Gondorians: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
(9 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{stub}}
{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{people infobox
{{people infobox
| name=Gondorians
| name=Gondorians
Line 6: Line 7:
| pronun=
| pronun=
| othernames=Men of Gondor, Stone-folk, Stonehouse-folk
| othernames=Men of Gondor, Stone-folk, Stonehouse-folk
| origin=Descendants of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Gondor]] (partly [[Northmen]] and [[Pre-Númenóreans]])<ref>{{L|64}}, also [[Letter 144]], [[Letter 256]]</ref><ref>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref>
| origin=Descendants of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Gondor]] (partly [[Northmen]] and [[Men of the Mountains]])<ref>{{L|64}}, also [[Letter 144]], [[Letter 256]]</ref><ref name="Cirion">{{UT|Cirion}}</ref>
| location=[[Gondor]]
| location=[[Gondor]]
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]]
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]]
| rivalry=[[Haradrim]], [[Corsairs of Umbar]], [[Wainriders]], [[Balchoth]]
| rivalry=[[Black Númenóreans]], [[Corsairs of Umbar]], [[Easterlings]], [[Haradrim]]
| language=[[Gondor Sindarin]], [[Quenya]], [[Westron]]
| language=[[Westron]], [[Númenórean Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]  
| members=[[Denethor]], [[Boromir]], [[Faramir]]
| members=[[Denethor]], [[Boromir]], [[Faramir]], [[Imrahil]]
| lifespan=Dúnedain: three times the life of a regular man but later considerably diminished<ref>{{App|Eriador}}</ref>
| lifespan=
| distinctions=
| distinctions=
| height=
| height=
Line 20: Line 21:
| weapons=
| weapons=
}}
}}
The '''Gondorians''' were the inhabitants of [[Gondor]].<ref>{{L|64}}, also [[Letter 144]], [[Letter 256]]</ref><ref>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> The '''Dúnedain of Gondor''', also known as the '''Dúnedain of the South''', constituted the ruling class and nobility of [[Gondor]] being descendants of the [[Exiles of Númenor]] who established the South-Kingdom. The history of the Gondorians is dominated by the actions of the Dúnedain of the South.
The '''Gondorians''' were the inhabitants of [[Gondor]]. The '''Dúnedain of Gondor''', also known as the '''Dúnedain of the South''', constituted the ruling class and nobility of [[Gondor]] being descendants of the [[Exiles of Númenor]] who established the South-Kingdom. The history of the Gondorians is extensively dominated by the actions of the Dúnedain of the South.


==History==
==History==
===Early History===
===Early History===
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], the [[Exiles of Númenor]], led by [[Elendil]], established the [[Realms in Exile]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Arriving at the mouths of the [[Anduin]], Elendil's sons, [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]], ascended the great river and founded the realm of Gondor.<ref name=rings>{{s|Rings}}</ref>  
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], the [[Exiles of Númenor]], led by [[Elendil]], established the [[Realms in Exile]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Arriving at the [[Mouths of Anduin]], Elendil's sons, [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]], ascended the great river and founded the realm of Gondor.<ref name=rings>{{s|Rings}}</ref>  


In [[Númenor]]ean colonies and outposts, such as [[Belfalas]], [[Pelargir]], [[Lond Daer]] and [[Umbar]], there were many [[Faithful]], fully or partially of [[Númenórean]] blood, who descended from [[Númenor]] long before its Downfall. The colonists welcomed Elendil's sons and allied themselves with the founders of the Kingdoms of the Dúnedain.<ref name=rings/><ref name=languages>{{App|Men}}</ref> Elendil made "[[Princes of Dol Amroth|Princes]]" the Faithful nobles who ruled Belfalas.<ref name="Cirion">{{UT|Cirion}}</ref>
In [[Númenor]]ean colonies and outposts, such as [[Belfalas]] and [[Pelargir]], there were many [[Faithful]], fully or partially of [[Númenórean]] blood, who descended from [[Númenor]] long before its [[Downfall of Numenor|Downfall]]. The colonists welcomed Elendil's sons and allied themselves with the founders of the [[Kingdoms of the Dúnedain]].<ref name=rings/><ref name=languages>{{App|Men}}</ref> Elendil made the Faithful nobles (kin of Elendil) who ruled Belfalas "[[Princes of Dol Amroth|Princes]]".<ref name="Cirion"/> There were also many men of mingled blood, descended from the [[Men of the Mountains|Men of]] the [[White Mountains]] during the [[Dark Years]].<ref name="Minas Tirith">{{RK|V1}}</ref> The Men of Gondor were, from the beginnning of their history, always more powerful and populous than their northern counterparts, the [[Men of Arnor]], in spite of their borders being impeded in the South and East.<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref>
 
