Talk:Annúminas

Founding of Annuminas

Did Elendil, in fact, found Annuminas? The Realms-in-Exile were founded in places where there were already Numenorean colonists; the four ships Elendil brought with him in the Downfall weren't enough to found even a tiny kingdom in the north. This means that some level of settlement had already gone on, and presumably some towns (at least) and presumably a regional capital existed. In the south we know that Pelargir was already a major population center, and it seems the Belfalas was already ruled by the ancestors of the Princes of Dol Amroth (though that point is more debatable). However, in the Return of the King, it is stated outright that Isildur and Anarion founded the cities of Minas Anor, Minas Ithil, and Osgiliath. But we only have mention of Elendil ruling from Annuminas, not establishing it himself.

"Elendil was the High King and dwelt in the North at Annúminas; and the rule in the South was committed to his sons, Isildur and Anárion. They founded there Osgiliath, between Minas Ithil and Minas Anor, not far from the confines of Mordor." (The Return of the King, Appendix A; p. 317)

"Elendil was cast up by the waves in the land of Lindon, and he was befriended by Gil-galad. Thence he passed up the River Lhûn, and beyond Ered Luin he established his realm, and his people dwelt in many places in Eriador about the courses of the Lhûn and the Baranduin; but his chief city was at Annúminas beside the water of Lake Nenuial. At Fornost upon the North Downs also the Númenoreans dwelt, and in Cardolan, and in the hills of Rhudaur; and towers they raised upon Emyn Beraid and upon Amon Sûl... [...] Other strong places [the Numenoreans] built upon either hand [of Osgiliath]: Minas Ithil, the Tower of the Rising Moon, eastward upon a shoulder of the Mountains of Shadow as a threat to Mordor; and westward Minas Anor, the Tower of the Setting Sun, at the feet of Mount Mindolluin..." (The Silmarillion, Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age; p. 290-1)

It seems in all canon sources that I can find that deal specifically with the foundation of the Realms in Exile, Tolkien explicitly mentions that Isildur and Anarion founded Osgiliath, Minas Ithil, and Minas Anor, but they only ever say that Elendil ruled from Annúminas as his capital. When discussing the foundation of Arnor, Tolkien even discusses the building of Amon Sûl and the towers in the west, but does not discuss the founding or construction of Annúminas by Elendil. Thus, while I admit the possibility that this was simply a difference of turn in phrase, I assert that there is not enough conclusive evidence in canon to state as fact that Elendil founded Annúminas.Corsair Caruso 00:36, 21 June 2015 (UTC)

Although I understand your logic, I think you're over-thinking. Particularly, when you read "The Tale of Years of the Second Age" in The Peoples of Middle-earth it makes it pretty clear that Annúminas was founded at the same time as Minas Tirith, Minas Anor and Osgiliath in S.A. 3320 (see pp. 176, 191). This seems to be a simple case of omission. --Mith (Talk/Contribs/Edits) 10:04, 21 June 2015 (UTC)

The text on 192 still seems ambiguous that I believe it to be open to interpretation, but the text on 176 seems a bit more explicit.

"Foundation of the realm of Arnor in the north of the Westlands, with the city of Annúminas; and of Gondor about the waters of Anduin in the south, with the city of Osgiliath."

So, I suppose I withdraw my objection. It might be best to add a citation there. Thanks for bringing this to my attention! Corsair Caruso 05:16, 24 June 2015 (UTC)

Which you've already done, haha! Good show! Corsair Caruso 05:19, 24 June 2015 (UTC)