans]], in the year {{TA|1015}} they followed the Black Númenóreans against Umbar to recapture it. Their great power was not enough against the sea-power of Gondor. The attempts lasted for 35 years until, in {{TA|1050}}, [[Ciryaher]] defeated the Haradrim force by sending troops by land. They acknowledged the overlordship of Gondor; the kings of Harad did homage and their sons were given as hostages in the court of the [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]].<ref name="annals">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

Later however kings of Harad who were in league with the [[Umbar]] rebelled against Gondor. King [[Aldamir]] fell in battle against them but his son [[Vinyarion]] won a great victory in Harad in {{TA|1551}}.<ref name="annals"/>

The Haradrim later were allied with the [[Wainriders]], a confederation of [[Easterlings]], and the Men of [[Khand]]. During the simultaneous assaults from the north and the south, the South-kingdom came close to destruction. The campaigns ended with the Wainraiders' definite defeat in the [[Battle of the Camp]] in {{TA|1944}}.<ref name="annals"/>

Around that time, some Haradrim were among the [[Corsairs of Umbar]], a constant harassment for Gondor.<ref name=foster>{{HM|Guide}}, entry "Haradrim"</ref>

The Haradrim were stirred up by emissaries of Sauron to attack Gondor again, and in {{TA|2885}}, they did so at the [[Crossings of Poros]], but were defeated again as they faced also the [[Rohirrim]]. The [[twins|twin]] sons of [[Kings of Rohan|King]] [[Folcwine]] of [[Rohan]], were slain in that battle.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref><ref>{{App|Mark}}</ref>

At the time of the [[War of the Ring]], the Southrons were in league with [[Sauron]] and fought alongside his [[Orcs|Orc]] army. The Haradrim were among the forces led by the [[Witch-king]] that attacked [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]], {{TA|3018}},<ref name="Great">{{App|Great}}</ref> at the beginning of the War. They captured the eastern half of Osgiliath, but [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] cast down the bridge across the [[Anduin]] and defended the western half of the city.<ref name="Council">{{FR|II2}}</ref> More Haradrim continued to come up the [[Harad Road]] to Mordor. Faramir and the [[Rangers of Ithilien]] ambushed some companies of Haradrim, but they could not stop them all.<ref>{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

In the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], they deployed cavalry and gigantic, [[Elephants|elephant]]-like [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]]. Regiments of Haradrim joined the host from Minas Morgul marching to the [[Pelennor Fields]]. Sauron's forces besieged [[Minas Tirith]], and the Mûmakil of Harad were used to bring forward war-towers and siege-engines to test the City's defences. One of the leaders of the Haradrim at this time bore the standard of the [[Black Serpent]] and was slain by King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]] at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<ref name=fields>{{RK|V6}}</ref> on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019|n}}.<ref name="Great"/>

Once Sauron was destroyed, Southrons in the western lands of Harad submitted to the rule of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] and were conquered. The Southrons in the East, however, remained independent.

== Traits and culture ==
[[File:Alan Lee - Oliphaunt.jpg|thumb|left|"Oliphaunt" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The Haradrim were bold and grim men, fierce in despair. They were tall and dark-skinned with black hair and dark eyes, and for that they were called '''Swertings''' or '''[[Swarthy Men]]'''.<ref name=herbs>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref> The men of [[Near Harad]] were brown-skinned, with black hair and dark eyes,<ref name="Gate">{{TT|IV3}}</ref> while the race known as "[[Half-trolls|half-trolls]]" out of [[Far Harad]] had black skin.<ref name=fields/>

Many Haradrim warriors were seen in bright clothing, such as scarlet robes, and were decorated with golden ornaments, such as collars, earrings, corsets of overlapping brazen plates; they braided their hair with gold. Some tribes painted their bodies. Scarlet and red was also the color of their banners, tips of their spears, and body paint. Their shields were yellow and black with spikes.<ref name=herbs/> It is also mentioned that at the end of the Second Age some of the Men in the south had weapons of iron.<ref name=rings/> At the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the Haradrim bore scimitars that glittered like stars.<ref name=fields/>

The Haradrim had tamed the massive ''[[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]]'' beasts and used them in warfare and, like their masters, were decorated with scarlet and gold. They even strapped towers on their backs, used by Haradrim archers and spearmen.<ref name=herbs/>

Harad's tribes included into those of Near and Far Harad, although there were many tribes of the Haradrim, often mutually hostile. Some of the peoples of Far Harad were organized into kingdoms.<ref>[[J. R. R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Two Towers]]'', [[Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit]]</ref>

===Language===
To the [[Gondorians]] their voices sounded harsh, like shouts of beasts.<ref>{{RK|Siege}}</ref>

The only word which is stated to come from a southron language is "Mûmak", the name of the great war-oliphaunts of Harad.

[[Gandalf]] states that his name in "the south" is "[[Incánus]]" thought ''Inkā-nūsh'' (or possibly ''Inkā-nūs''), meaning "North-spy".<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Despite having a meaning in Quenya ("fate"), the name [[Umbar]] is said to be adapted from the natives' language and not from Elvish or [[Adûnaic]].

== Etymology ==

''Haradrim'' is a [[Sindarin]] name, consisting of the elements ''[[harad]]'' ("south") + ''[[rim]]'' ("host")<ref>{{L|144}}, p. 178</ref> thus meaning "South-people".<ref name=foster/>

Other names were '''Southerns''', '''Southrons'''.<ref name=foster/>

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
Early variant names for this people were the ''Barangils'',<ref>{{WR|IV}}</ref> the ''Haradwaith'' (from the name of their land) and ''Haradrians''.<ref>{{HM|SD}}, pp. 16-7</ref>

Early [[Westron]] names include ''Harwan'' and ''Silharrows'', which are derived from the [[Old English]] name of the Aethiopians, ''Sigelhearwan'' (See also: ''[[Sigelwara Land]]'').<ref>{{TI|Fangorn}}, Note 4</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''

:The Haradrim appear briefly in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]] when Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] witness a raid on one of their columns by [[Faramir|Faramir's]] rangers. They are featured more prominently in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]], in which the battle between the [[Rohirrim]] and the [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] is a major action sequence.

:While the [[The Return of the King|book]] depicts the Southron army as primarily cavalry armed with scimitars, we see no horsemen in the movie: the Haradrim fight almost exclusively from platforms mounted on the backs of their monstrous [[oliphaunts]]. They have also adorned the animals' tusks with spikes and shafts that crush and impale numerous enemy horsemen.

:The costumes of the Haradrim in the movie are Middle Eastern in style and dark brown or black in colour, while the Haradrim wore red livery in the book.

== See also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Haradrim|Images of Haradrim]]
{{references}}
[[Category:Haradrim| ]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Sindarin demonyms]]
[[de:Haradrim]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/haradrim]]
[[fi:Haradrim]]

Rhûn

2018-04-18T21:00:36Z

Dman: Added reference to page

{{footnotes}}
{{location infobox
| name=Rhûn
| image=[[File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Rhun map.jpg|250px]]
| caption=Rhûn from a map used for [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' film series]]
| pronun=The East
| othernames=
| location=Eastern Lands of [[Middle-earth]], east of [[Mordor]] and [[Rhovanion]]
| type=Region
| description=
| regions=[[Dorwinion]]
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Easterlings]]. [[Dwarves]], [[Elves]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Rhûn''' refers to the little-known lands in eastern [[Middle-earth]]. Almost nothing of the lands beyond the great [[Sea of Rhûn]] is known (see [[Uttermost East]]).

==History==

The first Elves awoke far east of the Sea of Rhûn, and many of them were led to the [[Westlands]] by [[Oromë]]. Some Elves forsook this [[Great Journey]] and chose to remain in the east; they were called the [[Avari]].

The first Men also awoke in the far east, where they first met [[Dwarves]]<ref>{{WJ|Dwarves}}</ref> and Avari. The ancestors of the [[Edain]] and [[Drúedain]] traveled west out of Rhûn. At the shores of the Sea of Rhûn, some of the Mannish tribes traveling west separated and their languages soon diverged.<ref>{{PM|Ros}}</ref> Other men remained in Rhûn, and many of them came under the dominion of [[Morgoth]] and, later, [[Sauron]]. These men were called [[Easterlings]], and they led many attacks against [[Gondor]] and its allies during the [[Third Age]].

The most western parts of Rhûn were conquered by Gondor twice, under the Kings [[Rómendacil I]] and [[Rómendacil II]], but the Númenóreans never had full control over it. Western Rhûn was finally subdued in the [[Fourth Age]] under [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] and his son [[Eldarion]].

==Geography==
[[File:Stefano Baldo - Rhûn.jpg|thumb|left|''Rhûn'' by Stefano Baldo]]
The western part of Rhûn was given in maps of the [[Westlands]] of Middle-earth. It contained the great [[Sea of Rhûn]], connected the [[River Running]] in the northwest. A forest lay to the north-east of the Sea, and near the south-western shores there were many hills. South-west of the Sea of Rhûn lay also the land of [[Dorwinion]].

The inland [[Sea of Rhûn]] was located in western Rhûn on the border between Rhûn and [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]]. There were mountains on the southwest side of the Sea of Rhûn and a forest on the north-east side. Wild white [[Kine of Araw]], or oxen, lived near the shores of the Sea of Rhûn.

Further east in Rhûn were ancient regions where the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] first awoke: [[Cuiviénen]] for the Elves, which lay on the shores of [[Sea of Helcar]] near the [[Orocarni]] (Red Mountains); and [[Hildórien]] for Men. Four [[Dwarves|Dwarven]] clans were also located in Rhûn; their mansions were at least as far east from [[Mount Gundabad]] in the [[Misty Mountains]] as Mount Gundabad lay east of the [[Blue Mountains]]. Additionally, Sauron maintained a fortress in Rhûn in the Third Age.

===The Dwarves of Rhûn===

[[Dwarves]] emerged in Middle-earth in the [[First Age]]: after Elves but before Men. When the seven [[Fathers of the Dwarves]] awoke in far-flung corners of Middle-earth, some of them found themselves in Rhûn, and there they founded kingdoms under mountains.In the [[Third Age]], Dwarves of those kingdoms journeyed out of Rhûn to join all Middle-earth's other Dwarf clans in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], which was fought in and under the [[Misty Mountains]]. After this war, the survivors returned home.Late in the Third Age, when war and terror grew in Rhûn itself, considerable numbers of its Dwarves left their ancient homelands. They sought refuge in Middle-earth's western lands, where some of them met [[Frodo Baggins]].<ref>[[J. R. R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Shadow of the Past]]</ref>

==Etymology==
The word '''''rhûn''''' means "east" in [[Sindarin]]. Compare [[Quenya]] ''[[rómen]]''.<ref>{{App|E2i}}</ref>

==Other of the legendarium==

In an addition by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] (dating from [[1948]] or later) inscribed on his ''[[General Map of Middle-earth]]'', an arrow is drawn from the [[River Running]] with the direction to the end of the map, and carries the note: "To Sea of Rûnaer". [[Wayne G. Hammond|Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull|Scull]] suggest that '''''Rûnaer''''' is likely an alternative name of ''Rhûn''.<ref>{{HM|AoL}}, p. 199</ref>

==Inspiration==
Rhûn and the easternmost lands of Middle-earth seem to be based primarily on the lands of [[Wikipedia:South Asia|southern]], [[Wikipedia:Central Asia|central]], and [[Wikipedia:East Asia|eastern Asia]].

In the earliest drafts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Bilbo offered to walk from the [[The Shire|Shire]] "to ''[cancelled: [[Wikipedia:Hindu Kush|Hindu Kush]]]'' the [[Wikipedia:Gobi Desert|Great Desert of Gobi]] and fight the Wild Wire worm(s) of the [[Wikipedia:China|Chinese]]."<ref>{{HH|Pryftan}}, p. 9</ref> In a slightly later version [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] altered this to say "to the last desert in the East and fight the Wild Wireworms of the Chinese",<ref>{{HH|Bladorthin}}, p. 40</ref> and in the final version it was altered once more to say "to the East of East and fight the wild [[Were-worms]] in the [[Last Desert]]."<ref>{{H|Party}}</ref>

The Wainriders, as well as the Balchoth, were known for traveling in great camps of wagons which they fortified.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Given the eastern origins of the group, this bears many similarities to the [[Wikipedia:Orda (organization)|orda]] military structure employed by the [[Wikipedia:Turkic peoples|Turkic]] and [[Wikipedia:Mongols|Mongol]] peoples.{{fact}}

{{references}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rhun}}
[[Category:Eastern lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Sindarin nouns]]
[[de:Rhûn]]
[[fi:Rhûn]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/rhun]]

Imrazôr

2018-04-18T02:35:14Z

Dman:

__NOTOC__
{{gondorian infobox
| name=Imrazôr
| image=
| caption=
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=[[The Númenórean]], [[Prince of Belfalas]]
| position=Mariner
| location=[[Belfalas]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth={{TA|1950}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{TA|2076}}
| deathlocation=
| age=126
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Dol Amroth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Mithrellas]]
| children=[[Galador]] and [[Gilmith]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Imrazôr''' was a [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] [[Prince of Belfalas]] at the end of the second millennium of the [[Third Age]]. He was said to have wedded an [[Elves|Elf-maid]] named [[Mithrellas]], a wandering companion of [[Nimrodel]]. His son [[Galador]] was the first [[Prince of Dol Amroth]].<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}, ''Amroth and Nimrodel''</ref>
==Etymology==
The meaning of the name is not known, however it includes [[Adûnaic]] ''[[zôr]]'' which means "flame" or "foam".

The first element ''imra'' (perhaps from *''imar'') is not translated but it also appears in the name [[Imrahil]] and perhaps [[Imâr]].

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | IMR |y| MIT |IMR='''IMRAZÔR''' ''{{TA|1950}} - {{TA|2076|n}}''|MIT=[[Mithrellas]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | GAL | | GIL |GAL=[[Galador]] ''{{TA|2004|n}} - {{TA|2129|n}}''|GIL=[[Gilmith]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |:| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | DOL | | | | |DOL=[[Princes of Dol Amroth|''Princes of Dol Amroth'']]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
In an early manuscript Imrazôr and not his son was numbered as the first Prince of Dol Amroth.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The Line of Dol Amroth'', p. 221-222</ref>
==Note==
Nowhere is it explained why a man living in [[Gondor]] late in the Third Age would have the epithet of "[[The Númenórean]]".
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Imrazor}}
[[Category:Dúnedain]]
[[Category:Adûnaic words]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

Haradrim

2018-04-18T02:21:10Z

Dman:

{{people infobox
| name=Haradrim
| image=[[File:John_Howe - Southrons.jpg|250px]]
| caption="[[:File:John_Howe - Southrons.jpg|Southrons]]" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun={{respell|ha|rad|rim}}
| othernames=Southrons
| origin=
| location=[[Harad]], including [[Umbar]], [[Near Harad]] and [[Far Harad]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]]
| rivalry=[[Gondorians]]
| language=presumably numerous; different from [[Common Speech]]
| members=[[Black Serpent]]
| lifespan=shorter than [[Númenórean]]
| distinctions=
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark
| skin=Dark
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Oliphaunts]]
}}
The '''Haradrim''' or the '''Southrons''' were the proud and warlike people of the [[Harad]], in the south of [[Middle-earth]]. Ancient enemies of [[Gondor]], they allied with [[Sauron]] during the [[War of the Ring]].

== History ==
The ancestors of the Haradrim were [[Men]] who awoke in the [[First Age]], but stayed to the [[East]] of [[Middle-earth]], not joining the migration of the [[Edain]] to the [[West (disambiguation)|West]]. They eventually settled in [[Harad]], where the [[Sun]] is fierce and there are no clouds. It is possible that they were relatives of the [[Easterlings (First Age)|Swarthy Men]] who went to [[Beleriand]] after the Edain.

In the [[Second Age]] [[Sauron]] escaped the judgment of the [[Valar]] and continued his former master's work, turning the Men of the [[East]] and [[South (disambiguation)|South]] to evil and dominating them. Under the authority of the Dark Lord, many towns and walls of stone were built, and those under his influence became numerous and armed with iron. To these men, Sauron was feared as a king and god.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>
=== Second Age ===
During the Second Age the [[Númenóreans|High Men]] of [[Númenor]] built a great city in the firth of [[Umbar]], a vast natural harbour on the southern shores of the [[Bay of Belfalas]], eventually turning the city into a fortified citadel from whose gates the Men of Númenor initially benefited the people in the lands they explored by teaching them many things about agriculture and craftsmanship.<ref>{{App|Numenor}}</ref> After the reign of [[Tar-Ciryatan]], the Númenóreans began to set themselves up as lords in Middle-earth as they demanded tribute of goods and wealth, causing the oppression of the Haradrim. Under [[Ar-Pharazon]], the Númenóreans made war on the Men of Middle-earth, enslaving them and using them for human sacrifices.<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>

In the following centuries they were influenced by [[Sauron]] and [[Black Númenóreans]], those evil High Men who stayed in Harad and survived the [[Downfall of Númenor]].<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> The Haradrim became enemies of [[Gondor]], as the Kingdom's southern borders were close to their lands. Shortly before the [[War of the Last Alliance]], two Númenórean lords, [[Herumor]] and [[Fuinur]], "rose to great power amongst the Haradrim".<ref name=rings/>

=== Third Age ===
The Haradrim did not trouble the [[Realms in Exile]] for many centuries. There were dealings between the southlands and Gondor in these days, though it is said that there was never friendship between the two realms.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref> When Gondor took the haven of [[Umbar]] from the [[Black Númenóreans]], in the year {{TA|1015}} they followed the Black Númenóreans against Umbar to recapture it. Their great power was not enough against the sea-power of Gondor. The attempts lasted for 35 years until, in {{TA|1050}}, [[Ciryaher]] defeated the Haradrim force by sending troops by land. They acknowledged the overlordship of Gondor; the kings of Harad did homage and their sons were given as hostages in the court of the [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]].<ref name="annals">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

Later however kings of Harad who were in league with the [[Umbar]] rebelled against Gondor. King [[Aldamir]] fell in battle against them but his son [[Vinyarion]] won a great victory in Harad in {{TA|1551}}.<ref name="annals"/>

The Haradrim later were allied with the [[Wainriders]], a confederation of [[Easterlings]], and the Men of [[Khand]]. During the simultaneous assaults from the north and the south, the South-kingdom came close to destruction. The campaigns ended with the Wainraiders' definite defeat in the [[Battle of the Camp]] in {{TA|1944}}.<ref name="annals"/>

Around that time, some Haradrim were among the [[Corsairs of Umbar]], a constant harassment for Gondor.<ref name=foster>{{HM|Guide}}, entry "Haradrim"</ref>

The Haradrim were stirred up by emissaries of Sauron to attack Gondor again, and in {{TA|2885}}, they did so at the [[Crossings of Poros]], but were defeated again as they faced also the [[Rohirrim]]. The [[twins|twin]] sons of [[Kings of Rohan|King]] [[Folcwine]] of [[Rohan]], were slain in that battle.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref><ref>{{App|Mark}}</ref>

At the time of the [[War of the Ring]], the Southrons were in league with [[Sauron]] and fought alongside his [[Orcs|Orc]] army. The Haradrim were among the forces led by the [[Witch-king]] that attacked [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]], {{TA|3018}},<ref name="Great">{{App|Great}}</ref> at the beginning of the War. They captured the eastern half of Osgiliath, but [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] cast down the bridge across the [[Anduin]] and defended the western half of the city.<ref name="Council">{{FR|II2}}</ref> More Haradrim continued to come up the [[Harad Road]] to Mordor. Faramir and the [[Rangers of Ithilien]] ambushed some companies of Haradrim, but they could not stop them all.<ref>{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

In the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], they deployed cavalry and gigantic, [[Elephants|elephant]]-like [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]]. Regiments of Haradrim joined the host from Minas Morgul marching to the [[Pelennor Fields]]. Sauron's forces besieged [[Minas Tirith]], and the Mûmakil of Harad were used to bring forward war-towers and siege-engines to test the City's defences. One of the leaders of the Haradrim at this time bore the standard of the [[Black Serpent]] and was slain by King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]] at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<ref name=fields>{{RK|V6}}</ref> on [[15 March]] {{TA|3019|n}}.<ref name="Great"/>

Once Sauron was destroyed, Southrons in the western lands of Harad submitted to the rule of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] and were conquered. The Southrons in the East, however, remained independent.