Originally ruled by their [[High King (Dúnedain)|High King]], the [[Dúnedain]] were divided as the [[Dúnedain of Arnor]] and the [[Dúnedain of the South|Dúnedain of Gondor]], following the death of [[Isildur]], son of [[Elendil]], in {{TA|2}}.<ref name=rings/><ref name="AppB">{{App|B2}}</ref> Isildur had relinquished the rule of Gondor to his nephew [[Meneldil]] who became the first [[King of Gondor]] to rule in his own right, and so the Gondorians became an independent people.<ref name=rings/><ref name="AppB"/>


===Third Age===
===Third Age===
In the south, the realm of [[Gondor]] endured, and for a time the splendour of the Gondorians grew, until it recalled the wealth and majesty of [[Númenor]] during the reign of [[Hyarmendacil I]] by {{TA|1050}}.<ref name=rings/><ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref><ref name="AppB">{{App|B2}}</ref><ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref>
In the south, the realm of [[Gondor]] endured, and for a time the splendour of the Gondorians grew, until it recalled the wealth and majesty of [[Númenor]] during the reign of [[Hyarmendacil I]] by {{TA|1050}}.<ref name=rings/><ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref><ref name="AppB">{{App|B2}}</ref><ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> High towers the  people of Gondor built, and strong places, and havens of many ships; and the [[Crown of Gondor|Winged Crown]] of the Kings of Men was held in awe by people of many lands and tongues.<ref name=rings/>


Yet at the last, in the later [[Third Age]], the Dúnedain of Gondor waned for their blood became much mingled with that of other men, especially the [[Northmen]] of [[Rhovanion]].<ref name=gondor/> King [[Eldacar (King of Gondor)|Eldacar]], who himself had [[Northmen|Northmannish]] blood, showed favour to the [[Northmen]] who supported him.<ref name=gondor/> This led to the [[Kin-strife]], when many Dúnedain of Gondor were slain.<ref name=gondor/> After his return from exile, many noble houses, including the royal [[House of Anárion]], became more mingled with the blood of [[Middle Men|"lesser" Men]].<ref name=gondor/>
Yet at the last, in the later [[Third Age]], the Dúnedain of Gondor waned for their blood became much mingled with that of other men, especially the [[Northmen]] of [[Rhovanion]].<ref name=gondor/> King [[Eldacar (King of Gondor)|Eldacar]], who himself had [[Northmen|Northmannish]] blood, showed favour to the [[Northmen]] who supported him.<ref name=gondor/> This led to the [[Kin-strife]], when many Dúnedain of Gondor were slain.<ref name=gondor/> After his return from exile, many noble houses, including the royal [[House of Anárion]], became more mingled with the blood of [[Middle Men|"lesser" Men]].<ref name=gondor/>
Line 39: Line 42:
After the [[Stewards]] picked up the southern rule, the Gondorians still defended the passage of the [[Anduin]] against the terrors of [[Minas Morgul]] and against all the enemies of the West.<ref name=rings/>
After the [[Stewards]] picked up the southern rule, the Gondorians still defended the passage of the [[Anduin]] against the terrors of [[Minas Morgul]] and against all the enemies of the West.<ref name=rings/>


By the time of the [[War of the Ring]], the [[Dúnedain of Gondor]] lived in [[Minas Tirith]] and the adjacent townlands, as well as the tributary fiefs and royal lands of [[Anórien]], [[Ithilien]], and [[Belfalas]].<ref name=languages/><ref name="Language">{{PM|Languages}}</ref>
By the time of the [[War of the Ring]], most Gondorians lived within [[Minas Tirith]], or in the high vales of the mountain-borders, in [[Lossarnach]], or further south in [[Lebennin]].<ref name="Minas Tirith"/> The herdsmen and husbandmen that dwelt in the townlands of the [[Pelennor]] were not many.<ref name="Minas Tirith"/> The Dúnedain of Gondor lived in [[Minas Tirith]] and the adjacent townlands, as well as the tributary fiefs and royal lands of [[Anórien]], [[Ithilien]], and [[Belfalas]].<ref name=languages/><ref name="Language">{{PM|Languages}}</ref>


===Later History===
===Later History===
In the [[Fourth Age]], the Dúnedain of Gondor and Arnor were [[Reunited Kingdom|reunited]] under King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II Elessar]] (who was also called ''the Dúnadan'').
In the [[Fourth Age]], the Dúnedain of Gondor and Arnor were [[Reunited Kingdom|reunited]] under King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II Elessar]] (who was also called ''the Dúnadan'') so that the Gondorians became a part of a great [[Reunited Kingdom]] that spanned western [[Middle-earth]].


