Realms in Exile: Difference between revisions

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{{quote| Et Earello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.|[[Elendil's Oath]]}}
{{quote| Et Earello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.|[[Elendil's Oath]]}}
'''Realms in Exile''' also known as the '''Kingdoms of the [[Dúnedain]]''' was the collective name for [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], the North-Kingdom and South-kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]] in the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. Both Kingdoms were founded in {{SA|3320}}<ref>{{App|SA}}, 3320</ref> by [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] [[Elendil]], and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]] who ruled [[Ithilien]] and [[Anórien]].  
{{kingdom
| image=[[File:Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png|250px]]
| name=Realms in Exile
| pronun=
| othernames=Kingdoms of the Dúnedain, Númenórean Realms, Two Kingdoms
| location=[[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]
| capital=The capital in [[Arnor]] was at [[Annúminas]] and later [[Fornost]]; in [[Gondor]] the capital was at [[Osgiliath]] and later [[Minas Tirith]]
| towns='''Arnor'''<br>[[Bree]], [[Bywater]], [[Fornost Erain]], [[Hobbiton]], [[Michel Delving]], [[Tuckborough]]<br>'''Gondor'''<br>[[Calembel]], [[Dol Amroth]], [[Erech]], [[Linhir]], [[Pelargir]], [[Umbar]]
| regions='''Arnor'''<br>[[Arthedain]], [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]]<br>'''Gondor'''<br>[[Anfalas]], [[Anórien]], [[Belfalas]], [[Dorwinion]], [[Enedwaith]] (shared with [[Arnor]]), [[Ithilien]], [[Lamedon]], [[Lebennin]], [[Lossarnach]], [[South Gondor]]
| population=[[Men of Arnor]] and [[Gondorians]] (many [[Hobbits]] in [[the Shire]] and [[Bree-land]])
| language=[[Westron]], [[Númenórean Sindarin]], [[Quenya]], [[Hobbitish]]
| govern1=[[High King (Dúnedain)|High King]]
| govern2=
| govern3=
| currency=[[tharni]], [[castar]]<ref>{{PM|Languages}}</ref>
| holiday=[[Cormarë]]
| precededby=[[Númenor]]
| event1=Established
| event1date={{SA|3320}}
| event2=Divided
| event2date={{TA|2}}
| event3=Attempt to reunify
| event3date={{TA|1944}}
| event4=Reunited
| event4date=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}}
| event5=
| event5date=
| followedby=
}}
The '''Realms in Exile''' were the two kingdoms established by [[Elendil]] and his sons after the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. Often called the '''Kingdoms of the Dúnedain''', it was the collective name for [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], the North-Kingdom and South-kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]] in the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]].  


The two Realms formed the [[Last Alliance]] with the [[Elves]] against [[Sauron]]. During that [[War of the Last Alliance|War]], Anarion and Elendil were killed. Isildur, who was the heir of High Kingship, didn't relinquish his royalty in Gondor nor intend to keep the realm of Elendil divided; but he too was [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields|lost]], and in practice the realms became two separate kingdoms ruled by their descendants. Arnor however had nominal High Kingship, as its [[King of Arnor|ruler]] was the [[Heir of Isildur]].<ref name=rings/><ref name=gondor/>
==History==
===Foundation===
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}}, the [[Great Sea]] cast up a handful of survivors on the shores of [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SA"/> These were [[Elendil]] and his sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]], the last leaders of the [[Faithful]],<ref name=numenor/> who had fled from the port of [[Rómenna]] and were aboard ship when [[Númenor]] was swallowed by the [[Sea]]. The raging waters that followed the [[Downfall of Númenor|Downfall]] had driven their ships eastward until they came to the ruined shores of [[Middle-earth]].<ref name=numenor/> There they established in the North-west the Númenorean realms in exile, [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], in {{SA|3320}}.<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref>


At the first years of their existence the rulers and officials of the two realms used the [[Palantíri]] largely for [[ósanwe|mental communication]], but also to see what was occurring throughout the respective realms.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref> But in the later years the Palantíri were forgotten or lost<ref>{{App|B}}, passim</ref> and the realms were occupied with wars and other disasters, they became estranged and stopped communication.
[[Elendil]] and his people landed in [[Lindon]] and from there they spread out across [[Eriador]].<ref name=rings/> Their great cities were at [[Annúminas]] on [[Nenuial]], and [[Fornost]] on the [[North Downs]],<ref name=rings/> and they thus established a realm that came to be known as [[Arnor]], "Land of the King", because [[High King (Dúnedain)|High King]] [[Elendil]] dwelt there by [[Lake Evendim]].<ref name=numenor>{{App|Numenor}}</ref>