== Traits and culture ==
[[File:Alan Lee - Oliphaunt.jpg|thumb|left|"Oliphaunt" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The Haradrim were bold and grim men, fierce in despair. They were tall and dark-skinned with black hair and dark eyes, and for that they were called '''Swertings''' or '''[[Swarthy Men]]'''.<ref name=herbs>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref> The men of [[Near Harad]] were brown-skinned, with black hair and dark eyes,<ref name="Gate">{{TT|IV3}}</ref> while the race known as "[[Half-trolls|half-trolls]]" out of [[Far Harad]] had black skin.<ref name=fields/>

Many Haradrim warriors were seen in bright clothing, such as scarlet robes, and were decorated with golden ornaments, such as collars, earrings, corsets of overlapping brazen plates; they braided their hair with gold. Some tribes painted their bodies. Scarlet and red was also the color of their banners, tips of their spears, and body paint. Their shields were yellow and black with spikes.<ref name=herbs/> It is also mentioned that at the end of the Second Age some of the Men in the south had weapons of iron.<ref name=rings/> At the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the Haradrim bore scimitars that glittered like stars.<ref name=fields/>

The Haradrim had tamed the massive ''[[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]]'' beasts and used them in warfare and, like their masters, were decorated with scarlet and gold. They even strapped towers on their backs, used by Haradrim archers and spearmen.<ref name=herbs/>

Harad's tribes included into those of Near and Far Harad, although there were many tribes of the Haradrim, often mutually hostile. Some of the peoples of Far Harad were organized into kingdoms.

===Language===
To the [[Gondorians]] their voices sounded harsh, like shouts of beasts.<ref>{{RK|Siege}}</ref>

The only word which is stated to come from a southron language is "Mûmak", the name of the great war-oliphaunts of Harad.

[[Gandalf]] states that his name in "the south" is "[[Incánus]]" thought ''Inkā-nūsh'' (or possibly ''Inkā-nūs''), meaning "North-spy".<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Despite having a meaning in Quenya ("fate"), the name [[Umbar]] is said to be adapted from the natives' language and not from Elvish or [[Adûnaic]].

== Etymology ==

''Haradrim'' is a [[Sindarin]] name, consisting of the elements ''[[harad]]'' ("south") + ''[[rim]]'' ("host")<ref>{{L|144}}, p. 178</ref> thus meaning "South-people".<ref name=foster/>

Other names were '''Southerns''', '''Southrons'''.<ref name=foster/>

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
Early variant names for this people were the ''Barangils'',<ref>{{WR|IV}}</ref> the ''Haradwaith'' (from the name of their land) and ''Haradrians''.<ref>{{HM|SD}}, pp. 16-7</ref>

Early [[Westron]] names include ''Harwan'' and ''Silharrows'', which are derived from the [[Old English]] name of the Aethiopians, ''Sigelhearwan'' (See also: ''[[Sigelwara Land]]'').<ref>{{TI|Fangorn}}, Note 4</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''

:The Haradrim appear briefly in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]] when Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] witness a raid on one of their columns by [[Faramir|Faramir's]] rangers. They are featured more prominently in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]], in which the battle between the [[Rohirrim]] and the [[Oliphaunts|Mûmakil]] is a major action sequence.

:While the [[The Return of the King|book]] depicts the Southron army as primarily cavalry armed with scimitars, we see no horsemen in the movie: the Haradrim fight almost exclusively from platforms mounted on the backs of their monstrous [[oliphaunts]]. They have also adorned the animals' tusks with spikes and shafts that crush and impale numerous enemy horsemen.

:The costumes of the Haradrim in the movie are Middle Eastern in style and dark brown or black in colour, while the Haradrim wore red livery in the book.

== See also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Haradrim|Images of Haradrim]]
{{references}}
[[Category:Haradrim| ]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Sindarin demonyms]]
[[de:Haradrim]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/haradrim]]
[[fi:Haradrim]]

Númenóreans

2018-04-18T01:53:13Z

Dman:

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-two|the inhabitants of Númenor|descendants they had on [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Third Age]]|[[Dúnedain]]}}
{{people infobox
| name=Númenóreans
| image=[[File:Liz Danforth - Isildur.png|250px]]
| caption="[[:File:Liz Danforth - Isildur.png|Isildur]]" by Liz Danforth
| pronun={{respell|noo|meh|noor|ee-ans}}
| othernames=Men of Westernesse
| origin=Descendants of the [[Edain]]
| location=[[Númenor]], [[Eriador]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], [[Pelargir]], later [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]
| affiliation=[[Eldar]]
| rivalry=[[Sauron]]
| language=[[Adûnaic]] (native tongue), [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]]
| members=[[Elros]], [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]]
| lifespan=up to 500 years
| distinctions=
| height=Taller than other [[Men]]
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
<center>{{quote|So great was the might and splendour of the Númenóreans that Sauron's own servants deserted him.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]}}</center>
'''Númenóreans''' were the [[Men]] of [[Númenor]], descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who were granted the island of [[Elenna]] as a dwelling place. They turned against the [[Valar]], and their island home was destroyed in the last years of the [[Second Age]].

==Origins==
The Númenóreans were descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who proved themselves allies of the [[Elves]], from whom they gathered knowledge of all things surrounding them. The two races fought together against [[Morgoth]].

During that Age, unions of Elves and Men were made; [[Lúthien]] and [[Beren]] whose son, [[Dior|Dior Eluchíl]], married [[Nimloth of Doriath]] and [[Elwing]] was born. [[Idril]] and [[Tuor]], the second couple, were parents of [[Eärendil]]. Elwing and Eärendil met at the [[Havens of Sirion]] and from their union twins were born: [[Elros]] and [[Elrond]]. To the two [[Half-elven|half-elves]], the Valar gave a choice: Elros chose to join the race of men, whereas Elrond chose to join the elves.

When the [[War of Wrath|last battle]] was won by the forces of [[Valinor]], the Valar rewarded the Edain by giving them a place to dwell outside the troubled world of [[Middle-earth]]. [[Ulmo]] raised [[Elenna]], later known as the Island of [[Númenor]]. Halfway between [[Endor]] and [[Aman]], the descendants from the [[Three Houses]] established the Kingdom of Númenor in {{SA|32}} and would last and dominate all other mortal peoples throughout the entire [[Second Age]]. Elros became the first [[King of Númenor]].

==Politics==
Númenor was a monarchy. The King held the power of decision over the affairs of the state. However, there was an advisory body, the [[Council of the Sceptre]], which consisted of the Heir of the King and lords from the six regions of Númenor: [[Forostar]] (''Northlands''), [[Andustar]] (''Westlands''), [[Hyarnustar]] (''Southwestlands''), [[Hyarrostar]] (''Southeastlands''), [[Orrostar]] (''Eastlands'') and [[Mittalmar]] (''Inlands'').

There were two main political parties: Elendili or the [[Faithful]], led by the Lords of Andúnië, always loyal to the Elves. In the later years they were a small group, oppressed by the opposing [[King's Men]] who rebelled against the Valar and their ban and set dominions among the Men of Middle-earth and laid heavy tribute upon them. As their number and power increased, they forced the Elendili to move from [[Andúnië]] to the eastern side of the island, at [[Rómenna]]. [[Pelargir]] was a harbor built where the river [[Sirith]] met [[Anduin]] and it was founded by the Faithful in {{SA|2350}}.
===Rulership===
{{main|Line of Elros}}
Númenóreans from the [[Line of Elros]] had right to inherit the [[Sceptre]] and thus become Rulers of Númenor. 25 [[King of Númenor|Kings]] and [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Queens]] descendants of Elros ascended the throne. While the Númenóreans lived around 200 years, royal kindred had double life span.

Of great importance was the [[Law of Succession in Númenor]] which established the heir to the throne. It started out as an inherited custom, which gave exclusive rights to the male descendants of Elros. Tar-Aldarion, the sixth ruler of Númenor, only had one daughter and replaced the principle of exclusive male heir with that of eldest progeny, of any gender; in {{SA|1075}} Tar-Ancalimë became the first ruling queen in the history of Númenor.

Númenóreans from the Line of Elros influenced their era in various ways:

*[[Tar-Aldarion]], a great mariner and Middle-earth explorer
*[[Tar-Ancalimë]], the first Ruling Queen of Númenor
*[[Tar-Minastir]], defeated [[Sauron]] alongside [[Gil-galad|Ereinion Gil-galad]]
*[[Ar-Belzagar]], first ruler to take an Adûnaic name
*[[Ar-Adûnakhôr]], banned the speaking of Quenya and severed relationships with the Eldar
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]], last in the line of rulers, whose kingship led directly to the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]]

===Lords of Andúnië===
{{seealso|Lords of Andúnië}}
During the time of princess [[Silmariën]] the law of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnatic_primogeniture agnatic primogeniture] existed. She could not succeed her father as his eldest child, and her [[Tar-Meneldur|brother]] took up the [[Sceptre]]. In her honor was created the title "[[Lords of Andúnië]]", which was set upon [[Valandil (Lord of Andúnië)|Valandil]] her first son and his 18 descendants; the last one was [[Amandil]], father of [[Elendil]]. During the dark times of Númenor, the Lords were renowned for their friendship with the Eldar, and leaders of the [[Elendili]].

==History==
At the foundation of Númenor all the people held the Eldar in friendship. White ships from [[Tol Eressëa]] brought many gifts to the [[Bay of Andúnië]]: birds, flowers, and healing herbs, and a branch from [[Celeborn, White Tree|Celeborn]], the White Tree of Tol Eressëa, which grew at the court of the king of [[Armenelos]].

As the fear of death crept into the hearts of the Dúnedain, the Firstborn became envied for their immortality. [[Tar-Atanamir]] was the first to speak against the Eldar and the Ban of the Valar. Little by little the Númenóreans abandoned the use of the [[Eldarin]] tongues. It was during the time of his son, King [[Tar-Ancalimon]], that the two parties were formed, the [[Elf-friends]] and the [[King's Men]]. Ar-Adûnakhôr was the first to choose an Adûnaic name and began to persecute the Faithful, punishing all those who would speak the Elven tongues openly. In the end the Eldar came no more to the land of Númenor.

===Dominion over the Men of Middle-earth===

[[Image:Paula DiSante - Ar-Pharazon Defies.JPG|thumb|right|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''Ar-Pharazon Defies'']]
Due to the fact that the Ban of the Valar restricted them from sailing [[Undying Lands|West]], the Númenóreans began to explore the eastern part of the [[Arda|world]], reaching the shores of Middle-earth in {{SA|600}} in [[Lindon]] and met with [[Gil-galad]]. The news spread swiftly and the [[Middle Men]] in [[Eriador]] were filled with wonder. The sailors met with twelve messengers on the [[Tower Hills]].<ref>{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>

The Númenóreans began to cultivate their new friends who were into their [[Dark Years]], grown weak and fearful, and taught them agriculture, stonecraft, smithying and their language [[Adûnaic]] but failed to recognize the [[Pre-Númenórean]] forest-folk of [[Minhiriath]] as ‘kinsmen’, and confused them with [[Men of Shadow]] because it was not related to theirs.<ref>{{PM|X}}</ref>

The Middle Men were comforted, populated the western shores. They revered the memory of the tall Sea-kings whom they remembered as gods hoping each time for their return.<ref>{{S|IV}}</ref>

More and more Númenor became a great naval power, and the [[Guild of Venturers]] established [[Vinyalondë]] (early 9th century).<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> The Pre-Númenóreans were patient until the tree-felling by [[Aldarion]] became devastating;<ref name="GC">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> slowly, hostility was growing, and the dark men out of the mountains were thrusting into [[Enedwaith]] in support of their kinsmen.<ref name="A">{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>

Around that time, the Númenórean [[Drúedain]] became uneasy and urged Aldarion not to go, foreseeing the mischief to come. They did not succeed and one after another they took ships towards Middle-earth.<ref>{{UT|Druedain}}</ref>

In {{SA|820}} Vinyalondë was overthrown by great seas and plundered by hostile men. Men near the coasts were growing afraid of the Númenóreans, or were openly hostile and Aldarion heard rumours of some lord in Middle-earth who hated them. As Gil-galad warned [[Tar-Meneldur]] that this instigator was a servant of the [[Sauron|Enemy]].<ref name="A"/>

Aldarion's successors continued his works and even fought with the pre-Númenóreans<ref>{{UT|Numenor}}</ref> until they attacked and ambushed the Númenóreans when they could. They became their enemies giving no thought to husbandry or replanting. The Númenóreans wrecked the banks, the shorelines, great tracks and roads whom they drove into the forests northwards and southwards from the [[Gwathló]]<ref name="GC"/> and continued battling and destroying what lied ahead of them, pushing into [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]], establishing themselves inland as far as the river [[Glanduin]] (the southern boundary of [[Eregion]]), beyond which pre-Númenóreans and hostile peoples lived, a remnant of the peoples that had dwelt in the vales of the White Mountains in ages past<ref>{{App|Languages}}</ref><ref name="GC"/> The natives overcame their fear of the Elves and fled from Minhiriath into the dark woods of the great [[Cape of Eryn Vorn]] (south of the mouth of [[Baranduin]]). Those from Enedwaith took refuge in the eastern mountains ([[Dunland]]).<ref name="GC"/>

[[Sauron]] recruited pre-Númenóreans and in the early second millennium he increased pressure on the West, left his stronghold in [[Rhûn]] and relocated in [[Mordor]], drawing closer to the Númenórean sphere of influence. Sauron welcomed by the natives and used the haters of Númenor as spies and guides for his raiders who caused havoc and burned their settlements. He had not enough force to assault the forts at the Haven or along the banks of the [[Gwathló]]. However his regular troops attempted to conquest Eriador, hunting and killing Middle Men and the Elves and by {{SA|1700}} had mastered all Eriador, up to the River [[Lhûn]] and besieged [[Rivendell]].<ref name="GC"/>

Eriador was already ruined by the time the Númenórean fleet was sent by king [[Tar-Minastir]]. They caught Mordor's troops in the rear and defeated them, bringing peace to the Westlands.<ref name="GC"/>

They explored the coasts of Middle-earth far southward establishing landing and trading posts that grew into cruel vice-kingdoms which left many rumours in the legends of Men, although the Eldar did not know about them<ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}</ref> In the south they found a useful natural haven already called [[Umbar]] by the natives.

The Númenóreans founded [[Pelargir]] in {{SA|2350}} and discovered the pre-Númenóreans [[Oathbreakers|Men of the Mountains]] near [[Dunharrow]]<ref>{{HM|RK}}</ref> who eventually repented when Sauron left from Mordor and the power of Gil-galad had grown great.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

As the shadow spread over Númenor, [[Tar-Ciryatan]] sailed to Middle-earth, bringing numerous treasures back to Númenor. Later more lands were occupied, plundered or forced to pay heavy tribute in return for the lives of their inhabitants. Towards the end of the kingdom, when their religion had changed and human sacrifices were made towards [[Morgoth|Melkor]], many of the victims were people of Middle-earth taken as prisoners. Because of these acts they were looked upon in fear, called the "Death" itself and the Men of Middle-earth trembled at the sight of a mighty Númenórean ship on the waters of [[Belegaer]]. However, the Faithful shared not the behavior of the King's Men and though they also built a port in Middle-earth, named Pelargir, it was not for the sake of plundering, but meant to be a haven far from those of the opposing party.

When the [[Elendili]] established the [[Realms in Exile]], many Men turned from evil and became subject to them even though the pre-Númenóreans were not friendly to them and never learned to distinguish between the [[King's Men]] and the [[Faithful]].<ref name="Rings"/> During this time the [[King of the Dead|King of the Mountains]] first swore allegiance to [[Isildur]] even though he and many other men were still influenced by their old allegiance to Sauron.