==Culture==
==Culture==
The Early in their history, Gondorians preferred to speak [[Elvish]], because their native [[Adûnaic]] tongue was associated with the unfaithful; even so, Gondorians used [[Gondor Sindarin|their own variety]] of [[Sindarin]]. However the native peoples among them continued to use a creole language derived from Adûnaic, that eventually became the lingua franca of all the [[Westlands]] and was adopted even by the Dúnedain themselves. However they continued using Quenya and Sindarin names.<ref>{{App|Men}}</ref><ref>{{L|144}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref>
===Skills===
The original Gondorians brought extraordinary knowledge of stonework with them from [[Númenor]], and this skill was a vital part of the character of [[Gondor]] and its people. In the early years of the realm, the Gondorians worked to erect mighty cities and monuments throughout their new land.<ref name=rings/> Their original capital at [[Osgiliath]] had great stone bridges spanned the [[Anduin]], as well as mighty houses and towers of stone.<ref name=rings/> Other works marvellous and strong they built in the land in the days of their power, at the [[Argonath]], and at [[Aglarond]], and at [[Erech]]; and at [[Isengard]], they made the [[Orthanc|Pinnacle of Orthanc]] of unbreakable stone.<ref name=rings/> They also built great roads that ran both north and south of the [[White Mountains]].<ref>{{RK|Ride}}</ref>
 
The Gondorians were very skilled in the arts of healing and medicine, having preserved much wisdom of [[Númenor]].<ref name="Cirion"/> They were skilled in healing all such sickness [[Men]] were subject to.<ref name=Healing>{{RK|Houses}}</ref>
 
The Men of [[Gondor]] were noted for their great seafaring skills, especially naval warfare. They  built navies and extended the sway of Gondor along the coasts west and south of the [[Mouths of Anduin]] for more than a thousand years.<ref name=rings/><ref name=gondor/>
 
===Customs===
The Dúnedain of the South married late in their life and had few children.<ref name=gondor/> Several of the [[Kings of Gondor]] were childless.<ref name=gondor/>


The high men of the South married late in their life and had few children. Several of the [[Kings of Gondor]] were childless.<ref name=south/>
Before a meal, the Gondorians had a little ritual called the [[Standing Silence]]:  they looked towards the [[West]] in silence, towards [[Númenor]], and beyond to [[Aman]], and to that which is beyond Elvenhome.<ref>{{TT|Window}}</ref>


Gondorian ships were usually black and silver in colour.<ref>{{webcite|author=Daniel Helen|articleurl=https://www.tolkiensociety.org/2015/11/tolkiens-annotated-map-of-middle-earth-transcribed/|articlename=Tolkien’s annotated map of Middle-earth transcribed|dated=10 November 2015|website=The Tolkien Society|accessed=5 August 2018}}</ref>
Gondorian ships were usually black and silver in colour.<ref>{{webcite|author=Daniel Helen|articleurl=https://www.tolkiensociety.org/2015/11/tolkiens-annotated-map-of-middle-earth-transcribed/|articlename=Tolkien’s annotated map of Middle-earth transcribed|dated=10 November 2015|website=The Tolkien Society|accessed=5 August 2018}}</ref>


Before a meal, the Gondorians looked towards the [[West]].<ref>{{TT|Window}}</ref>
The people of [[Minas Tirith]] used horses very little and they were rarely seen in their streets, save only those ridden by the errand-riders of their lord.<ref name="Minas Tirith"/>
 
===Politics===
[[Gondor]] was divided into regions described as 'fiefs', each under the control of a lord who in turn owed their allegiance to the Ruler of Gondor, whether the [[King of Gondor|King]] or (in later years) the [[Ruling Steward]].<ref name="Fortyone">{{PM|Languages}}, §41, p. 45</ref> Many of these fiefs were dominated by the [[Dúnedain]], notably the royal lands of [[Anórien]] and [[Ithilien]], as well as the shoreland fief of [[Belfalas]].<ref name=languages/>
 
The [[Númenórean]] [[King of Gondor]] governed the realm with the frame of ancient law, of which he was administrator (and interpreter) but not the maker.<ref name="politics">{{L|244}}</ref> In all debatable matters of importance domestic, or external, however, even [[Denethor II|Denethor]] had a [[Council of Gondor|Council]], and at least listened to what the Lords of the Fiefs and the Captains of the Forces had to say.<ref name="politics"/> [[Aragorn]] re-established the [[Council of Gondor|Great Council of Gondor]], and in that [[Faramir]], who remained by inheritance the [[Steward]] (or representative of the King during his absence abroad, or sickness, or between his death and the accession of his heir) was his chief counsellor.<ref name="politics"/>
 
===Language===
[[Westron]], or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of [[Gondor]]. An antique, more formal and terse, form of the Common Tongue was spoken by the Gondorians.<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>
 
Many of the Men of Gondor could also speak the [[Elvish]] tongues, a notable distinction and characteristic among the [[Dúnedain of the South]].<ref name=languages/> [[Sindarin]] had long ceased to be a "first language" in [[Gondor]], but was learned in early youth (by those claiming [[Númenórean]] descent) from loremasters, and used by them as a mark of rank and high-blood.<ref name="Elendil"/> It had changed very little since the [[Downfall of Númenor]] and though the Men of [[Gondor]] altered some of the sounds, they could still understand the [[Elves]] and be understood by them.<ref name="Elendil"/> [[Westron]] became used more and more by the Dúnedain of Gondor themselves, so that at the time of the [[War of the Ring]], [[Sindarin]] was known to only a small part of the peoples of Gondor (and spoken daily by fewer); they dwelt mostly in [[Minas Tirith]] and the adjacent townlands, and in the land of the tributary princes of [[Dol Amroth]].<ref name=languages/> [[Sindarin]] was used to be polite, especially in [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name="quenya">{{L|347}}</ref>
 
[[Quenya]] was known to the learned of [[Gondor]], a tradition which has continued from the loremasters of [[Númenor]], to be used for places of fame and reverence in addition to the names of royalty and men of great renown.<ref name="quenya"/><ref name=languages/> All the royal names of the [[Kings of Gondor]] as well as all the [[Stewards]] until [[Mardil Voronwë]] were [[Quenya]] names.<ref name=languages/><ref>{{App|South}}</ref> At the end of the [[Third Age]], there were more [[Men]] (those of [[Minas Tirith]] and its fiefs) that knew [[Quenya]] or spoke [[Sindarin]] than there were [[Elves]] (those of [[Lindon]], [[Rivendell]], and [[Lórien]]) who did either.<ref name="quenya"/>
 
==Characteristics==
===Appearance and Traits===
The Gondorians of [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] descent were tall, pale-skinned, with dark hair, shining grey eyes, and proud faces.<ref name="Herbs">{{TT|Herbs}}</ref><ref name="Minas Tirith"/> They were a proud and noble people, valiant in the face of hardhsip.<ref name="Minas Tirith"/> The Men of [[Gondor]] whose blood is more mingled with the people of the [[White Mountains]] (such as those of [[Lossarnach]]) were grim-faced, shorter, and somewhat swarthier than many others in [[Gondor]].<ref name="Minas Tirith"/>
 
===Lifespan===
In the beginning of their history, the Dúnedain (including those of Gondor) were blessed with a lifespan thrice the life of [[Middle Men|lesser men]], yet this ever-diminished over the course of the [[Third Age]].<ref name=eriador>{{App|Eriador}}</ref><ref name=languages/>
 
The [[Third Age]] marked the beginning of the waning of the Dúnedain, in which their gifts of wisdom, nobility, and long life were slowly withdrawn due to the [[Downfall of Númenor]] and their mingling with [[Middle Men|lesser men]].<ref name=gondor/>
 