When Sauron returned Isildur summoned the Men of the Mountains to fulfill their oath, but they would not because they still feared Sauron. They hid in the mountains, isolated, until slowly dwindling in the barren hills they became the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men of Dunharrow]].

===Sauron's Influence===

The only daughter of the king [[Tar-Palantir]], a friend of the Eldar who tried to restore the old ways, was [[Tar-Míriel]]. According to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|New Law]] she had the right to inherit the throne, but her cousin Pharazôn forced her into marriage, and took the Sceptre for himself, becoming known as Ar-Pharazôn the Golden, the most proud and powerful of all the kings. He desired not only immortality as the ones before him had, but also the dominion over the entire world. For this he gathered a great fleet and opposed the greatest opponent in the path of his task: Sauron.

So mighty were the Númenóreans that the servants of Sauron fled even before the battle began and their leader was taken as a prisoner back to the island of Elenna. Through numerous lies he poisoned the mind of the king and became master of his council, changing even the religion of the Númenóreans and turning them into servants of the dark [[Morgoth]]. And because he assured Ar-Pharazôn that if he ever reached Aman he would become immortal, the last king gathered once more a great host of ships and sailed to break the Ban of the Valar.

===Downfall===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Queen Tar-Míriel and the Great Wave.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave'']]

Pharazôn's attempt to reach Valinor and his previous preparations for war with the Eldar raised the anger of [[Manwë]] who sent his eagle-shaped storm clouds to Númenor. Lightning struck the land, including the temple of Melkor, where human sacrifices were made. Because Sauron himself stood in their path and was not hurt by them, the Númenóreans were deceived even more into thinking he was their rightful god.

Ar-Pharazôn sailed at the head of his fleet known as the [[Great Armament]], led by the flagship [[Alcarondas]], set course towards Valinor and reached Tol Eressëa. His pride fooled him into thinking that the inhabitants of Aman would not stand in his way, because the land was quiet and peaceful, and thus he set camp near the [[Túna]] hill. But Manwë, the Elder King, was aware of what transpired, and the Valar then laid down the Guardianship of Arda. Ilúvatar responded by catastrophically changing the shape of Arda. The Númenóreans present in Valinor were buried under the hills which fell upon them, and on the great island fire was erupted from the top of Meneltarma. The land crumbled into pieces and a great wave swept over it and buried the island at the bottom of the sea. Its people were taken by the waters, and this tragedy brought an end to the Númenórean realm, in {{SA|3319}}.

===Epilogue===
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Elendil.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Elendil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'']]
The only ones to survive the Downfall of Númenor were Elendil and his sons, [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]], along with the few people of the Elendili. They escaped the [[Akallabêth]] with nine ships, a seedling of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], which Isildur had rescued the night before its destruction and the Seven [[Seeing-stones]]. Cast ashore by the storm on the western lands of Middle-earth, they founded the Númenórean realms in exile: [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Their war with Sauron continued in the lands of Middle-earth. Fighting side by side with the Elves and the [[Dwarves]] they opposed and defeated him during the [[War of the Last Alliance]].

Long after the Fall there was a belief among those who survived it that the Holy Mountain Meneltarma was not swallowed by the waters, but instead raised to be a new island of its own. The heirs of Elendil built great ships once more and set on its search, not only because they yearned for their home, but also because from that point, the top of Meneltarma, Tol Eressëa could be spotted and their hearts still desired to reach the West, against all warnings. But they never found the top of Meneltarma and their voyages served only to discover that Arda was a round world.
==Culture==
The Númenóreans were extremely skilled in arts and craft, with the forging of weapons and armour; although they were a peaceful people, their weapons, armour, and horse-riding skills could not be contested anywhere else in [[Arda]], save for the [[Valar]]. But the Númenóreans were not warmongers, hence the chief art on the island became that of ship-building and sea-craft. The Númenóreans became great mariners, exploring the world in all directions save for the westward, where the [[Ban of the Valar]] was in force. They often traveled to the shores of Middle-earth, teaching the men there the art and craft, and introduced farming as to improve their everyday lives.

The Númenóreans spoke [[Adunaic]], a [[Mannish]] language that descended from the Mannish languages spoken in [[Beleriand]]. However their forefathers, the Edain, had learned [[Sindarin]] which was passed on to Númenor. As a language of lore, it changed only a litte with the millennia. Educated Númenóreans also studied [[Quenya]], having a prestige above all other tongues.<ref>{{App|Men}}</ref>

Respected as a law was the [[Ban of the Valar]], which stated that Númenóreans should never sail West more than the limit of their sight when looking after their shores. As the fear of death filled more and more the hearts of the Númenóreans, they sailed further away from the island, until finally the last king, Ar-Pharazôn, broke the Ban in his attempt to reach [[Tol Eressëa]] out of the false belief that dwelling in that place granted immortality.
===Religion and Tradition===

Towards the middle of Mittalmar stood the Mountain [[Meneltarma]], the sacred place on which [[Ilúvatar|Eru]] was worshiped. Its flattened top was wide enough to contain a great crowd during the three yearly ceremonies ([[Erukyermë]], [[Erulaitalë]] and [[Eruhantalë]]). These took place in absolute silence while climbing its slopes. Soon after {{SA|3262}} these religious beliefs were abandoned and the worshiping of [[Morgoth|Melkor]] began. It was done in a cylindrical temple near the city of Armenelos built especially for this, and it involved sacrificing men and women over a great fire, whose first flames were lit from the [[White Tree of Tol Eressëa]].

Whenever ships sailed from Númenor, the custom of the [[Green Bough of Return]] took place. A branch from the [[Fragrant Trees|Fragrant Tree]] [[Oiolairë]] was set at the prow as a symbol of good fortune by a Númenórean woman, close relative to the captain of the ship. [[Erendis]], wife of Tar-Aldarion, refused to do so in disagreement with her husband's frequent voyages towards Middle-earth, breaking this tradition for the first time.

===Daily Life===
[[File:Ivan Ulicny - The Age of Númenor.jpg|thumb|Ivan Ulicny - ''The Age of Númenor'']]
Many of the inhabitants of Númenor were fishermen. Along with the grains cultivated in Orrostar, fish was the main food source for the Númenóreans.

The Dúnedain were skilled in riding and loved horses. They could even call them in their thoughts, if bound by friendship. Númenor had no paved roads, so that the carriages could move on them more easily. From the [[Noldor]] they learned the art of forging swords, axes, spears, knives, but mostly bows; their arrows resembled dark clouds falling upon the enemies.

The Númenóreans, were skilled in the art of husbandry, breeding great horses that roamed across the open plains in Mittalmar.

The greatest love of the Númenóreans was the sea and the building of the largest ships. Most were built at the command of Tar-Aldarion, who also established the [[Guild of Venturers]]. The ship ''[[Eämbar]]'' was their headquarters.

==Characteristics==
The average Númenórean was taller than two [[Ranga]]r or 6'4". Elendil was the tallest of Men who escaped the Downfall (mentioned to be almost 2.5 [[rangar]] tall, 7'11" or 2.41 m)<ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref>

While most Númenóreans lived around 350 years, royal kindred live 400 years. This longer lifespan resulted in an older age of adulthood: 25 years.<ref>{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>

==Names==
In their own language, the Númenóreans were named '''Adûnâim'''.<ref>{{HM|SD}}, p. 426</ref>

The Númenóreans were also known as '''High Men'''.<ref>{{HM|PM}}, pp. 312, 427</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 101</ref> (Cf. [[Middle Men]]). They were also known as Sea-kings, Men of the Sea and Lords of the Sea<ref>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 297</ref>

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Númenóreans|Images of Númenóreans]]
*[[King of Númenor]]
*[[Black Númenóreans]]
*[[Dúnedain]]
*[[Númenor]]
*[[Akallabêth]]
{{references}}

[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Númenóreans| ]]
[[fi:Númenorilaiset]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/numenoreens]]

Battle of Azanulbizar

2018-04-16T22:09:50Z

Dman:

{{battle
| image=[[File:Mikel Janin - Battle of Azanulbizar.jpeg|300px]]
| name=Battle of Azanulbizar
| conflict=War of the Dwarves and Orcs
| date={{TA|2799}}
| place=The Dimrill Dale and the steps of the East-gate of Moria
| result=Pyrrhic victory for the Dwarves
| side1=Dwarves
| side2=Orcs
| commanders1=*[[Thráin|Thráin II]]
*[[Thorin]]
*[[Náin son of Grór|Náin]] †
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]]
*Commanders of other Houses|
commanders2=*[[Azog]] †
| forces1=6,000-10,000 [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Firebeards]], and Houses of the far East
| forces2=15,000-20,000 Orcs from Moria, and the remnants of other Orc-dwellings throughout the [[Misty Mountains]]
| casual1="Beyond the count of grief." Half dead or dying.<ref name="AppDurin"/>
| casual2=10,000 orcs,<ref name="PMA">{{PM|A}}, p. 278</ref>
}}
The '''Battle of Azanulbizar''' ({{TA|2799}}) was the final battle in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]. It was fought beneath the [[Great Gates|East-gate of Moria]] in the valley of Azanulbizar, called ''[[Nanduhirion]]'' in [[Sindarin]] or ''[[Dimrill Dale]]'' in [[Westron]]. Therefore the event is also known as the '''Battle of Nanduhirion''' and the '''Battle of Dimrill Dale'''.

==Background==
The War of the Dwarves and Orcs began when [[Azog]] the [[Orcs|Orc]]-chieftain of [[Moria]] captured and mutilated [[Thrór]], King of [[Durin's Folk]]. Azog branded his own name in runes onto Thrór's severed head, then let Thrór's companion [[Nár]] escape so that all [[Dwarves]] would know that an Orc now ruled Moria. Full of righteous fury, Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] summoned a great army of Dwarves, including those not of Durin's Folk ([[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]] from the [[Blue Mountains]], and others from the far East of Middle-earth). For six years they systematically sacked the Orc strongholds of the [[Misty Mountains]], until only Moria was left. There the Orcs that had survived the destruction had gathered to Azog.

==Opposing Forces==
The exact number for the Dwarves was not specified, but it can be estimated at being somewhere between six to ten thousand Longbeards, Firebeards, Broadbeams, Ironfists, Stonefoots, Blacklocks, and Stiffbeards.
This is based off the assumption that the other Dwarf houses sent no more then a few thousand each to take part in the war, because they could not have sent too many for economic, financial and defense reasons. The Longbeards (Durin's Folk) could not have mustered a proper fighting force of no more than 1-3,000, because of a severely depleted populace and financial/economic problems (especially Thraín's following).<ref name="AppDurin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>

The Orcs, as stated above, came from Moria, and from as far north as [[Gundabad|Mount Gundabad]]. Their numbers can be estimated at fifteen to twenty thousand Orcs.<ref name="AppDurin"/>

==The Battle==
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - Náin at Azanulbizar.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''Náin at Azanulbizar'']]
The battle began on a dark winter day, and no sun was said to have shined through the clouds. The Dwarves had marched into the Dimrill Dale where they found the East-Gate and sent up a great noise. They discovered that on the western slopes above thousands of Orcs had gathered, while more still came pouring out of the gate. The Dwarves there stood outnumbered and on the lower end of a sloping hill.

The first Vanguard led by King Thráin, assaulted the slopes only to be driven back with casualties. In a woods near the Mirrormere, the dwarves noted that [[Frerin]] youngest son of Thráin was slain along with [[Fundin]], father of [[Balin]]; and many others. Thraín himself was wounded, as was his eldest son [[Thorin|Thorin II Oakenshield]], whose shield was broken during the battle, forcing him to resort to using an oak branch that he cut off a tree to defend himself.

Elsewhere, the battle swayed back and forth until [[Náin (son of Grór)|Náin]] from the [[Iron Hills]] arrived with a contingent of fresh troops. Náin and his Dwarves cut through the Orc lines with their mattocks shouting, "AZOG! AZOG! AZOG!" until they had reached the steps of the gate, at which Naín called Azog to come out and fight. When Azog emerged from the inner gate with his guards, Náin was exhausted and half blind with rage. He tried to swing as hard as he could, but Azog darted aside and Náin missed, splintering his mattocks on the ground. The orc kicked him in the leg when he dodged the Dwarf's blow, making him stumble, at which point Azog attempted to thrust and behead him, succeeding only in breaking Náin's neck because of the strong mail he was wearing. Náin died instantly.

Even as Azog gloated over his duel, he looked out over the valley which the east gate overlooks, and came to the realization that his entire force was routed. Those that could were fleeing southwards, and all his guard was dead. With that he fled back to the gate. Náin's son, [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]], leaped up the steps after him with his red axe, and there before the gate he decapitated the Orc chieftain, thus ending the battle.
The slaying of Azog was considered an amazing feat, as Dáin was only 32 years of age (very young for a Dwarf). Dáin would later become [[King under the Mountain]] as [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]].<ref name="AppDurin"/>

==Aftermath==
[[File:Steamey - Vengeance.jpg|thumb|Steamey - ''Vengeance'']]
The Dwarves were victorious, but half of their forces were dead or mortally wounded. The Orcs suffered even worse casualties, with ten thousand dead. After the battle, Thráin wanted to enter and reclaim Moria, the ancestral home of Durin's folk. However, due to their losses, the other Houses not willing to participate, and since Dáin had seen [[Durin's Bane]] beyond the East-gate, Thráin refrained from entering.<ref name="AppDurin"/>

The Dwarves stripped their dead so the Orcs could not plunder them, and cut down all the trees in the valley, which was to remain bare ever after. They made many pyres on which to burn their dead. They could not bury them all in tombs of stone, as was their custom, because it would take too long. From then on those that died in Dimrill Dale were known proudly as ''Burned Dwarves''.

The Houses parted ways, returning to their homes to the North, East, and West. Thráin, with what was left of the Longbeard contingent, went back to [[Dunland]] and wandered in [[Eriador]], eventually settling in the Southern Blue Mountains. There Durin's folk repopulated slowly, waiting for the day when they could take back the halls of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and Khazad-dum.<ref name="AppDurin"/>

==Repercussions==
Although the Dwarves suffered heavy casualties, the battle would have lasting effects for the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]. Their numbers were severely reduced after the battle and never fully recovered.

The depletion of the Orc population contributed to the survival of [[Thorin and Company]] on their journey to Erebor, as well as the victory of the Elves, Men, and Dwarves at the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. It also allowed [[Balin]], in {{TA|2989}}, to attempt the [[Balin's Colony|recolonization of Moria]].

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
{{battle
| image=[[File:Mikel Janin - Battle of Azanulbizar.jpeg|300px]]
| name=Battle of Azanulbizar
| conflict=War of the Dwarves and Orcs
| date={{TA|2799}}
| place=The Dimrill Dale and the steps of the East-gate of Moria; [[Ring of Thrór]] reclaimed by the Enemy
| result=Pyrrhic victory for the Dwarves
| side1=*[[Dwarves of Erebor]]
*[[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]]
| side2=[[Orcs]] of [[Gundabad]]
| commanders1=*[[Thrór]] †
*[[Thráin|Thráin II]] (taken prisoner)
*[[Thorin]]
| commanders2=*[[Azog]]
| forces1=10,000 [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]]
| forces2=15,000-20,000 Orcs from [[Gundabad]]
| casual1="Beyond the count of grief." Half dead or dying.<ref name="AppDurin"/>
| casual2=10,000 orcs; remainder fled<ref name="PMA">{{PM|A}}, p. 278</ref>
}}

:Referred to as the '''Battle of [[Moria]]''' in this [[The Hobbit (film series)|film trilogy]] (and portrayed more as an isolated battle rather than the final conflict for an entire war), the battle is presented in a flashback sequence as [[Balin]] recounts [[Thorin]]'s past to [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The narrative of the battle has been heavily condensed. In the film version, rather than recounting Thrór's death at the hands of [[Azog]] and the resulting war of many years, Balin simply says that after [[Smaug]] drove the [[Dwarves of Erebor|Dwarves]] from [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Thrór attempted to lead all of his people back to their ancestral realm in Moria, only to find that the [[Orcs]] had gotten there first. [[Azog]] does decapitate [[Thrór]], but the deed takes place during the battle itself, and the head is thrown at Thorin's feet rather than [[Nár]]'s. Balin similarly condenses [[Thráin]]'s story, stating that he went mad with grief and wandered away, and his people never knew if he was dead or captured. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] is completely absent from the story, and it is Thorin who rallies the dwarves by facing Azog in single combat and hacking off his left arm at the elbow. The wounded Azog is dragged back into Moria by his subordinates, and the Dwarves assume he has died of his injuries, but he survives to appear in a present-time sub-plot in which he is hunting Thorin and Company for revenge. No mention is made of the burning of the Dwarves' dead, but Balin, [[Dwalin]], [[Bifur]], and Thorin are seen in the aftermath of the battle walking amidst heaps of their slain kin, and Balin recalls the battle as a pyrrhic victory, and the number of dead as beyond the count of grief, echoing closely the wording of the account from [[Appendix A]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht von Azanulbizar]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_d_azanulbizar]]
[[fi:Azanulbizarin taistelu]]

Talk:Battle of the Pelennor Fields

2018-04-16T21:59:46Z

Dman:

__NOTOC__
==Mordor's Army==
How big was Mordors Army does an one truly know i heard on the bonus feature of the return of the king that it could be 200,000 or 350,000 ether way its huge your thoughts {{unsigned|Sauron}}

:There is no exact number for all of the forces, I'm unsure offhand where the 200,000 number comes from but most likely there is mention of the forces possibly being 10 times that of the opposing time, I'll see if I can find a quote as we should include the reference in the article. --[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] 18:48, 29 April 2008 (EDT)

It was never mentioned how many there were (save the at least 18,000 Haradrim). But it can be guessed at 100-200,000. I've done an extensive amount of calculations on this, and they have come out just about the same as the purposed 200,000.--[[User:Dwarf Lord|Dwarf Lord]] 22:14, 29 April 2008 (EDT)

==Order of Battle==
Just a WiP, add to it if you like. -- {{User:Ederchil/sig}} 21:37, 2 May 2009 (UTC)