After Gondor's numbers were replenished by lesser [[Northmen]] after the [[Kin-Strife]], the mingling did not at first hasten the waning of the Dúnedain, as had been feared, but it still proceeded little by little as it had before.<ref name=gondor/> However, after the fall of the [[Kings of Gondor|Kings]], the waning was much swifter in [[Gondor]] than in [[Arnor]].<ref name=eriador/> In fact, [[Hador (Steward of Gondor)|Hador]] the seventh [[Ruling Steward]] of [[Gondor]] was the last Gondorian to live 150 years and after his time the life-span of those with [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] blood waned more rapidly.<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}</ref> By the time of the [[War of the Ring]], the lifespan of the Gondorians had waned to little greater than that of lesser men.<ref name=Healing/> Only few among the Gondorians passed 100 years with vigour, except in the more pure and noble houses.<ref name=Healing/>
 
Upon the reunification of the [[Two Kingdoms]], the life-span of all [[Dúnedain]] (including those of Gondor) was not restored and continued to wane until it became as that of other men.<ref name="Elendil"/>


==Lifespan==
In the [[Third Age]], the lifespan of the [[Dúnedain]] was less than of their ancestors in [[Númenor]]; specifically after the end of the [[Kings of Gondor]], the waning was even swifter. In contrast, their cousins, the [[Dúnedain of the North]], maintained significant longevity.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}</ref>
==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
: Gondorians, or Gondorian Commoners, are one of the cultures, suitable for player characters, that are given a detailed description. The Gondorians contain varying degrees of blood from Dúnedain, [[Northmen]] and Men from [[Harad]] and [[Dunland]].<ref>{{ICE|2001}}, p. 168</ref><ref>{{ICE|2020}}</ref>
: Gondorians, or Gondorian Commoners, are one of the cultures, suitable for player characters, that are given a detailed description. The Gondorians contain varying degrees of blood from Dúnedain, [[Northmen]] and Men from [[Harad]] and [[Dunland]].<ref>{{ICE|2001}}, p. 168</ref><ref>{{ICE|2020}}</ref>

Revision as of 15:40, 19 June 2020

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.
"...It is a long tale..." — Aragorn
This article or section needs expansion and/or modification. Please help the wiki by expanding it.


Gondorians
People
Liz Danforth - Gondorian.jpg]
"Gondorian" by Liz Danforth
General Information
Other namesMen of Gondor, Stone-folk, Stonehouse-folk
OriginsDescendants of the Númenóreans in Gondor (partly Northmen and Men of the Mountains)[1][2]
LocationsGondor
AffiliationLast Alliance of Elves and Men, Host of the West
RivalriesBlack Númenóreans, Corsairs of Umbar, Easterlings, Haradrim
LanguagesWestron, Númenórean Sindarin, Quenya
MembersDenethor, Boromir, Faramir, Imrahil
GalleryImages of Gondorians

The Gondorians were the inhabitants of Gondor. The Dúnedain of Gondor, also known as the Dúnedain of the South, constituted the ruling class and nobility of Gondor being descendants of the Exiles of Númenor who established the South-Kingdom. The history of the Gondorians is extensively dominated by the actions of the Dúnedain of the South.

History

Early History

After the Downfall of Númenor, the Exiles of Númenor, led by Elendil, established the Realms in Exile of Arnor and Gondor. Arriving at the Mouths of Anduin, Elendil's sons, Isildur and Anárion, ascended the great river and founded the realm of Gondor.[3]

In Númenorean colonies and outposts, such as Belfalas and Pelargir, there were many Faithful, fully or partially of Númenórean blood, who descended from Númenor long before its Downfall. The colonists welcomed Elendil's sons and allied themselves with the founders of the Kingdoms of the Dúnedain.[3][4] Elendil made the Faithful nobles (kin of Elendil) who ruled Belfalas "Princes".[2] There were also many men of mingled blood, descended from the Men of the White Mountains during the Dark Years.[5] The Men of Gondor were, from the beginnning of their history, always more powerful and populous than their northern counterparts, the Men of Arnor, in spite of their borders being impeded in the South and East.[6]

Originally ruled by their High King, the Dúnedain were divided as the Dúnedain of Arnor and the Dúnedain of Gondor, following the death of Isildur, son of Elendil, in T.A. 2.[3][7] Isildur had relinquished the rule of Gondor to his nephew Meneldil who became the first King of Gondor to rule in his own right, and so the Gondorians became an independent people.[3][7]

Third Age

In the south, the realm of Gondor endured, and for a time the splendour of the Gondorians grew, until it recalled the wealth and majesty of Númenor during the reign of Hyarmendacil I by T.A. 1050.[3][8][7][8] High towers the people of Gondor built, and strong places, and havens of many ships; and the Winged Crown of the Kings of Men was held in awe by people of many lands and tongues.[3]