===Gondor===
;Command
* [[Denethor]] †
** [[Faramir]] (wounded)
** [[Imrahil]]
;Troops
* Troops of Minas Tirith
** [[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
** [[Guards of the Citadel]]
*** [[Beregond]]
*** [[Peregrin Took]]
* [[Southern Fiefs|Captains of the Outlands]]
** [[Imrahil]] of [[Dol Amroth]]
*** One company of Knights
*** 700 Men-at-Arms
** [[Forlong]] of [[Lossarnach]] †
*** 200 Axe-men
** [[Dervorin]] of [[Ringló Vale]] †
***300 men
** [[Duinhir]] of [[Morthond|Morthond Vale]]
*** [[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
*** [[Derufin]] †
*** 500 Bowmen
** [[Golasgil]] of [[Anfalas]]
*** Golasgil's Household
*** Scantilly equiped troops
** [[Lamedon]]
*** Few men
** [[The Ethir]]
*** 200 fishermen
** [[Hirluin the Fair]] of [[Pinnath Gelin]] †
*** 300 men
===Rohan===
;Command
*[[Théoden]] †
* [[Éomer]]
;Troops
* [[King's Company]]: [[Déorwine]] †
** [[Dúnhere]] †
** [[Herefara]] †
** [[Herubrand]] †
** [[Horn (rider of Rohan)|Horn]] †
** [[Fastred (rider of Rohan)|Fastred]] †
** [[Guthláf]] †
* First [[Éored]]: [[Éomer]]
* Second Éored: [[Grimbold]] of [[Grimslade]] †
* Third Éored: [[Elfhelm]]
** [[Éowyn|Dernhelm]]
** [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Master Bag]]
===Aragorn===
;Command
* [[Aragorn]]
;Troops
* [[Legolas]] of [[Mirkwood]]
* [[Gimli]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]
* [[Halbarad]] of the Northlands †
* [[Elladan]] of [[Rivendell]]
* [[Elrohir]] of [[Rivendell]]
* 29 [[Rangers of the North]]
* [[Angbor]] of [[Lamedon]]
** Horsemen

== Numbers ==
I'm currently planning to add a chapter named "Strength". With will be highly referenced.
Note: A company in [[Middle-earth|ME]] is 500 men.
===S. Fiefs===
====Books====
* Lossarnach: 200 (note: of a total of 2000 men)
* Ringló Vale: 300
* Morthond Vale: 500
* Ethir Anduin: 100
* Pinnath Gelin: 300
* Dol Amroth: 1200 (700 at foot and 500 swan knights)
* [b]Total:[/b] 2600-3000
====Speculative====
* Lamedon: 50? (note: of a total of 4000 men)
* Anfalas: 200?
===Minas Tirith and fortresses===
====Books====
* Tower Guard companies: 1500
* Company of Knights: 500
* [b]Total:[/b] 2000
====Speculative====
* Tower Guard reserves: 200?
* Others from Minas Tirth: 2000?
* Rangers of Ithilien: 500?
* Survivers of [[Cair Andros|C.A.]]: 200?
* Survivers of [[Rammas Echor|R.E.]]: 1250?
===Rohan===
====Books====
* Rohirim: 6000
====Speculative====
* ...
===Aragorn's Host===
====Books====
* Rangers of the North: 30
====Speculative====
* Lebennin, Ethir, etc.: 2000?
===Total===
* Known from the books: 10.630-11.030
* Speculative: 6.400
* '''Total:''' 17.030-17.430
--[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 13:19, 26 March 2011 (UTC)

:Sources? --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 10:21, 7 September 2015 (UTC)
==Changes==

I was planning on adding some changes to the article, namely fixing up typos, giving more accurate casualty estimates, as well as trimming up any misplaced references or inaccurate statements. I was told to discuss the change here. [[Special:Contributions/76.11.233.95|76.11.233.95]] 20:53, 17 September 2014 (UTC)

:Well, discuss your specific changes. List them here, why you think they're wrong, what you want to replace them with, and what your sources are. --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 10:21, 7 September 2015 (UTC)

==Additonal battle info based off movie==
I was wondering if i could add battle information for battles that happened in the peter jackson movies and add battle information based on the movies. it might be helpful for some readers. consider doing this for all battles shown in the movies {{unsignedIP|173.206.83.82}}

:That's what the Portrayal in Adaptations section is for. If you have something to add to it, source it. --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 11:46, 16 April 2018 (UTC)

can i add a battle infobox for these battles?

Thranduil

2018-04-16T21:44:55Z

Dman:

{{Countdown}}
{{sindar infobox
| name=Thranduil
| image=[[File:Lourdes Velez - King Thranduil.jpg|250px]]
| caption="King Thanduil" by [[:Category:Images by Lourdes Velez|Lourdes Velez]]
| othernames=Elvenking
| titles=King of the [[Woodland Realm]]
| position=
| realm=The [[Woodland Realm]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]]
| birth=Unknown ([[First Age|First]] or [[Second Age]])
| birthlocation=
| rule=from {{SA|3434}}
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| house=
| parentage=[[Oropher]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=[[Legolas]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Golden<ref name=H8>{{H|8}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
}}{{pronounce|Sindarin - Thranduil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
<center>{{quote|In a great hall with pillars hewn out of the living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood. On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for the autumn was come again. In the spring he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', [[Barrels Out of Bond]]}}</center>
'''Thranduil''', the '''Elvenking''', was a [[Sindar|Sinda]] and King of the [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]] [[Elves of Mirkwood]] in the [[Woodland Realm]]. Thranduil was son of [[Oropher]] and father of [[Legolas]].

== History ==
=== Early History ===
At the end of the First Age many [[Sindar]] stayed at [[Lindon]], and before the building of the [[Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|1000}}, they travelled eastward.<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref> Thranduil is first recorded in this event, when he and his father, [[Oropher]], arrived, circa {{SA|750}}, in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Second}}</ref> Oropher was taken by the [[Silvan Elves]] as their lord and founded the [[Woodland Realm]].<ref name="UT6b"/>

[[Image:Anna Lee - Thranduil and Legolas.jpg|left|thumb|[[Anna Lee]] - ''Thranduil and Legolas'']]
In {{SA|3434}}, Thranduil followed his father, and some thirty thousand lightly armed Elves in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], Oropher was slain in the first assault upon Mordor, "rushing forward at the head of his most doughty warriors before Gil-galad had given the signal for the advance."<ref name="UT6b"/> His son survived, but over the course of the war, two-thirds of his people had perished. After the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|3441}}, when [[Sauron]] was defeated, Thranduil led the remainder of his people north back to the Woodland Realm, where he was crowned king.<ref name="UT6b">{{UT|6b}}</ref>

=== Third Age ===
Upon the return of Sauron - disguised as the [[Sauron|Necromancer]] - in around {{TA|1050}}, southern Greenwood became increasingly dangerous; evil creatures such as the great [[spiders]] came to dwell in it and the forest soon came to be known as "[[Mirkwood]]".<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> Thranduil's folk retreated to the north of the forest, where they established themselves near the [[Forest River]], building and fortifying the [[Elvenking's Halls]].{{fact}}
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Mirkwood elves.jpg|thumb|David T. Wenzel - ''Mirkwood elves'']]
In {{TA|2941}}, Thranduil and some of his folk were feasting in the woods when they were repeatedly disturbed by [[Thorin and Company|a party]] of [[Dwarves]]. After the third disturbance, the Elves captured [[Thorin]] who refused to reveal to Thranduil the reason for their journey through Mirkwood.<ref name="Flies"/> Following their battle with the spiders, the rest of [[Thorin and Company|the company]] was also captured by the Elves. Following their repeated failure to explain their presence in Mirkwood, Thranduil placed all the Dwarves under lock and key. They escaped, however, with the aid of a Hobbit, [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Baggins had evaded capture by Thranduil's people through the use of [[The One Ring|his magic ring]].

===Battle of Five Armies===
After the Dwarves' escape, Thranduil received word of what had transpired from the [[Raft-elves]] who returned up the [[Forest River]]. Thus he was now aware of the Dwarves' quest. Upon learning this, he stated, "no treasure will come back through Mirkwood without my having something to say in the matter."<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref> He believed the Dwarves were incapable of slaying the Dragon. However, he soon heard from his own messengers (including the birds) that the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Smaug]] had been felled (and the [[Lake-town]] was destroyed).

Thranduil was aware that Smaug had a massive hoard of treasure. Believing the Dwarves to be dead, and desiring a share of the treasure, he set out towards the [[Lonely Mountain]] with a company of Elves. On the way, they met messengers from [[Bard]] who was seeking aid for his destroyed town. Thranduil gave aid to these Men, as the [[Lake-men]] had been friends with the Wood-elves, and left elven craftsmen to aid in the labour and building of huts to fortify them against the coming winter.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> Together, Thranduil and Bard led their forces towards the Lonely Mountain and were surprised when they found out that the Dwarves not only survived Smaug's attacks, but had taken possession of the Mountain and its treasures; the [[King under the Mountain]] had returned.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Arkenstone.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Arkenstone'']]

As Thorin refused to give away any part of the treasure for [[Dale]] and Lake-town under armed threat, Thranduil and Bard besieged the mountain. After a few days, a Dwarvish host led by [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], who had been summoned by [[Ravens|raven]] messengers, approached to support Thorin. But, two evenings before his arrival, Bilbo came before Thranduil and Bard bringing the [[Arkenstone]], a great jewel that Thorin valued above all, in order to make Thorin open to negotiations again. Thranduil was impressed by Bilbo and urged him to remain in order to avoid Thorin's wrath, but Bilbo returned to his friends. The next morning Bard and Thranduil entered into negotiations with an angered Thorin, who agreed to pay one-fourteenth share of the treasure in exchange for the stone. Thranduil was reluctant to start a war over gold, but when the forces of Dáin arrived the next day, before the trade had been made for the Arkenstone, the Dwarves proceeded to attack.

[[Image:Capucine Mazille - The Battle of Five Armies.jpg|thumb|Capucine Mazille - ''The Battle of Five Armies'']]
At that moment, the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march after the hoard, and he was accompanied by a cloud of great bats. After skirmishing among themselves, under the council of Gandalf, the three commanders agreed that the Goblins were the enemies of all. So the [[Battle of Five Armies]] began, "upon one side were the Goblins and the Wild Wolves, and upon the other were Elves and Men and Dwarves."<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> Thranduil's host was positioned on the southern side of the Mountain, and they were the first to charge. Many Elves and allies were slain and things looked grim when the [[Eagles]] and [[Beorn]] arrived on the battlefield. They turned the tide and the battle was won.
[[File:Alan Lee - The King under the Mountain.jpg|thumb|"The King under the Mountain" by [[Alan Lee]]|left]]
Thorin died soon after the battle. Thranduil laid [[Orcrist]] on Thorin's tomb, where it was said to glow in warning when foes approached.

The victors divided the treasure, with Bard giving Thranduil the emeralds of [[Girion]]. When Bilbo and [[Gandalf]] bade farewell to Thranduil, Bilbo gave him a necklace of silver and pearls. Thranduil gave the [[Hobbits|hobbit]] the title [[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] and returned with the remainder of his host to his realm in Mirkwood.

=== War of the Ring===

On [[21 March]], {{TA|3018}} [[Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] delivered [[Gollum]] as a prisoner to Thranduil; but in June he later escaped. Thranduil sent his son [[Legolas]] to Rivendell to inform [[Elrond]], and during the [[Council of Elrond]] Legolas was selected as one of the nine members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref> Another member of the Company was the Dwarf, [[Gimli]], the son of [[Glóin]] of [[Thorin and Company|Thorin's company]], who had previously been imprisoned by Thranduil. The unprecedented friendship between Elf and Dwarf helped to reconcile Thranduil's people and the Dwarves.{{fact}}

On [[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}, [[Sauron]]'s army from [[Dol Guldur]] attacked Mirkwood. There was a long [[Battle Under Trees|battle under the trees]] and the woods were set on fire, but in the end Thranduil was victorious. In the south, the forces of the [[Lord and Lady of Galadhrim]] stormed Dol Guldur and threw down its walls.

On [[6 April]], the Elvenking met with Lord [[Celeborn]] in the midst of Mirkwood and renamed it ''[[Eryn Lasgalen]]'', "The Wood of the Greenleaves". With the forest cleansed and Sauron's forces destroyed, the Woodland Realm was divided. Thranduil received the northern region of the Eryn Lasgalen as far as the Mountains and ruled there into the [[Fourth Age]].<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref>

=== Fourth Age ===
Thranduil's ultimate fate is unknown.

== Personality ==
[[Image:Marya Filatova - Thranduil.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Marya Filatova]] - ''Thranduil'']]
Thranduil lived in atunement with nature, wearing a crown of woodland flowers, or autumn berries and red leaves, according to the season.<ref name="Barrels">{{H|Barrels}}</ref> His banner was green in colour.<ref>{{H|Gathering}}</ref> He loved the forest, though it was dark and dangerous in many parts; and enjoyed hunting and feasting among the trees with his people.<ref name="Flies">{{H|Flies}}</ref> He was distrustful of strangers for the most part, although he had business dealings with the men of [[Lake-town]].<ref name="Barrels"/> He was mostly unconcerned with affairs of the world beyond Mirkwood unless a common enemy was shared or for trade with "their kinsfolk in the South, or . . . Men in distant lands."<ref name="Barrels"/>

Although his concern was primarily for his realm, the memory of the end of the [[Second Age]] and what lay outside his borders haunted him:
{{blockquote|But there was in Thranduil's heart a still deeper shadow. He had seen the horror of [[Mordor]] and could not forget it. If ever he looked south its memory dimmed the light of the Sun, and though he knew that it was now broken and deserted and under the vigilance of the Kings of Men, fear spoke in his heart that it was not conquered for ever; it would arise again.|{{UT|6b}}}}

He had a particular fondness for white gems and wanted to acquire more: "if the elf-king had a weakness it was for treasure, especially for silver and white gems; and though his hoard was rich, was eager for more, since he had not yet as great a treasure as other elf-lords of old."<ref name="Flies"/> Despite this weakness, he was wise and would not wantonly go to war, risking his people's lives, over treasure. This was evidenced when the Elvenking said, "long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold . . . let us hope still for something that will bring reconciliation."<ref name="Burst"/>

Thranduil had his halls delved underground, fashioned partly in memory (it was said) of the mighty, but long-lost, [[Menegroth]] of [[Doriath]].<ref name="UT6b">{{UT|6b}}</ref> In north-eastern Mirkwood, they were near the Forest River behind great, stone gates. His realm was also protected by the [[Enchanted River]]<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref>, which could cause one to sleep and dream deeply, whilst the [[Elvenking's Halls]] served as a fortress.<ref name="Flies"/>

== Etymology ==
The name '''Thranduil''' means "Vigorous spring" in [[Sindarin]], from ''[[tharan]]'' "vigorous" and ''[[tuil]]'' "spring". Though the name is said to be of [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] origin, Tolkien's notes on ''tharan'' state it was used only in Sindarin.<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 187</ref>

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| ORO |ORO=[[Oropher]] ''d. {{SA|3434}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| |}}
{{familytree| THR |THR='''THRANDUIL''' ''Unknown''}}
{{familytree| |!| |}}
{{familytree| LEG |LEG=[[Legolas]] ''Sailed West {{FoA|120}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Thranduil in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Thranduil.jpg|The "Elvenking" in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (2003 video game) - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Battle for Middle-earth II - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
|File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
}}
'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Leonard Fenton]] provided the voice of Thranduil. He provides him with a Germanic accent.

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Thranduil is voiced by [[Otto Preminger]]. For some reason, in the movie, the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] are portrayed as squat and ugly, as opposed to the noble Elves of [[Rivendell]]. Like Fenton before him, Preminger's Thranduil speaks with a German accent.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Thranduil is referred to as "Elvenking Thranduil", using both his title from ''The Hobbit'' and his name from ''The Lord of the Rings'', to accommodate players who have only read ''The Hobbit''. Thranduil first appears in the level "Barrels Out of Bond", in which he can be overheard speaking about the [[White Council]] and their attack on [[Dol Guldur]]. He returns as a conversation partner in the last level, "The Clouds Burst", in which he and Gandalf ask the player, in the persona of Bilbo, to deliver a message to Bard. No voice actor is specified for this part.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Thranduil is a hero for the Elven faction. In the good campaign, he shows up after the [[Battle of Dale]], and participates in the Siege of [[Dol Guldur]].

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Thranduil is played by [[Lee Pace]] in the ''Hobbit'' [[The Hobbit (film series)|film trilogy]].<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150239464391558|articlename=Casting news!|dated=30-April-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Thranduil is first seen in the prologue paying homage to King [[Thrór]] inside within the [[Lonely Mountain]], though leaves in a huff when the [[Dwarves]] refuse to give him a box of white jewels. He is next seen with an army outside of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], seemingly ready to help during the [[Sack of Erebor]]. However, he decides not to help and turns away.

'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:When [[Thorin]] is taken before Thranduil in the [[Elvenking's Halls]], he surmises that he and his [[Thorin and Company|Company]] are going to try to reclaim the [[Lonely Mountain]] from [[Smaug]] (unlike in the book, where he had no idea as to their purpose). He offers a deal to Thorin, saying he will let the Company go if they will pay him the white jewels he desires inside the Mountain. When the Dwarf refuses and chastises him for not offering aid to the [[Dwarves of Erebor|Dwarves]] the day of the Sack, the Elven-king reveals a large disfigurement on his face underneath his skin, claiming he received it from fighting 'great serpents of the North.' Later, when a [[Narzug|captured]] [[Orcs|Orc]] claims that [[Sauron|"The One"]] is returning, he beheads the orc before he orders the kingdom to be completely sealed off from the outside world.

'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''
:After learning of [[Smaug]]'s demise, Thranduil leads his Elven army to claim the white jewels from the Dwarves of Erebor, even by force. It is revealed that these jewels were meant for his wife, who had been taken to [[Gundabad]] and tortured to death many years prior. When the army arrives in [[Dale]], he forges an allegiance with [[Bard]], also offering the [[Lake-town]] refugees food and supplies. When Gandalf arrives at Erebor to warn them of the impending attack by the approaching Orc army, the Elven-king refuses to listen. Thranduil's soldiers come to clashes with those of [[Dáin Ironfoot]] right before the Orcs arrive, leading to the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. Thranduil himself fights in the battle against the Orcs, but withdraws his forces when defence of Dale results in many Elven casualties. This leads to a confrontation between him and [[Tauriel]] before she and [[Legolas]] go to Thorin's aid at [[Ravenhill]]. The event causes a rift between Thranduil and his son, to the point where Legolas decides not to return to the kingdom. Thranduil then advises him to go and find the [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]] known as "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]" among the [[Dúnedain]]. The Elven-king also accepts Tauriel's love for [[Kíli]] when he finds her mourning over the Dwarf's death.

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Thranduil|Images of Thranduil]]

==External links==

*[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/09/15/79209-thranduil-the-fisher-king-and-oberon-why-it-matters/ Thranduil, The Fisher King and Oberon; Why It Matters] by Marthe
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2013/09/27/was-the-elvenking-of-the-hobbit-supposed-to-be-thingol-greycloak/ Was the Elvenking of ''The Hobbit'' Supposed to be Thingol Greycloak?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references|n}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Rulers of Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Silvan Elvish names]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[de:Thranduil]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/sindar/thranduil]]
[[fi:Thranduil]]

Gondor

2018-04-16T21:11:13Z

Dman:

{{kingdom
| image=[[File:Abe Papakhian - Minas Tirith.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gondor
| pronun=
| othernames=South-kingdom, Stoningland
| location=South of [[White Mountains]], west of [[Mordor]]
| capital=[[Osgiliath]] ({{SA|3320}} - {{TA|1640}}) [[Minas Tirith]] (from {{TA|1640}})
| towns=[[Pelargir]], [[Calembel]], [[Dol Amroth]], [[Erech]], [[Linhir]] Formerly: [[Minas Morgul|Minas Ithil]]
| regions=[[Anórien]], [[Ithilien]], [[Lossarnach]], [[Lebennin]], [[Belfalas]], [[Dor-en-Ernil]], [[Lamedon]], [[Anfalas]] Formerly: [[Calenardhon]], [[Harondor]]
| population=Mostly [[Gondorians]]
| language=[[Westron]], [[Gondor Sindarin]]
| govern1=[[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]], later [[King of the Reunited Kingdom]]
| govern2=[[Ruling Steward]]
| govern3=[[Council of Gondor]]
| currency=[[Castar]]
| holiday=[[Cormarë]] (Fourth Age)
| precededby=
| event1=Founded
| event1date={{SA|3320}}
| event2=Great Plague
| event2date={{TA|1636}}
| event3=First Steward
| event3date={{TA|2050}}
| event4=Rohan formed
| event4date={{TA|2510}}
| event5=Kings return
| event5date={{TA|3019}}
| followedby=
}}
{{Pronounce|Gondor.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{quote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea! West Wind blew there; light upon the Silver Tree|[[Aragorn]]<ref name="tRoR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"</ref>}}</center>

'''Gondor''' was the '''South Kingdom'''<ref name="OtRoP"/> of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Middle-earth]], established soon after the downfall of [[Númenor]] by [[Isildur]] and his brother [[Anárion]]. Their father [[Elendil]], who ruled the North Kingdom [[Arnor]], held the overlordship of the realm, however. Though it waned in power over time and the line of its Kings failed, Gondor survived to the end of the [[Third Age]], and had an instrumental role in the [[War of the Ring]]. After the defeat of [[Sauron]], Gondor was ruled by [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Heir of Isildur. Gondor was the seat of the [[Dominion of Men]] in the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]], and many of the tales and legends of the earlier [[Ages of the Children of Ilúvatar|Age]]s of Middle-earth come from the lore and history it preserved.

== History ==
=== Early History ===
Before the Downfall of Númenor, the region that would become Gondor was home to many Númenórean colonists, who either mingled with the indigenous [[Middle Men]] if they were friendly, or dispersed them into [[Ras Morthil]], [[Dunland]], and [[Drúadan Forest]]. The land on which Gondor was founded was more fertile than the more northerly areas of Middle-earth, and therefore it already had a fairly large population and settlements, including a well-established haven, [[Pelargir]]<ref name="UTD">{{UT|Druedain}}</ref> founded by the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans in the year {{SA|2350|n}} of the [[Second Age]].

The refugees from [[Númenor]] led by [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]] were given a warm reception upon their arrival by those [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] colonists. Those north of the river [[Anduin]] accepted Elendil's claim to kingship over them, being a heir of the Faithful [[Lords of Andúnie]]. South of the Great River, however, there were also-newly-exiled [[Black Númenóreans]], descendants of the [[King's Men]] of Númenor, who opposed the Faithful, and therefore did not recognize Elendil's claim. Much of Gondor's early history was marked by conflict with the Black Númenóreans.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The White Tree'']]After their arrival and acceptance by the people, Isildur and Anárion put themselves to the task of ordering their realm. Isildur took the area then known as [[Arnen]] (later [[Ithilien]])<ref>{{VT|42a}}, p. 17</ref> and built the tower of [[Minas Ithil]] near Mordor as a threat to the [[Mordor|Black Land]], and within its walls he planted a seedling of the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] of Númenor that he had taken before its burning. Anárion raised the tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the other side of Anduin's floodplain as a bulwark against the [[Wild Men]]. In between their cities, the brothers founded [[Osgiliath]], their capital, from which they jointly reigned; these three cities also housed three of the ''[[palantíri]]'', the Seeing Stones that the Faithful had taken with them from Númenor, to maintain contact with Elendil and the other areas under their control.

=== First Conflict with Sauron ===
The Dúnedain were at first unaware that Sauron, who had been taken as a prisoner to Númenor before its destruction, had survived the disastrous Downfall. However, not long after the kingdom's cities were built, the awakening of the fires of [[Orodruin]] signaled his return. At that time, the Men of Gondor first called the mountain ''Amon Amarth'', or Mount Doom. Soon after, Sauron launched an attack on Minas Ithil, which forced Isildur into a retreat. Sauron took the fortress and burned the White Tree that had grown there, but Isildur saved one of its seedlings and took it and his family on a ship down the Anduin. He sailed to the north to confer with Elendil about these events. Anárion remained in Gondor and continued to hold Osgiliath. He also managed to push back Sauron's forces to the mountain range of [[Ephel Dúath]], but Sauron began to gather reinforcements, among whom were a large number of Black Númenóreans, and the Men of Gondor knew that their realm was in great danger of being destroyed unless aid came.

=== The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===
Elendil reacted to the threat of Sauron by combining forces with [[Gil-galad]] the [[Elves|Elven]]-king to make the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. Their armies marched southeast from Arnor and Gil-galad's realm of [[Lindon]]. Supported by the forces of Gondor, [[Lórinand]], [[Mirkwood]] and the dwarves of [[Moria]], the Alliance fought a great battle on the plain of [[Dagorlad]] north of Mordor. The armies of Elendil and Gil-galad were victorious, and entered Mordor itself, where they laid a siege on Sauron's Tower of [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Barad-dûr]] for seven years. During this time, Anárion was killed by a rock thrown from the Tower that broke his helm. The siege ended when Sauron himself emerged from Barad-dûr to fight the Alliance. Gil-galad and Elendil attacked and destroyed Sauron, though they themselves were slain the process.<ref name="OtRoP">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

=== Gondor in the Beginning of the [[Third Age]] ===
====Rebuilding====
After the battle, during which the long Second Age came to an end, Isildur built a secret tomb for Elendil on the mountain [[Amon Anwar]].<ref name="CE"/> He also aided Anárion's son [[Meneldil]], who was now King, in reorganizing Gondor. Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree that he had saved in [[Minas Ithil]], and brought to Minas Anor (later known as Minas Tirith), and it endured for several centuries. After these acts, Isildur left Gondor in the third year of the Third Age with the intent of ruling his father's kingdom of Arnor. He [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields|never arrived]].<ref name="Gladden">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]"</ref>

==== Gondor Prospers ====
After the war, Gondor's power and wealth grew steadily (only interrupted by an [[Easterlings|Easterling]] invasion in [[Third Age 492]]). Its power would continue to grow into the 9th century of the Third Age. While the power of Gondor's sister kingdom [[Arnor]] peaked during the 9th century, when it broke into various successor states, Gondor's greatest glory was yet to come.

==== Gondor's Golden Age ====
[[File:Steven White Jr. - Gondor TA1050.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gondor in {{TA|1050}}]]Gondor's power reached its Golden Age under the four "[[Ship-kings]]"<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

The reign of Tarannon was an unhappy one: he married [[Berúthiel]], nefarious and loveless. Unlike her husband, she hated the Sea, its smells and its sounds. Mystery began to surround her as she used her [[cats]] to spy on every one, and paranoia and fear rose. After much ado, Tarannon banished her from Gondor, setting her on an adrift ship with her cats. It was last seen passing [[Umbar]] in the South.<ref name="UTI7">{{UT|Istari}}, note 7</ref>

In the reign of the powerful king Hyarmendacil I Gondor reached the height of its power. During Hyarmendacil's reign Gondor's borders reached their furthest extent. The Kingdom extended east to the [[Sea of Rhûn]]; south to the [[Harnen]] and all the coast up to the cape of [[Umbar]]; as far north as [[Celebrant]]; and west towards [[Greyflood]]. Gondor would also enjoy several centuries of peace due to its military might. The [[Men of the Vales of Anduin]] as well as the Haradrim acknowledged its authority and overlordship, with the Kings of Harad paying homage.<ref name="Gondor"/>

[[Rómendacil II]] built on the northern approach to [[Nen Hithoel]] the giant pillars [[Argonath]] to mark the northern border of Gondor following a great defeat over the [[Easterlings]] in {{TA|1248}}.<ref>{{App|B2}}</ref>

=== The Decline of Gondor ===
After Rómendacil II's reign, decadence spread under the kings of Gondor and a long period of decline began (although Gondor experienced several revivals). Three great calamities struck Gondor during the second millennium of the Third Age, which are held to be the chief reasons for its decline: the [[Kin-strife]], the [[Great Plague]], and the invasion of the [[Wainriders]] (a tribe of Easterlings), one of series of conflicts in the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]].

==== The Kin-strife ====
In the 15th century a great civil war named the Kin-strife tore the nation apart. The current King Eldacar was of mixed blood: his mother was of the Northmen. Popular displeasure at this led to the overthrow of King Eldacar by Castamir, the admiral of all of Gondor's naval forces who possessed some royal blood. Eldacar's son was slain, and Eldacar fled north. Castamir was afterward known as [[Castamir|Castamir the Usurper]]. During his ten year rule he proved to be very cruel, and because of his love of his old fleet, he lavished attention on the coastal regions while the interior provinces were ignored and left to rot. Eldacar then returned with an army of his Northmen kinsmen, and they were joined by armies of Gondorians from interior provinces such as Anórien. [[Osgiliath]] was devastated during this conflict, its great bridge destroyed and its ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'' lost. Eldacar slew Castamir and reclaimed his throne, but Castamir's sons and their forces were besieged in Pelargir, the great port of Gondor. They eventually retreated to Umbar, where they joined with the Corsairs, and troubled Gondor for many years, until their descendants died out.

==== The Great Plague ====
In [[Third Age 1636]] the [[Great Plague]] struck and the [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]] died. This Plague was no localized event: the Plague swept through all of Middle-earth, reaching the successor states of Arnor and the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] in the North. King [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]] found a sapling of the White Tree, and moved the capital from Osgiliath to [[Minas Anor]], the City of Anárion. During this time, Gondor was so depopulated that the fortifications guarding against the re-entry of evil into Mordor were abandoned. It is believed that had the Haradrim or Easterlings been capable of attacking Gondor at this time, it would have fallen. However, the Plague left Gondor's enemies in no better condition than Gondor itself, and neither side was capable of mounting new offensives.

==== The Invasion of the Wainriders ====
Following the sapping of Gondor's strength by the plague, the Wainrider invasions devastated Gondor, and the conflict lasted for almost a century. Conquering eastern and southern Rhovanion, they pushed the borders of Gondor back to the Anduin and the [[Emyn Muil]] ({{TA|1856}}). In those difficult times for both Realms in Exile, the year {{TA|1940}} marked the re-establishment of their relations, after centuries of silence and estrangement. King [[Ondoher]] took counsel with [[King of Arthedain]] [[Araphant]], and his daughter, princess [[Fíriel]], married prince [[Arvedui]].

The Wainriders destroyed the Northern Army of Gondor, but survivors linked up with the victorious Southern Army of Gondor, led by general [[Eärnil I|Eärnil]], and they defeated the Wainriders as they celebrated their victory during the [[Battle of the Camp]], in {{TA|1944}}.

=== The Line of the Kings Fails ===
==== Reunification Rejected ====
In 1944, Gondor also faced a constitutional crisis when King [[Ondoher]] was slain in a previous battle with both his sons. Prince [[Arvedui]], son of King [[Araphant]] of [[Arthedain]] and Ondoher's son-in-law, and the victorious general Eärnil, who was a distant blood-relative of Ondoher, claimed the throne. Arvedui's claim lay mainly in the reintroduction of the old Númenórean law of accession, which stated the eldest (remaining) child should succeed the king. If the law was reintroduced, then Arvedui's wife [[Fíriel]], Ondoher's daughter and last remaining child would become [[Ruling Queens of Númenor|Ruling Queen]], making their descendants Kings of both Arnor and Gondor. Arvedui also tried to put weight behind his claim as he was Isildur's heir. The Council of Gondor recognised that the name of Isildur was held in honour in Gondor, but they dictated that the South-Kingdom must be ruled by an Heir of Anárion. Due to his ancestry from Fíriel and Arvedui, more than a millennium later, Aragorn Elessar put forward his claim as the heir of both Isildur and Anárion.

Eärnil lay his claim as being a direct descendant of King [[Telumehtar]] Umbardacil. His claim was also greatly bolstered by the popularity he had gained as the victorious general who saved Gondor from the Wainriders after winning the southern theatre of the war. Steward [[Pelendur]] who was temporarily ruling Gondor as serving as arbiter of succession, intervened in favour of Gondor's victorious general who would rule as [[Eärnil II]].

==== The Last Heir of Anárion ====
During the [[Battle of Fornost]], Eärnil II's heir Eärnur led Gondor's forces to victory over the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], who was actually the Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]. Although Eärnur wished to fight him, Eärnur's horse was terrified and fled the battle against his wishes. By the time he mastered his horse and return, the Witch-king had fled. [[Glorfindel]] the Elf then prophesied to him that it was better that he not fight the Lord of the Nazgûl because "never by the hand of man shall he fall".

Eärnur later ascended to the throne, ruling from Minas Anor (Tower of the Sun). During this time, the Ringwraiths captured Minas Anor's sister city, Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon), renaming it Minas Morgul (Tower of Sorcery) and taking it as their lair. Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith (Tower of Guard) as a result. The Lord of the Nazgûl repeatedly sent messengers to Minas Tirith challenging Eärnur to single combat, taunting him that he had fled out of cowardice from facing him during the Battle of Fornost. Eventually, King Eärnur was overcome by wrath and rode with a small company of knights to Minas Morgul, to accept the challenge. They were never heard from again. So ended the Line of [[Anárion]].

=== The Stewards of Gondor ===
==== The Ruling Stewards ====
The realm was governed by a long line of hereditary Stewards after the disappearance of [[Eärnur]], son of Eärnil, since there was no proof that the last king was dead, and no claimant had enough support to be accepted as his successor. The line of Anárion was held to have failed, and Gondor was not willing to risk to another Kin-strife, which would surely have destroyed it. Whenever there was a new Steward, he would swear an oath to yield rule of Gondor back to the King, in essence only an heir of Isildur, if he should ever return. In Gondor there was no one who could claim descent from Isildur in direct line, and the northern line of Arnor had effectively disappeared, so this oath was not considered seriously. The line of Stewards ruled as Kings, without having the title.

==== Cirion and Eorl ====
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl'']]
In [[Third Age 2510]], when Steward [[Cirion]] ruled over Gondor, the nation faced one of its greatest perils: an Easterling tribe named the ''[[Balchoth]]'' invaded Gondor with massive force. Gondor's army marched to fight the Balchoth but were cut off from [[Minas Tirith]] and pushed back in the direction of the [[Limlight]].

Messengers were sent to get help from the [[Éothéod]], a tribe which lived in the northern vales of the [[Anduin]], but nobody expected the messengers to reach their destination. When certain peril came upon Gondor, however, the Éothéod turned the tide of the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]. After the victory the Éothéod were awarded the fields of [[Calenardhon]] north of the [[Ered Nimrais]] from the Gap of Rohan at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]], [[Fangorn Forest]], rivers Limlight to river [[Anduin]], western [[Emyn Muil]] and the [[Mering Stream]], where they established the kingdom of [[Rohan]] with [[Eorl the Young]] as their first king. A perpetual alliance between Gondor and Rohan was established by the oath Eorl swore to Cirion.<ref name="CE"/>

=== [[War of the Ring]]===
[[File:Steven White Jr. - Gondor TA3019.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gondor in {{TA|3019}}]]
In 3019, during the [[War of the Ring]], Gondor was the strongest of the free nations that opposed Sauron, and thus, its defeat was his primary strategic goal in the war.<ref name="MT">{{RK|V1}}</ref> Gondor faced an all out attack on its capital Minas Tirith in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Although nearly defeated, the Rohirrim once again turned the tide of battle, and helped win the war, though with heavy losses.<ref name="tBotPF">{{RK|Battle}}</ref> The combined army of the West then carried the battle to Sauron at the Battle of the Morannon, a feint to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo Baggins's quest to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom, thus causing Sauron's destruction and the allies' ultimate victory.

After the second and final defeat of Sauron the Kingship was restored, [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] became king of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor.