Yet at the last, in the later Third Age, the Dúnedain of Gondor waned for their blood became much mingled with that of other men, especially the Northmen of Rhovanion.[8] King Eldacar, who himself had Northmannish blood, showed favour to the Northmen who supported him.[8] This led to the Kin-strife, when many Dúnedain of Gondor were slain.[8] After his return from exile, many noble houses, including the royal House of Anárion, became more mingled with the blood of "lesser" Men.[8]

The Great Plague decimated the Gondorians with many, including King Telemnar, his kin, as well as many others of the Dúnedain of Gondor, being killed.[3][8]

After the reign of King Eärnur, royal descendants among the Dúnedain of Gondor had become few and no claimant for the throne could be found of pure Númenórean blood, or whose claim all would accept, and people were afraid of a new Kin-strife that would devastate the kingdom.[8] Thus, by default, Mardil began the line of Ruling Stewards of Gondor.[3][8]

After the Stewards picked up the southern rule, the Gondorians still defended the passage of the Anduin against the terrors of Minas Morgul and against all the enemies of the West.[3]

By the time of the War of the Ring, most Gondorians lived within Minas Tirith, or in the high vales of the mountain-borders, in Lossarnach, or further south in Lebennin.[5] The herdsmen and husbandmen that dwelt in the townlands of the Pelennor were not many.[5] The Dúnedain of Gondor lived in Minas Tirith and the adjacent townlands, as well as the tributary fiefs and royal lands of Anórien, Ithilien, and Belfalas.[4][9]

Later History

In the Fourth Age, the Dúnedain of Gondor and Arnor were reunited under King Aragorn II Elessar (who was also called the Dúnadan) so that the Gondorians became a part of a great Reunited Kingdom that spanned western Middle-earth.

Culture

Skills

The original Gondorians brought extraordinary knowledge of stonework with them from Númenor, and this skill was a vital part of the character of Gondor and its people. In the early years of the realm, the Gondorians worked to erect mighty cities and monuments throughout their new land.[3] Their original capital at Osgiliath had great stone bridges spanned the Anduin, as well as mighty houses and towers of stone.[3] Other works marvellous and strong they built in the land in the days of their power, at the Argonath, and at Aglarond, and at Erech; and at Isengard, they made the Pinnacle of Orthanc of unbreakable stone.[3] They also built great roads that ran both north and south of the White Mountains.[10]

The Gondorians were very skilled in the arts of healing and medicine, having preserved much wisdom of Númenor.[2] They were skilled in healing all such sickness Men were subject to.[11]

The Men of Gondor were noted for their great seafaring skills, especially naval warfare. They built navies and extended the sway of Gondor along the coasts west and south of the Mouths of Anduin for more than a thousand years.[3][8]

Customs

The Dúnedain of the South married late in their life and had few children.[8] Several of the Kings of Gondor were childless.[8]

Before a meal, the Gondorians had a little ritual called the Standing Silence: they looked towards the West in silence, towards Númenor, and beyond to Aman, and to that which is beyond Elvenhome.[12]

Gondorian ships were usually black and silver in colour.[13]

The people of Minas Tirith used horses very little and they were rarely seen in their streets, save only those ridden by the errand-riders of their lord.[5]

Politics

Gondor was divided into regions described as 'fiefs', each under the control of a lord who in turn owed their allegiance to the Ruler of Gondor, whether the King or (in later years) the Ruling Steward.[14] Many of these fiefs were dominated by the Dúnedain, notably the royal lands of Anórien and Ithilien, as well as the shoreland fief of Belfalas.[4]

The Númenórean King of Gondor governed the realm with the frame of ancient law, of which he was administrator (and interpreter) but not the maker.[15] In all debatable matters of importance domestic, or external, however, even Denethor had a Council, and at least listened to what the Lords of the Fiefs and the Captains of the Forces had to say.[15] Aragorn re-established the Great Council of Gondor, and in that Faramir, who remained by inheritance the Steward (or representative of the King during his absence abroad, or sickness, or between his death and the accession of his heir) was his chief counsellor.[15]

Language

Westron, or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of Gondor. An antique, more formal and terse, form of the Common Tongue was spoken by the Gondorians.[16]