[[Faramir]], last heir of the Ruling Stewards, was to retain the office of steward (though not ruling), and was made [[Prince of Ithilien]], which had been reconquered from the forces of Mordor.<ref name="tSatK">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref> Faramir would serve as the King's representative during absence or illness, and became the chief counsellor of the [[Council of Gondor]].<ref name="L244">{{L|244}}</ref>

==Geography==
Initially, Gondor was comprised of the lands to the North and South of the [[White Mountains]], but [[Calenardhon|a large part of the northern territories]] was gifted to the [[Éothéod]] in [[Third Age 2510]].<ref name="CE">{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> Gondor's close proximity to Sauron's land was the catalyst of many battles and skirmishes, but its location also gave the Gondorians more ability to protect the other regions of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord and his servants.<ref name="CoE">{{FR|Council}}</ref>
===Regions===
Gondor was divided between several nearly autonomous regions. These were the following:
* [[Ithilien]], across the [[Anduin]] from Minas Tirith
* [[Anórien]], surrounding [[Minas Tirith]]
* [[Lossarnach]]
* [[Lebennin]]
* [[Belfalas]]
* [[Dor-en-Ernil]], ruled by the [[Prince of Dol Amroth]]
* [[Lamedon]], north of the [[Ringló]]
* [[Ringló Vale]]
* [[Anfalas]], or the Langstrand, in the south-west
* [[Ethir Anduin]]

The long cape of [[Andrast]] was not populated.

Additionally, Gondor held or had held the following regions at certain points in its history:
* [[South Gondor]], which was contested between Gondor and [[Harad]]
* [[Calenardhon]], which was given to the Éothéod and became Rohan
* [[Enedwaith]], never really populated by Gondor and soon abandoned
* [[Rhovanion]], which was never fully under the control of Gondor but under Gondorian influence at certain times during the Third Age
* [[Umbar]], which was retaken by the Corsairs of Umbar and the Haradrim
* [[Haradwaith]], tributary of Gondor for a while

===Cities===
Cities in Gondor included:
* [[Calembel]]
* [[Dol Amroth]], a city on the coast of Belfalas
* [[Linhir]]
* [[Minas Tirith]] (originally named Minas Anor), City of the Kings
* [[Osgiliath]], city and former capital of Gondor on the river Anduin, largely destroyed and abandoned by the end of the Third Age
* [[Pelargir]]
* [[Tarnost]] (debatable)<ref name="t2M">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]], ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', "[[The Second Map]]"</ref>

===Fortresses and outposts===
Additionally, Gondor used the following locations as military strongholds at certain points in its history, many of which Mordor later took:
* The outposts of [[Amon Hen]] and [[Amon Lhaw]] on [[Emyn Muil]] probably had small garrisons
* [[Isengard|Angrenost]], the fortress of Isengard, later granted to [[Saruman]]
* [[Aglarond]], the Gondorian fortress, later known as Helm's Deep
* The [[Towers of the Teeth]], built by the Gondorians to keep watch over Mordor
* The Gondorian fortress guarding the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]
* The castle that came to be called [[Durthang]], the largest fortress in Mordor, originally built to guard the [[Ephel Dúath]]
* [[Minas Ithil]], conquered by [[Mordor]] and renamed [[Minas Morgul]] by the Gondorians
* [[Tharbad]] to the north, held by both Gondor and Arnor but abandoned and later ruined after Gondor retreated from [[Enedwaith]]
* [[Umbar]], a harbour in the south which was contested by the Haradrim and lost and reclaimed several times

==Languages==
As the Gondorians came from Númenor, so came their language: [[Westron]], or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of Gondor. Though the source of Westron lay in Pelargir,<ref name="AppF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix F]]'', "Of Men"</ref> the clearest form, without any accent, was spoken in Minas Tirith.<ref name="L193">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 193]] (dated [[2 November|November 2]], [[1956]])</ref> This style was nobler and more antique than other dialects, and this was the Westron the Elves adopted.<ref name="L144">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 144]] (dated [[25 April|April 25]], [[1954]])</ref> In reverence of the mighty lords of Númenor of old, Eldarin was spoken by nobility. Quenya was known to the learned, and Sindarin was used to be polite, especially by those of high [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] blood.<ref name="L347">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] (dated [[17 December|December 17]], [[1972]])</ref> However, especially the Sindarin contained several [[Gondor Sindarin|dialectical differences]].<ref name="CE49">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]", note 49</ref>

==Etymology==
In earlier times, it was called the South Kingdom, or ''Hyaralondie'', ''Hyallondie'' and ''Turmen Hyallondiéva'' in Quenya, and ''Arthor na Challonnas'' in Sindarin from the Númenórean point of view: the elements ''[[londie]]'' and ''[[lonnas]]'' mean "harbour, landing".<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}</ref>

The name '''Gondor''' was likely adopted from the lesser people's terminology<ref name="L324">{{L|324}}</ref> and translates from [[Sindarin]] as "Stone-land", from the words ''[[gond]]'', "stone", and ''(n)[[dor]]'', "land".<ref name="L324"/> The (generally not used) [[Quenya]] form of the name was ''Ondonóre''.<ref name="VT42">{{VT|42}}</ref> Gondor received its name because of the abundance of stone in the [[Ered Nimrais]], and the usage of it in great stone cities, statues, and monuments, such as Minas Tirith and the Argonath.

In [[Rohan]], it was known as '''Stoningland''' (a modernization of [[Old English]] ''Stāning-(land)''<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 776</ref>),<ref name="tBotPF"/> and [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]] of the [[Drúedain]] also recognized their use of stone.<ref name="RotR">{{RK|Ride}}</ref>
==Inspiration==
The history and civilization of Gondor has been compared to historical elements of the real world.
===Italy===
[[Letter to Jennifer Brookes-Smith (28 July 1955)|Writing in a letter]] about an impending trip in [[1955]], Tolkien identified Gondor as [[Wikipedia:Italy|Italy]].<ref>{{CG|C}}, p. 462</ref>
===Egypt===
[[Tolkien]] himself likened Gondor in a degree to ancient Egypt, in terms of how Gondorians constructed gigantic stone structures, and the [[Crown of Gondor]] being similar to the [[Wikipedia:Pschent|crown of the Pharaohs of Egypt]].<ref>{{L|211}}, p. 281</ref> Notably, some "scholars" claimed that ancient Egypt was a colony of [[Atlantis]],<ref>[[Wikipedia:Ignatius L. Donnelly|Ignatius L. Donnelly]], [http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/4032 Atlantis: The Antediluvian World] (1882), Part V, Chapter II: The Egyptian Colony</ref> much like how Gondor was a survival of Númenor (although it is unknown if Tolkien considered this aspect).
===Byzantine Empire===
In online discussions, many [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]] have entertained the idea that Gondor is comparable to the [[Wikipedia:Byzantine Empire|Byzantine Empire]],<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.middleearthcenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21307|articlename=Gondor -> Byzantine Empire|dated=|website=[http://www.middleearthcenter.com/ Middle-earth Center]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=229914|articlename=Is Gondor Constantinople?|dated=|website=Plaza|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.thephora.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12555|articlename=Gondor = Byzantium?|dated=|website=[http://www.thephora.net/forum/index.php The Phora]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref> and Tolkien himself referred to Minas Tirith as a "Byzantine City".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 570</ref> Some of the parallels noted between Gondor and the Byzantine Empire are:<ref>Miryam Librán-Moreno, "'Byzantium, New Rome!': Goths, Langobards, and Byzantium in ''The Lord of the Rings''", in ''[[Tolkien and the Study of His Sources]]'' (edited by [[Jason Fisher]]</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=Tom Simon|articleurl=http://www.bondwine.com/essays/38/gondor.html|articlename=Gondor, Byzantium, and Feudalism|dated=13 March 2010|website=[http://www.bondwine.com/ Bondwine]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref>

Gondor is the south-eastern portion of [[Elendil]]'s original kingdom. The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern remnant of the Roman Empire. The [[Wikipedia:Western Roman Empire|Western Roman Empire]] eventually withered and dissolved, like [[Arnor]], while the Byzantine Empire endured, although in declined state. Their geographical role is also comparable as the Byzantine Empire encircled the Mediterranean while Gondor occupied the region around the [[Bay of Belfalas]]; both were threatened by [[Easterlings|eastern]] and [[Haradrim|southern]] adversaries. The Byzantine Empire absorbed several "barbaric" peoples like the Wends and Slavs, much like Gondor did with the [[Northmen]] and other [[Middle Men]].

As a final note, the last Byzantine Emperor, [[Wikipedia:Constantine_XI_Palaiologos#Legacy|Constantine XI]], remained in legend and folklore as the [[Wikipedia:King in the mountain|"Marble King"]] whose messianic ressurection and return would signal the restoration of the Empire. This parallels the fate of [[Earnur]] and Gondor's interregnum period until the "Return of the [[Aragorn|King]]" who [[Reunited Kingdom|restored the Kingdom]]. However unlike the Byzantine Empire, Gondor did not fall.
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Dman:

{{kingdom
| image=[[File:Abe Papakhian - Minas Tirith.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gondor
| pronun=
| othernames=South-kingdom, Stoningland
| location=South of [[White Mountains]], west of [[Mordor]]
| capital=[[Osgiliath]] ({{SA|3320}} - {{TA|1640}}) [[Minas Tirith]] (from {{TA|1640}})
| towns=[[Pelargir]], [[Calembel]], [[Dol Amroth]], [[Erech]], [[Linhir]] Formerly: [[Minas Morgul|Minas Ithil]]
| regions=[[Anórien]], [[Ithilien]], [[Lossarnach]], [[Lebennin]], [[Belfalas]], [[Dor-en-Ernil]], [[Lamedon]], [[Anfalas]] Formerly: [[Calenardhon]], [[Harondor]]
| population=Mostly [[Gondorians]]
| language=[[Westron]], [[Gondor Sindarin]]
| govern1=[[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]], later [[Kings of the Reunited Kingdom]]
| govern2=[[Ruling Steward]]
| govern3=[[Council of Gondor]]
| currency=[[Castar]]
| holiday=[[Cormarë]] (Fourth Age)
| precededby=
| event1=Founded
| event1date={{SA|3320}}
| event2=Great Plague
| event2date={{TA|1636}}
| event3=First Steward
| event3date={{TA|2050}}
| event4=Rohan formed
| event4date={{TA|2510}}
| event5=Kings return
| event5date={{TA|3019}}
| followedby=
}}
{{Pronounce|Gondor.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{quote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea! West Wind blew there; light upon the Silver Tree|[[Aragorn]]<ref name="tRoR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"</ref>}}</center>

'''Gondor''' was the '''South Kingdom'''<ref name="OtRoP"/> of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Middle-earth]], established soon after the downfall of [[Númenor]] by [[Isildur]] and his brother [[Anárion]]. Their father [[Elendil]], who ruled the North Kingdom [[Arnor]], held the overlordship of the realm, however. Though it waned in power over time and the line of its Kings failed, Gondor survived to the end of the [[Third Age]], and had an instrumental role in the [[War of the Ring]]. After the defeat of [[Sauron]], Gondor was ruled by [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Heir of Isildur. Gondor was the seat of the [[Dominion of Men]] in the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]], and many of the tales and legends of the earlier [[Ages of the Children of Ilúvatar|Age]]s of Middle-earth come from the lore and history it preserved.

== History ==
=== Early History ===
Before the Downfall of Númenor, the region that would become Gondor was home to many Númenórean colonists, who either mingled with the indigenous [[Middle Men]] if they were friendly, or dispersed them into [[Ras Morthil]], [[Dunland]], and [[Drúadan Forest]]. The land on which Gondor was founded was more fertile than the more northerly areas of Middle-earth, and therefore it already had a fairly large population and settlements, including a well-established haven, [[Pelargir]]<ref name="UTD">{{UT|Druedain}}</ref> founded by the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans in the year {{SA|2350|n}} of the [[Second Age]].

The refugees from [[Númenor]] led by [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]] were given a warm reception upon their arrival by those [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] colonists. Those north of the river [[Anduin]] accepted Elendil's claim to kingship over them, being a heir of the Faithful [[Lords of Andúnie]]. South of the Great River, however, there were also-newly-exiled [[Black Númenóreans]], descendants of the [[King's Men]] of Númenor, who opposed the Faithful, and therefore did not recognize Elendil's claim. Much of Gondor's early history was marked by conflict with the Black Númenóreans.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The White Tree'']]After their arrival and acceptance by the people, Isildur and Anárion put themselves to the task of ordering their realm. Isildur took the area then known as [[Arnen]] (later [[Ithilien]])<ref>{{VT|42a}}, p. 17</ref> and built the tower of [[Minas Ithil]] near Mordor as a threat to the [[Mordor|Black Land]], and within its walls he planted a seedling of the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] of Númenor that he had taken before its burning. Anárion raised the tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the other side of Anduin's floodplain as a bulwark against the [[Wild Men]]. In between their cities, the brothers founded [[Osgiliath]], their capital, from which they jointly reigned; these three cities also housed three of the ''[[palantíri]]'', the Seeing Stones that the Faithful had taken with them from Númenor, to maintain contact with Elendil and the other areas under their control.

=== First Conflict with Sauron ===
The Dúnedain were at first unaware that Sauron, who had been taken as a prisoner to Númenor before its destruction, had survived the disastrous Downfall. However, not long after the kingdom's cities were built, the awakening of the fires of [[Orodruin]] signaled his return. At that time, the Men of Gondor first called the mountain ''Amon Amarth'', or Mount Doom. Soon after, Sauron launched an attack on Minas Ithil, which forced Isildur into a retreat. Sauron took the fortress and burned the White Tree that had grown there, but Isildur saved one of its seedlings and took it and his family on a ship down the Anduin. He sailed to the north to confer with Elendil about these events. Anárion remained in Gondor and continued to hold Osgiliath. He also managed to push back Sauron's forces to the mountain range of [[Ephel Dúath]], but Sauron began to gather reinforcements, among whom were a large number of Black Númenóreans, and the Men of Gondor knew that their realm was in great danger of being destroyed unless aid came.

=== The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===
Elendil reacted to the threat of Sauron by combining forces with [[Gil-galad]] the [[Elves|Elven]]-king to make the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. Their armies marched southeast from Arnor and Gil-galad's realm of [[Lindon]]. Supported by the forces of Gondor, [[Lórinand]], [[Mirkwood]] and the dwarves of [[Moria]], the Alliance fought a great battle on the plain of [[Dagorlad]] north of Mordor. The armies of Elendil and Gil-galad were victorious, and entered Mordor itself, where they laid a siege on Sauron's Tower of [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Barad-dûr]] for seven years. During this time, Anárion was killed by a rock thrown from the Tower that broke his helm. The siege ended when Sauron himself emerged from Barad-dûr to fight the Alliance. Gil-galad and Elendil attacked and destroyed Sauron, though they themselves were slain the process.<ref name="OtRoP">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

=== Gondor in the Beginning of the [[Third Age]] ===
====Rebuilding====
After the battle, during which the long Second Age came to an end, Isildur built a secret tomb for Elendil on the mountain [[Amon Anwar]].<ref name="CE"/> He also aided Anárion's son [[Meneldil]], who was now King, in reorganizing Gondor. Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree that he had saved in [[Minas Ithil]], and brought to Minas Anor (later known as Minas Tirith), and it endured for several centuries. After these acts, Isildur left Gondor in the third year of the Third Age with the intent of ruling his father's kingdom of Arnor. He [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields|never arrived]].<ref name="Gladden">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]"</ref>

==== Gondor Prospers ====
After the war, Gondor's power and wealth grew steadily (only interrupted by an [[Easterlings|Easterling]] invasion in [[Third Age 492]]). Its power would continue to grow into the 9th century of the Third Age. While the power of Gondor's sister kingdom [[Arnor]] peaked during the 9th century, when it broke into various successor states, Gondor's greatest glory was yet to come.

==== Gondor's Golden Age ====
[[File:Steven White Jr. - Gondor TA1050.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gondor in {{TA|1050}}]]Gondor's power reached its Golden Age under the four "[[Ship-kings]]"<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

The reign of Tarannon was an unhappy one: he married [[Berúthiel]], nefarious and loveless. Unlike her husband, she hated the Sea, its smells and its sounds. Mystery began to surround her as she used her [[cats]] to spy on every one, and paranoia and fear rose. After much ado, Tarannon banished her from Gondor, setting her on an adrift ship with her cats. It was last seen passing [[Umbar]] in the South.<ref name="UTI7">{{UT|Istari}}, note 7</ref>

In the reign of the powerful king Hyarmendacil I Gondor reached the height of its power. During Hyarmendacil's reign Gondor's borders reached their furthest extent. The Kingdom extended east to the [[Sea of Rhûn]]; south to the [[Harnen]] and all the coast up to the cape of [[Umbar]]; as far north as [[Celebrant]]; and west towards [[Greyflood]]. Gondor would also enjoy several centuries of peace due to its military might. The [[Men of the Vales of Anduin]] as well as the Haradrim acknowledged its authority and overlordship, with the Kings of Harad paying homage.<ref name="Gondor"/>

[[Rómendacil II]] built on the northern approach to [[Nen Hithoel]] the giant pillars [[Argonath]] to mark the northern border of Gondor following a great defeat over the [[Easterlings]] in {{TA|1248}}.<ref>{{App|B2}}</ref>

=== The Decline of Gondor ===
After Rómendacil II's reign, decadence spread under the kings of Gondor and a long period of decline began (although Gondor experienced several revivals). Three great calamities struck Gondor during the second millennium of the Third Age, which are held to be the chief reasons for its decline: the [[Kin-strife]], the [[Great Plague]], and the invasion of the [[Wainriders]] (a tribe of Easterlings), one of series of conflicts in the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]].

==== The Kin-strife ====
In the 15th century a great civil war named the Kin-strife tore the nation apart. The current King Eldacar was of mixed blood: his mother was of the Northmen. Popular displeasure at this led to the overthrow of King Eldacar by Castamir, the admiral of all of Gondor's naval forces who possessed some royal blood. Eldacar's son was slain, and Eldacar fled north. Castamir was afterward known as [[Castamir|Castamir the Usurper]]. During his ten year rule he proved to be very cruel, and because of his love of his old fleet, he lavished attention on the coastal regions while the interior provinces were ignored and left to rot. Eldacar then returned with an army of his Northmen kinsmen, and they were joined by armies of Gondorians from interior provinces such as Anórien. [[Osgiliath]] was devastated during this conflict, its great bridge destroyed and its ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'' lost. Eldacar slew Castamir and reclaimed his throne, but Castamir's sons and their forces were besieged in Pelargir, the great port of Gondor. They eventually retreated to Umbar, where they joined with the Corsairs, and troubled Gondor for many years, until their descendants died out.

==== The Great Plague ====
In [[Third Age 1636]] the [[Great Plague]] struck and the [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]] died. This Plague was no localized event: the Plague swept through all of Middle-earth, reaching the successor states of Arnor and the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] in the North. King [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]] found a sapling of the White Tree, and moved the capital from Osgiliath to [[Minas Anor]], the City of Anárion. During this time, Gondor was so depopulated that the fortifications guarding against the re-entry of evil into Mordor were abandoned. It is believed that had the Haradrim or Easterlings been capable of attacking Gondor at this time, it would have fallen. However, the Plague left Gondor's enemies in no better condition than Gondor itself, and neither side was capable of mounting new offensives.

==== The Invasion of the Wainriders ====
Following the sapping of Gondor's strength by the plague, the Wainrider invasions devastated Gondor, and the conflict lasted for almost a century. Conquering eastern and southern Rhovanion, they pushed the borders of Gondor back to the Anduin and the [[Emyn Muil]] ({{TA|1856}}). In those difficult times for both Realms in Exile, the year {{TA|1940}} marked the re-establishment of their relations, after centuries of silence and estrangement. King [[Ondoher]] took counsel with [[King of Arthedain]] [[Araphant]], and his daughter, princess [[Fíriel]], married prince [[Arvedui]].

The Wainriders destroyed the Northern Army of Gondor, but survivors linked up with the victorious Southern Army of Gondor, led by general [[Eärnil I|Eärnil]], and they defeated the Wainriders as they celebrated their victory during the [[Battle of the Camp]], in {{TA|1944}}.

=== The Line of the Kings Fails ===
==== Reunification Rejected ====
In 1944, Gondor also faced a constitutional crisis when King [[Ondoher]] was slain in a previous battle with both his sons. Prince [[Arvedui]], son of King [[Araphant]] of [[Arthedain]] and Ondoher's son-in-law, and the victorious general Eärnil, who was a distant blood-relative of Ondoher, claimed the throne. Arvedui's claim lay mainly in the reintroduction of the old Númenórean law of accession, which stated the eldest (remaining) child should succeed the king. If the law was reintroduced, then Arvedui's wife [[Fíriel]], Ondoher's daughter and last remaining child would become [[Ruling Queens of Númenor|Ruling Queen]], making their descendants Kings of both Arnor and Gondor. Arvedui also tried to put weight behind his claim as he was Isildur's heir. The Council of Gondor recognised that the name of Isildur was held in honour in Gondor, but they dictated that the South-Kingdom must be ruled by an Heir of Anárion. Due to his ancestry from Fíriel and Arvedui, more than a millennium later, Aragorn Elessar put forward his claim as the heir of both Isildur and Anárion.

Eärnil lay his claim as being a direct descendant of King [[Telumehtar]] Umbardacil. His claim was also greatly bolstered by the popularity he had gained as the victorious general who saved Gondor from the Wainriders after winning the southern theatre of the war. Steward [[Pelendur]] who was temporarily ruling Gondor as serving as arbiter of succession, intervened in favour of Gondor's victorious general who would rule as [[Eärnil II]].

==== The Last Heir of Anárion ====
During the [[Battle of Fornost]], Eärnil II's heir Eärnur led Gondor's forces to victory over the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], who was actually the Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]. Although Eärnur wished to fight him, Eärnur's horse was terrified and fled the battle against his wishes. By the time he mastered his horse and return, the Witch-king had fled. [[Glorfindel]] the Elf then prophesied to him that it was better that he not fight the Lord of the Nazgûl because "never by the hand of man shall he fall".

Eärnur later ascended to the throne, ruling from Minas Anor (Tower of the Sun). During this time, the Ringwraiths captured Minas Anor's sister city, Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon), renaming it Minas Morgul (Tower of Sorcery) and taking it as their lair. Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith (Tower of Guard) as a result. The Lord of the Nazgûl repeatedly sent messengers to Minas Tirith challenging Eärnur to single combat, taunting him that he had fled out of cowardice from facing him during the Battle of Fornost. Eventually, King Eärnur was overcome by wrath and rode with a small company of knights to Minas Morgul, to accept the challenge. They were never heard from again. So ended the Line of [[Anárion]].

=== The Stewards of Gondor ===
==== The Ruling Stewards ====
The realm was governed by a long line of hereditary Stewards after the disappearance of [[Eärnur]], son of Eärnil, since there was no proof that the last king was dead, and no claimant had enough support to be accepted as his successor. The line of Anárion was held to have failed, and Gondor was not willing to risk to another Kin-strife, which would surely have destroyed it. Whenever there was a new Steward, he would swear an oath to yield rule of Gondor back to the King, in essence only an heir of Isildur, if he should ever return. In Gondor there was no one who could claim descent from Isildur in direct line, and the northern line of Arnor had effectively disappeared, so this oath was not considered seriously. The line of Stewards ruled as Kings, without having the title.

==== Cirion and Eorl ====
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl'']]
In [[Third Age 2510]], when Steward [[Cirion]] ruled over Gondor, the nation faced one of its greatest perils: an Easterling tribe named the ''[[Balchoth]]'' invaded Gondor with massive force. Gondor's army marched to fight the Balchoth but were cut off from [[Minas Tirith]] and pushed back in the direction of the [[Limlight]].

Messengers were sent to get help from the [[Éothéod]], a tribe which lived in the northern vales of the [[Anduin]], but nobody expected the messengers to reach their destination. When certain peril came upon Gondor, however, the Éothéod turned the tide of the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]. After the victory the Éothéod were awarded the fields of [[Calenardhon]] north of the [[Ered Nimrais]] from the Gap of Rohan at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]], [[Fangorn Forest]], rivers Limlight to river [[Anduin]], western [[Emyn Muil]] and the [[Mering Stream]], where they established the kingdom of [[Rohan]] with [[Eorl the Young]] as their first king. A perpetual alliance between Gondor and Rohan was established by the oath Eorl swore to Cirion.<ref name="CE"/>

=== [[War of the Ring]]===
[[File:Steven White Jr. - Gondor TA3019.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gondor in {{TA|3019}}]]
In 3019, during the [[War of the Ring]], Gondor was the strongest of the free nations that opposed Sauron, and thus, its defeat was his primary strategic goal in the war.<ref name="MT">{{RK|V1}}</ref> Gondor faced an all out attack on its capital Minas Tirith in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Although nearly defeated, the Rohirrim once again turned the tide of battle, and helped win the war, though with heavy losses.<ref name="tBotPF">{{RK|Battle}}</ref> The combined army of the West then carried the battle to Sauron at the Battle of the Morannon, a feint to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo Baggins's quest to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom, thus causing Sauron's destruction and the allies' ultimate victory.

After the second and final defeat of Sauron the Kingship was restored, [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] became king of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor.

[[Faramir]], last heir of the Ruling Stewards, was to retain the office of steward (though not ruling), and was made [[Prince of Ithilien]], which had been reconquered from the forces of Mordor.<ref name="tSatK">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref> Faramir would serve as the King's representative during absence or illness, and became the chief counsellor of the [[Council of Gondor]].<ref name="L244">{{L|244}}</ref>

==Geography==
Initially, Gondor was comprised of the lands to the North and South of the [[White Mountains]], but [[Calenardhon|a large part of the northern territories]] was gifted to the [[Éothéod]] in [[Third Age 2510]].<ref name="CE">{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> Gondor's close proximity to Sauron's land was the catalyst of many battles and skirmishes, but its location also gave the Gondorians more ability to protect the other regions of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord and his servants.<ref name="CoE">{{FR|Council}}</ref>
===Regions===
Gondor was divided between several nearly autonomous regions. These were the following:
* [[Ithilien]], across the [[Anduin]] from Minas Tirith
* [[Anórien]], surrounding [[Minas Tirith]]
* [[Lossarnach]]
* [[Lebennin]]
* [[Belfalas]]
* [[Dor-en-Ernil]], ruled by the [[Prince of Dol Amroth]]
* [[Lamedon]], north of the [[Ringló]]
* [[Ringló Vale]]
* [[Anfalas]], or the Langstrand, in the south-west
* [[Ethir Anduin]]

The long cape of [[Andrast]] was not populated.

Additionally, Gondor held or had held the following regions at certain points in its history:
* [[South Gondor]], which was contested between Gondor and [[Harad]]
* [[Calenardhon]], which was given to the Éothéod and became Rohan
* [[Enedwaith]], never really populated by Gondor and soon abandoned
* [[Rhovanion]], which was never fully under the control of Gondor but under Gondorian influence at certain times during the Third Age
* [[Umbar]], which was retaken by the Corsairs of Umbar and the Haradrim
* [[Haradwaith]], tributary of Gondor for a while

===Cities===
Cities in Gondor included:
* [[Calembel]]
* [[Dol Amroth]], a city on the coast of Belfalas
* [[Linhir]]
* [[Minas Tirith]] (originally named Minas Anor), City of the Kings
* [[Osgiliath]], city and former capital of Gondor on the river Anduin, largely destroyed and abandoned by the end of the Third Age
* [[Pelargir]]
* [[Tarnost]] (debatable)<ref name="t2M">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]], ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', "[[The Second Map]]"</ref>

===Fortresses and outposts===
Additionally, Gondor used the following locations as military strongholds at certain points in its history, many of which Mordor later took:
* The outposts of [[Amon Hen]] and [[Amon Lhaw]] on [[Emyn Muil]] probably had small garrisons
* [[Isengard|Angrenost]], the fortress of Isengard, later granted to [[Saruman]]
* [[Aglarond]], the Gondorian fortress, later known as Helm's Deep
* The [[Towers of the Teeth]], built by the Gondorians to keep watch over Mordor
* The Gondorian fortress guarding the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]
* The castle that came to be called [[Durthang]], the largest fortress in Mordor, originally built to guard the [[Ephel Dúath]]
* [[Minas Ithil]], conquered by [[Mordor]] and renamed [[Minas Morgul]] by the Gondorians
* [[Tharbad]] to the north, held by both Gondor and Arnor but abandoned and later ruined after Gondor retreated from [[Enedwaith]]
* [[Umbar]], a harbour in the south which was contested by the Haradrim and lost and reclaimed several times

==Languages==
As the Gondorians came from Númenor, so came their language: [[Westron]], or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of Gondor. Though the source of Westron lay in Pelargir,<ref name="AppF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix F]]'', "Of Men"</ref> the clearest form, without any accent, was spoken in Minas Tirith.<ref name="L193">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 193]] (dated [[2 November|November 2]], [[1956]])</ref> This style was nobler and more antique than other dialects, and this was the Westron the Elves adopted.<ref name="L144">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 144]] (dated [[25 April|April 25]], [[1954]])</ref> In reverence of the mighty lords of Númenor of old, Eldarin was spoken by nobility. Quenya was known to the learned, and Sindarin was used to be polite, especially by those of high [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] blood.<ref name="L347">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] (dated [[17 December|December 17]], [[1972]])</ref> However, especially the Sindarin contained several [[Gondor Sindarin|dialectical differences]].<ref name="CE49">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]", note 49</ref>

==Etymology==
In earlier times, it was called the South Kingdom, or ''Hyaralondie'', ''Hyallondie'' and ''Turmen Hyallondiéva'' in Quenya, and ''Arthor na Challonnas'' in Sindarin from the Númenórean point of view: the elements ''[[londie]]'' and ''[[lonnas]]'' mean "harbour, landing".<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}</ref>

The name '''Gondor''' was likely adopted from the lesser people's terminology<ref name="L324">{{L|324}}</ref> and translates from [[Sindarin]] as "Stone-land", from the words ''[[gond]]'', "stone", and ''(n)[[dor]]'', "land".<ref name="L324"/> The (generally not used) [[Quenya]] form of the name was ''Ondonóre''.<ref name="VT42">{{VT|42}}</ref> Gondor received its name because of the abundance of stone in the [[Ered Nimrais]], and the usage of it in great stone cities, statues, and monuments, such as Minas Tirith and the Argonath.

In [[Rohan]], it was known as '''Stoningland''' (a modernization of [[Old English]] ''Stāning-(land)''<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 776</ref>),<ref name="tBotPF"/> and [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]] of the [[Drúedain]] also recognized their use of stone.<ref name="RotR">{{RK|Ride}}</ref>
==Inspiration==
The history and civilization of Gondor has been compared to historical elements of the real world.
===Italy===
[[Letter to Jennifer Brookes-Smith (28 July 1955)|Writing in a letter]] about an impending trip in [[1955]], Tolkien identified Gondor as [[Wikipedia:Italy|Italy]].<ref>{{CG|C}}, p. 462</ref>
===Egypt===
[[Tolkien]] himself likened Gondor in a degree to ancient Egypt, in terms of how Gondorians constructed gigantic stone structures, and the [[Crown of Gondor]] being similar to the [[Wikipedia:Pschent|crown of the Pharaohs of Egypt]].<ref>{{L|211}}, p. 281</ref> Notably, some "scholars" claimed that ancient Egypt was a colony of [[Atlantis]],<ref>[[Wikipedia:Ignatius L. Donnelly|Ignatius L. Donnelly]], [http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/4032 Atlantis: The Antediluvian World] (1882), Part V, Chapter II: The Egyptian Colony</ref> much like how Gondor was a survival of Númenor (although it is unknown if Tolkien considered this aspect).
===Byzantine Empire===
In online discussions, many [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]] have entertained the idea that Gondor is comparable to the [[Wikipedia:Byzantine Empire|Byzantine Empire]],<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.middleearthcenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21307|articlename=Gondor -> Byzantine Empire|dated=|website=[http://www.middleearthcenter.com/ Middle-earth Center]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=229914|articlename=Is Gondor Constantinople?|dated=|website=Plaza|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.thephora.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12555|articlename=Gondor = Byzantium?|dated=|website=[http://www.thephora.net/forum/index.php The Phora]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref> and Tolkien himself referred to Minas Tirith as a "Byzantine City".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 570</ref> Some of the parallels noted between Gondor and the Byzantine Empire are:<ref>Miryam Librán-Moreno, "'Byzantium, New Rome!': Goths, Langobards, and Byzantium in ''The Lord of the Rings''", in ''[[Tolkien and the Study of His Sources]]'' (edited by [[Jason Fisher]]</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=Tom Simon|articleurl=http://www.bondwine.com/essays/38/gondor.html|articlename=Gondor, Byzantium, and Feudalism|dated=13 March 2010|website=[http://www.bondwine.com/ Bondwine]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref>

Gondor is the south-eastern portion of [[Elendil]]'s original kingdom. The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern remnant of the Roman Empire. The [[Wikipedia:Western Roman Empire|Western Roman Empire]] eventually withered and dissolved, like [[Arnor]], while the Byzantine Empire endured, although in declined state. Their geographical role is also comparable as the Byzantine Empire encircled the Mediterranean while Gondor occupied the region around the [[Bay of Belfalas]]; both were threatened by [[Easterlings|eastern]] and [[Haradrim|southern]] adversaries. The Byzantine Empire absorbed several "barbaric" peoples like the Wends and Slavs, much like Gondor did with the [[Northmen]] and other [[Middle Men]].

As a final note, the last Byzantine Emperor, [[Wikipedia:Constantine_XI_Palaiologos#Legacy|Constantine XI]], remained in legend and folklore as the [[Wikipedia:King in the mountain|"Marble King"]] whose messianic ressurection and return would signal the restoration of the Empire. This parallels the fate of [[Earnur]] and Gondor's interregnum period until the "Return of the [[Aragorn|King]]" who [[Reunited Kingdom|restored the Kingdom]]. However unlike the Byzantine Empire, Gondor did not fall.
{{references}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
[[Category:Gondor| ]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Gondor]]
[[fi:Gondor]]

Petty-dwarves

2018-04-16T21:08:09Z

Dman:

{{people infobox
| name=Petty-dwarves
| image=[[File:Angus McBride - Petty dwarves.jpg|250px]]
| caption=Petty dwarves by Angus McBride
| pronun=
| othernames=Noegyth Nibin
| origin=exiled Dwarves of several Houses
| location=[[Nulukkizdîn]], [[Sharbhund]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Khuzdul]], [[Sindarin]]
| members=[[Mîm]], [[Ibun]], [[Khîm]]
| lifespan=Shorter than the other Dwarves
| distinctions=Smaller, far more unsociable, freely gave away their [[Khuzdul]] names
| height=Shorter than the other Dwarves
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
The '''Petty-dwarves''' were a diminutive race of [[Dwarves]].

Petty-dwarves differed from normal Dwarves in various ways: they were smaller, far more unsociable, and they freely gave away their names: other Dwarves kept their [[Khuzdul]] names and language a secret. This may have been one of the reasons they were exiled.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/khuzdul.htm|website=Arda|title=Khuzdul}}</ref>
==History==
The Petty-dwarves were Dwarves of [presumably] several [[:Category: Dwarven clans|clans]], which had been exiled from eastern Dwarf cities for unclear reasons. They were the first to cross the [[Ered Luin]] in the [[First Age]], and established strongholds in [[Beleriand]] before the [[Elves]] arrived, at [[Nulukkizdîn]] and [[Sharbhund]] (also known as ''Bar-en-Nibin-noeg'', the "House of the Petty Dwarves"). In Beleriand they diminished in physical stature and in smith-craft.<ref name="Turambar1">{{S|21}}</ref>
[[File:Steamey - Hunting.jpg|thumb|left|Steamey - ''Hunting'']]
The [[Sindar]], not acquainted with Dwarves yet, thought the Petty-dwarves were animals, and hunted them. Not until the Dwarves of [[Belegost]] and [[Nogrod]] established contact with the Sindar did they realize what the "animals" were and named them ''Noegyth Nibin''; Petty-dwarves.