Many of the Men of Gondor could also speak the Elvish tongues, a notable distinction and characteristic among the Dúnedain of the South.[4] Sindarin had long ceased to be a "first language" in Gondor, but was learned in early youth (by those claiming Númenórean descent) from loremasters, and used by them as a mark of rank and high-blood.[17] It had changed very little since the Downfall of Númenor and though the Men of Gondor altered some of the sounds, they could still understand the Elves and be understood by them.[17] Westron became used more and more by the Dúnedain of Gondor themselves, so that at the time of the War of the Ring, Sindarin was known to only a small part of the peoples of Gondor (and spoken daily by fewer); they dwelt mostly in Minas Tirith and the adjacent townlands, and in the land of the tributary princes of Dol Amroth.[4] Sindarin was used to be polite, especially in Minas Tirith.[18]

Quenya was known to the learned of Gondor, a tradition which has continued from the loremasters of Númenor, to be used for places of fame and reverence in addition to the names of royalty and men of great renown.[18][4] All the royal names of the Kings of Gondor as well as all the Stewards until Mardil Voronwë were Quenya names.[4][19] At the end of the Third Age, there were more Men (those of Minas Tirith and its fiefs) that knew Quenya or spoke Sindarin than there were Elves (those of Lindon, Rivendell, and Lórien) who did either.[18]

Characteristics

Appearance and Traits

The Gondorians of Númenórean descent were tall, pale-skinned, with dark hair, shining grey eyes, and proud faces.[20][5] They were a proud and noble people, valiant in the face of hardhsip.[5] The Men of Gondor whose blood is more mingled with the people of the White Mountains (such as those of Lossarnach) were grim-faced, shorter, and somewhat swarthier than many others in Gondor.[5]

Lifespan

In the beginning of their history, the Dúnedain (including those of Gondor) were blessed with a lifespan thrice the life of lesser men, yet this ever-diminished over the course of the Third Age.[21][4]

The Third Age marked the beginning of the waning of the Dúnedain, in which their gifts of wisdom, nobility, and long life were slowly withdrawn due to the Downfall of Númenor and their mingling with lesser men.[8]

After Gondor's numbers were replenished by lesser Northmen after the Kin-Strife, the mingling did not at first hasten the waning of the Dúnedain, as had been feared, but it still proceeded little by little as it had before.[8] However, after the fall of the Kings, the waning was much swifter in Gondor than in Arnor.[21] In fact, Hador the seventh Ruling Steward of Gondor was the last Gondorian to live 150 years and after his time the life-span of those with Númenórean blood waned more rapidly.[17] By the time of the War of the Ring, the lifespan of the Gondorians had waned to little greater than that of lesser men.[11] Only few among the Gondorians passed 100 years with vigour, except in the more pure and noble houses.[11]

Upon the reunification of the Two Kingdoms, the life-span of all Dúnedain (including those of Gondor) was not restored and continued to wane until it became as that of other men.[17]

Portrayal in adaptations

1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:

Gondorians, or Gondorian Commoners, are one of the cultures, suitable for player characters, that are given a detailed description. The Gondorians contain varying degrees of blood from Dúnedain, Northmen and Men from Harad and Dunland.[22][23]

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 64, (dated 30 April 1944), also Letter 144, Letter 256
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan"
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F, "The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age", "Of Men"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Minas Tirith"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "X. Of Dwarves and Men", "The Atani and their Languages"
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  8. 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "II. The Appendix on Languages"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Ride of the Rohirrim"
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Houses of Healing"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Window on the West"
  13. Daniel Helen, "Tolkien’s annotated map of Middle-earth transcribed" dated 10 November 2015, The Tolkien Society (accessed 5 August 2018)
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "II. The Appendix on Languages", §41, p. 45
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 244, (undated, written circa 1963)
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F, "On Translation"
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil"
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 347, (dated 17 December 1972)
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "The Realms in Exile", "The Southern Line: Heirs of Anarion"
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"
  21. 21.0 21.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur"
  22. S. Coleman Charlton (1993), Middle-earth Role Playing (2nd edition, softcover) (#2001), p. 168
  23. Jason Beresford, Anders Blixt, Mats Blomqvist, Gunnar Brolin, Jeff Hatch, Tim Innes, Martin Rundkvist, Erik Ragvik, Olle Sahlin, Chris Seeman, Magnus Seter (1996), Southern Gondor: The People (#2020)