Afterwards they were mostly left alone, but they had already dwindled and hated all [[Elves]] with a passion; especially the [[Noldor]] whom they saw as usurpers who took their lands ([[Nargothrond]] was built in Nulukkizdîn).<ref name="Turambar1"/> In the time of the [[Wars of Beleriand]] the Petty-dwarves had nearly died out. The last remnant of their people were [[Mîm]] and his two sons [[Ibun]] and [[Khîm]], who lived at [[Amon Rûdh]].<ref name="Turambar1"/>

==Names==
A name among the [[Eldar]] for the Petty-dwarves was '''''Levain tad-[[tal|dail]]''''' (biped animals), or simply ''Tad-dail''.<ref>{{WJ|AB}}, p. 388</ref> Another name, used among the [[Sindar]], was '''''Noegyth Nibin''''' or '''''Nibin-Noeg''''' or '''''Nibin-Nogrim'''''.

{{references}}

{{dwarvenclans}}

[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[de:Kleinzwerge]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/nains/petits-nains]]
[[fi:Vähäkääpiöt]]

Dol Amroth

2018-04-16T21:06:15Z

Dman: Added more info in the infobox

{{disambig-more|Amroth|[[Amroth (disambiguation)]]}}
{{location infobox
| name=Dol Amroth
| image=[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dol Amroth.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Dol Amroth" by Jan Pospíšil
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Belfalas]]
| type=City
| description=Seat of the [[Prince of Dol Amroth]]
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Númenóreans]] and [[Sindar]] (''originally''), later [[Dúnedain]]
| created=Late [[Second Age]]
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Dol Amroth''' was a promontory situated on a peninsula in [[Gondor]] facing the [[Bay of Belfalas]].

The emblem of the Prince of Dol Amroth was a silver-upon-blue banner, bearing a ship with a swan-prow upon the sea.<ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref>
==Description==
Its northern shore defined part of [[Cobas Haven]], the small bay into which the [[Morthond]] River flowed.<ref>{{UT|Map}}</ref> Upon the headland the [[Princes of Dol Amroth]] established a castle and thus Dol Amroth referred to this stronghold and to the neighboring port-city, the chief city of the fief of [[Belfalas]].<ref name="Minas Tirith">{{RK|V1}}</ref> Within the walls of the city was the [[Sea-ward Tower]] or Tirith Aear, <ref>{{ATB|Preface}}</ref> which had a bell that was rung for the benefit of mariners.<ref>{{ATB|6}}</ref>

==History==
[[Elves|Elven]] refugees from [[Beleriand]]<ref>{{UT|Amroth}}, p. 247</ref> settled the area and established an Elven settlement about 50 miles north of the promontory, at [[Edhellond]]<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}, note 18, p. 255</ref>

During the [[Second Age]], a [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] family of the [[Faithful]] settled near the Elves. [[Elendil]] who was of their kin, gave them title to rule the fief of [[Belfalas]]. They built their stronghold upon the promontory.

According to one story, [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]] dwelt among the Elves of Dol Amroth.<ref>{{UT|Concerning}}, p. 240</ref> When the Elvish king [[Amroth]] was lost at sea in {{TA|1981}} the last of these Elves left the realm<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> which from then on became a realm of [[Men]].

It was from the name of this king that Dol Amroth (the "Hill of Amroth") took its name. The first Prince of Dol Amroth was [[Galador]], the son of [[Imrazôr]], who according to legend married the Elven-lady [[Mithrellas]].<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, Note 39, p. 316</ref>

Being a coastal city, Dol Amroth was subject to occasional attacks by the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. The fifteenth prince was slain in battle against these sea raiders in {{TA|2746}}.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The House of Dol Amroth'', p. 222</ref>

In all there were twenty-one Princes of Dol Amroth before the twenty-second, [[Imrahil]], led a company of knights and a contingent of 700 men from the city to [[Minas Tirith]] during the [[War of the Ring]].<ref name="Minas Tirith"/>
==Population==
The first settlers of the area were [[Sindar]] from Beleriand until [[Faithful]] from [[Númenor]] came to the promonitory. The last Elves left in TA 1981.

The people of Dol Amroth were tall, grey-eyed, and dark-haired.<ref name="Minas Tirith"/> They were famous as the most skillful harp players in all of Gondor, who played at the coronation of [[Aragorn]].<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> The inhabitants of Dol Amroth and in the lands nearby were some of the few people of Gondor who spoke [[Sindarin]] on a daily basis.<ref>{{App|Men}}</ref>

The southern [[Dúnedain]] that settled in Dol Amroth never intermarried with so-called Middle Men so as a result, the entire population of Dol Amroth consists of people with pure Dúnedain ancestry.
==Etymology==
''Dol Amroth'' is [[Sindarin]] from ''[[dol]]'' "hill" and ''[[Amroth]]'' "Upclimber".

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2014: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Dol Amroth was the largest city in the region of Western [[Gondor]]. It was ruled by [[Lothíriel]] in her father's absence. Parts of the city included the Harpers' Court, the Court of the Prince, the Scholars' Quarter, the Masons' Court, the Library of Saphadzîr, the Court of the Fount, the Artisans' Quarter, the Keep of the Swan-Knights, Inzilbel's Walk, the Wharf, and the Warehouses. There were two gates to the city, one in the east leading to the waterfront and one in the west leading up to the city proper. The city was threatened by the [[Corsairs of Umbar]], who blockaded the port and briefly managed to capture the city.

{{references}}
[[Category:Hills]]
[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]

[[de:Dol Amroth]]
[[fi:Dol Amroth]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:villes_tours_et_forteresses:gondor:dol_amroth]]

Dol Amroth

2018-04-16T21:01:30Z

Dman:

{{disambig-more|Amroth|[[Amroth (disambiguation)]]}}
{{location infobox
| name=Dol Amroth
| image=[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dol Amroth.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Dol Amroth" by Jan Pospíšil
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Belfalas]], [[Gondor]]
| type=City
| description=
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Men]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Dol Amroth''' was a promontory situated on a peninsula in [[Gondor]] facing the [[Bay of Belfalas]].

The emblem of the Prince of Dol Amroth was a silver-upon-blue banner, bearing a ship with a swan-prow upon the sea.<ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref>
==Description==
Its northern shore defined part of [[Cobas Haven]], the small bay into which the [[Morthond]] River flowed.<ref>{{UT|Map}}</ref> Upon the headland the [[Princes of Dol Amroth]] established a castle and thus Dol Amroth referred to this stronghold and to the neighboring port-city, the chief city of the fief of [[Belfalas]].<ref name="Minas Tirith">{{RK|V1}}</ref> Within the walls of the city was the [[Sea-ward Tower]] or Tirith Aear, <ref>{{ATB|Preface}}</ref> which had a bell that was rung for the benefit of mariners.<ref>{{ATB|6}}</ref>

==History==
[[Elves|Elven]] refugees from [[Beleriand]]<ref>{{UT|Amroth}}, p. 247</ref> settled the area and established an Elven settlement about 50 miles north of the promontory, at [[Edhellond]]<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}, note 18, p. 255</ref>

During the [[Second Age]], a [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] family of the [[Faithful]] settled near the Elves. [[Elendil]] who was of their kin, gave them title to rule the fief of [[Belfalas]]. They built their stronghold upon the promontory.

According to one story, [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]] dwelt among the Elves of Dol Amroth.<ref>{{UT|Concerning}}, p. 240</ref> When the Elvish king [[Amroth]] was lost at sea in {{TA|1981}} the last of these Elves left the realm<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> which from then on became a realm of [[Men]].

It was from the name of this king that Dol Amroth (the "Hill of Amroth") took its name. The first Prince of Dol Amroth was [[Galador]], the son of [[Imrazôr]], who according to legend married the Elven-lady [[Mithrellas]].<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, Note 39, p. 316</ref>

Being a coastal city, Dol Amroth was subject to occasional attacks by the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. The fifteenth prince was slain in battle against these sea raiders in {{TA|2746}}.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The House of Dol Amroth'', p. 222</ref>

In all there were twenty-one Princes of Dol Amroth before the twenty-second, [[Imrahil]], led a company of knights and a contingent of 700 men from the city to [[Minas Tirith]] during the [[War of the Ring]].<ref name="Minas Tirith"/>
==Population==
The first settlers of the area were [[Sindar]] from Beleriand until [[Faithful]] from [[Númenor]] came to the promonitory. The last Elves left in TA 1981.

The people of Dol Amroth were tall, grey-eyed, and dark-haired.<ref name="Minas Tirith"/> They were famous as the most skillful harp players in all of Gondor, who played at the coronation of [[Aragorn]].<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> The inhabitants of Dol Amroth and in the lands nearby were some of the few people of Gondor who spoke [[Sindarin]] on a daily basis.<ref>{{App|Men}}</ref>

The southern [[Dúnedain]] that settled in Dol Amroth never intermarried with so-called Middle Men so as a result, the entire population of Dol Amroth consists of people with pure Dúnedain ancestry.
==Etymology==
''Dol Amroth'' is [[Sindarin]] from ''[[dol]]'' "hill" and ''[[Amroth]]'' "Upclimber".

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2014: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Dol Amroth was the largest city in the region of Western [[Gondor]]. It was ruled by [[Lothíriel]] in her father's absence. Parts of the city included the Harpers' Court, the Court of the Prince, the Scholars' Quarter, the Masons' Court, the Library of Saphadzîr, the Court of the Fount, the Artisans' Quarter, the Keep of the Swan-Knights, Inzilbel's Walk, the Wharf, and the Warehouses. There were two gates to the city, one in the east leading to the waterfront and one in the west leading up to the city proper. The city was threatened by the [[Corsairs of Umbar]], who blockaded the port and briefly managed to capture the city.

{{references}}
[[Category:Hills]]
[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]

[[de:Dol Amroth]]
[[fi:Dol Amroth]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:villes_tours_et_forteresses:gondor:dol_amroth]]

Battle of Azanulbizar

2018-04-16T02:14:47Z

Dman:

{{battle
| image=[[File:Mikel Janin - Battle of Azanulbizar.jpeg|300px]]
| name=Battle of Azanulbizar
| conflict=War of the Dwarves and Orcs
| date={{TA|2799}}
| place=The Dimrill Dale and the steps of the East-gate of Moria
| result=Pyrrhic victory for the Dwarves
| side1=Dwarves
| side2=Orcs
| commanders1=*[[Thráin|Thráin II]]
*[[Thorin]]
*[[Náin son of Grór|Náin]] †
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]]
*Commanders of other Houses|
commanders2=*[[Azog]] †
| forces1=6,000-10,000 [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], [[Broadbeams]], [[Firebeards]], and Houses of the far East
| forces2=15,000-20,000 Orcs from Moria, and the remnants of other Orc-dwellings throughout the [[Misty Mountains]]
| casual1="Beyond the count of grief." Half dead or dying.<ref name="AppDurin"/>
| casual2=10,000 orcs,<ref name="PMA">{{PM|A}}, p. 278</ref>
}}
The '''Battle of Azanulbizar''' ({{TA|2799}}) was the final battle in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]. It was fought beneath the [[Great Gates|East-gate of Moria]] in the valley of Azanulbizar, called ''[[Nanduhirion]]'' in [[Sindarin]] or ''[[Dimrill Dale]]'' in [[Westron]]. Therefore the event is also known as the '''Battle of Nanduhirion''' and the '''Battle of Dimrill Dale'''.

==Background==
The War of the Dwarves and Orcs began when [[Azog]] the [[Orcs|Orc]]-chieftain of [[Moria]] captured and mutilated [[Thrór]], King of [[Durin's Folk]]. Azog branded his own name in runes onto Thrór's severed head, then let Thrór's companion [[Nár]] escape so that all [[Dwarves]] would know that an Orc now ruled Moria. Full of righteous fury, Thrór's son [[Thráin|Thráin II]] summoned a great army of Dwarves, including those not of Durin's Folk ([[Firebeards]] and [[Broadbeams]] from the [[Blue Mountains]], and others from the far East of Middle-earth). For six years they systematically sacked the Orc strongholds of the [[Misty Mountains]], until only Moria was left. There the Orcs that had survived the destruction had gathered to Azog.

==Opposing Forces==
The exact number for the Dwarves was not specified, but it can be estimated at being somewhere between six to ten thousand Longbeards, Firebeards, Broadbeams, Ironfists, Stonefoots, Blacklocks, and Stiffbeards.
This is based off the assumption that the other Dwarf houses sent no more then a few thousand each to take part in the war, because they could not have sent too many for economic, financial and defense reasons. The Longbeards (Durin's Folk) could not have mustered a proper fighting force of no more than 1-3,000, because of a severely depleted populace and financial/economic problems (especially Thraín's following).<ref name="AppDurin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>

The Orcs, as stated above, came from Moria, and from as far north as [[Gundabad|Mount Gundabad]]. Their numbers can be estimated at fifteen to twenty thousand Orcs.<ref name="AppDurin"/>

==The Battle==
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - Náin at Azanulbizar.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''Náin at Azanulbizar'']]
The battle began on a dark winter day, and no sun was said to have shined through the clouds. The Dwarves had marched into the Dimrill Dale where they found the East-Gate and sent up a great noise. They discovered that on the western slopes above thousands of Orcs had gathered, while more still came pouring out of the gate. The Dwarves there stood outnumbered and on the lower end of a sloping hill.

The first Vanguard led by King Thráin, assaulted the slopes only to be driven back with casualties. In a woods near the Mirrormere, the dwarves noted that [[Frerin]] youngest son of Thráin was slain along with [[Fundin]], father of [[Balin]]; and many others. Thraín himself was wounded, as was his eldest son [[Thorin|Thorin II Oakenshield]], whose shield was broken during the battle, forcing him to resort to using an oak branch that he cut off a tree to defend himself.

Elsewhere, the battle swayed back and forth until [[Náin (son of Grór)|Náin]] from the [[Iron Hills]] arrived with a contingent of fresh troops. Náin and his Dwarves cut through the Orc lines with their mattocks shouting, "AZOG! AZOG! AZOG!" until they had reached the steps of the gate, at which Naín called Azog to come out and fight. When Azog emerged from the inner gate with his guards, Náin was exhausted and half blind with rage. He tried to swing as hard as he could, but Azog darted aside and Náin missed, splintering his mattocks on the ground. The orc kicked him in the leg when he dodged the Dwarf's blow, making him stumble, at which point Azog attempted to thrust and behead him, succeeding only in breaking Náin's neck because of the strong mail he was wearing. Náin died instantly.

Even as Azog gloated over his duel, he looked out over the valley which the east gate overlooks, and came to the realization that his entire force was routed. Those that could were fleeing southwards, and all his guard was dead. With that he fled back to the gate. Náin's son, [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]], leaped up the steps after him with his red axe, and there before the gate he decapitated the Orc chieftain, thus ending the battle.
The slaying of Azog was considered an amazing feat, as Dáin was only 32 years of age (very young for a Dwarf). Dáin would later become [[King under the Mountain]] as [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]].<ref name="AppDurin"/>

==Aftermath==
[[File:Steamey - Vengeance.jpg|thumb|Steamey - ''Vengeance'']]
The Dwarves were victorious, but half of their forces were dead or mortally wounded. The Orcs suffered even worse casualties, with ten thousand dead. After the battle, Thráin wanted to enter and reclaim Moria, the ancestral home of Durin's folk. However, due to their losses, the other Houses not willing to participate, and since Dáin had seen [[Durin's Bane]] beyond the East-gate, Thráin refrained from entering.<ref name="AppDurin"/>

The Dwarves stripped their dead so the Orcs could not plunder them, and cut down all the trees in the valley, which was to remain bare ever after. They made many pyres on which to burn their dead. They could not bury them all in tombs of stone, as was their custom, because it would take too long. From then on those that died in Dimrill Dale were known proudly as ''Burned Dwarves''.

The Houses parted ways, returning to their homes to the North, East, and West. Thráin, with what was left of the Longbeard contingent, went back to [[Dunland]] and wandered in [[Eriador]], eventually settling in the Southern Blue Mountains. There Durin's folk repopulated slowly, waiting for the day when they could take back the halls of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] and Khazad-dum.<ref name="AppDurin"/>

==Repercussions==
Although the Dwarves suffered heavy casualties, the battle would have lasting effects for the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]. Their numbers were severely reduced after the battle and never fully recovered.

The depletion of the Orc population contributed to the survival of [[Thorin and Company]] on their journey to Erebor, as well as the victory of the Elves, Men, and Dwarves at the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. It also allowed [[Balin]], in {{TA|2989}}, to attempt the [[Balin's Colony|recolonization of Moria]].

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''

:Referred to as the '''Battle of [[Moria]]''' in this [[The Hobbit (film series)|film trilogy]] (and portrayed more as an isolated battle rather than the final conflict for an entire war), the battle is presented in a flashback sequence as [[Balin]] recounts [[Thorin]]'s past to [[Bilbo Baggins]]. The narrative of the battle has been heavily condensed. In the film version, rather than recounting Thrór's death at the hands of [[Azog]] and the resulting war of many years, Balin simply says that after [[Smaug]] drove the [[Dwarves of Erebor|Dwarves]] from [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Thrór attempted to lead all of his people back to their ancestral realm in Moria, only to find that the [[Orcs]] had gotten there first. [[Azog]] does decapitate [[Thrór]], but the deed takes place during the battle itself, and the head is thrown at Thorin's feet rather than [[Nár]]'s. Balin similarly condenses [[Thráin]]'s story, stating that he went mad with grief and wandered away, and his people never knew if he was dead or captured. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] is completely absent from the story, and it is Thorin who rallies the dwarves by facing Azog in single combat and hacking off his left arm at the elbow. The wounded Azog is dragged back into Moria by his subordinates, and the Dwarves assume he has died of his injuries, but he survives to appear in a present-time sub-plot in which he is hunting Thorin and Company for revenge. No mention is made of the burning of the Dwarves' dead, but Balin, [[Dwalin]], [[Bifur]], and Thorin are seen in the aftermath of the battle walking amidst heaps of their slain kin, and Balin recalls the battle as a pyrrhic victory, and the number of dead as beyond the count of grief, echoing closely the wording of the account from [[Appendix A]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

{{references}}

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[de:Schlacht von Azanulbizar]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:guerres:bataille_d_azanulbizar]]
[[fi:Azanulbizarin taistelu]]