That was until the time of Kings [[Araphant]] of Arnor and [[Ondoher]] of Gondor when they took counsel together. Then it was determined that [[Sauron|one single power and will]] was directing attacks against the Dúnedain. In {{TA|1940}} their heirs [[Arvedui]] of Arnor wed [[Fíriel]] of Gondor, thus reuniting the [[House of Isildur]] and the [[House of Anárion]].<ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref>
[[Elendil]]'s sons [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]] were driven southwards by the [[Sea]], and found their way at last up through the [[Mouths of Anduin]] into the [[Great River]] in a region where a great [[Númenórean]] port, [[Pelargir]], had stood for centuries.<ref name=rings/> They founded their own southern realm in this region, named [[Gondor]], "Land of Stone", for the great feats of stonework they performed.<ref name=rings/> Their main city was named [[Osgiliath]], built on the river on which they had entered their new land, but each of the brothers also had a fortress of their own: [[Minas Ithil]] for [[Isildur]] and [[Minas Anor]] for [[Anárion]].<ref name=rings/>


However they could not profit from the new-formed alliance as [[Angmar]] and the [[Wainriders]] reappeared simultaneously. Ondoher would prove to be last in a direct line of kings when he was slain in battle with the Wainriders. Hoping to save Arnor from Angmar, Arvedui staked his claim to Gondor, by right of his descent from Isildur and by that of his wife, mentioning also the ancient [[Law of Succession in Númenor]]. The [[Council of Gondor]] refused (to the [[Gondorians]] the [[Arthedain|remnant]] of Arnor seemed an insignificant, despite its heritage) and gave the crown to [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]] instead, the commander who had defeated the Wainriders; he maintained good relations with Arnor, promising them aid. Arvedui did not press his claim but Arnor's strength was fast dwindling when in {{TA|1973}} now-King Arvedui sent a message to Eärnil that they were in great straits, and that Angmar was preparing it final assault. Eärnil accordingly mustered a great army under the command of his son Prince [[Eärnur]]. The Gondorian force put to sea, but would not arrive before Angmar destroyed the North-kingdom.<ref>{{App|A}}</ref><ref>{{App|Eriador}}</ref> Even so, the descendants of Arvedui never forgot his claim<ref name=gondor/> and when the line of Kings failed in Gondor, it was rumored that the northern line still wandered.<Ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>
===Division===
The Númenórean Realms formed the [[Last Alliance]] with the [[Elves]] against [[Sauron]]. During that [[War of the Last Alliance|War]], [[Anarion]] and [[Elendil]] were killed.<ref name=rings/> [[Isildur]] succeeded to the [[High King (Dúnedain)|High Kingship]], but his loss at the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]] caused a division between the two realms.<ref name=rings/> At that time, [[Isildur]]'s nephew [[Meneldil]] became [[King of Gondor]] in his own right, and the two kingdoms would remain separate until the time of [[Aragorn Elessar]], more than three thousand years later.<ref name=rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref>
 
===Attempts of Reunification===
It was until the time of [[Araphant]] of [[Arthedain]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] when they took up counsel together after long silence and estrangment.<ref name=gondor/> Then, it was determined that [[Sauron|one single power and will]] was directing attacks against the Realms in Exile.<ref name=gondor/> In {{TA|1940}},  [[Arvedui]] of Arthedain wed [[Fíriel]] of Gondor, thus reuniting the [[House of Isildur]] and the [[House of Anárion]].<ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> However, they could not profit from the new-formed alliance as [[Angmar]] and the [[Wainriders]] reappeared simultaneously.<ref name=gondor/>
 
[[Ondoher]] would prove to be last in a direct line of kings when he was slain in battle with the [[Wainriders]], alongside his sons.<ref name=gondor/> Hoping to save [[Arnor]] from [[Angmar]], [[Arvedui]] staked his claim to the [[King of Gondor|kingship of Gondor]], by right of his descent from [[Isildur]] and by that of his wife, mentioning also the ancient [[Law of Succession in Númenor]].<ref name=gondor/> The [[Council of Gondor]] refused (to the [[Gondorians]] the [[Arthedain|remnant]] of [[Arnor]] seemed an insignificant despite its great heritage) and gave the crown to [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]] instead, the commander of the [[House of Anárion|royal house]] who defeated the [[Wainriders]]; he maintained good relations with [[Arthedain]], promising them aid.<ref name=gondor/> [[Arvedui]] did not press his claim for he had neither the power nor the will to oppose the choice of the [[Dúnedain of Gondor]].<ref name=gondor/>
 
[[Arnor]]'s strength was fast dwindling when in {{TA|1973}} now-King [[Arvedui]] sent a message to [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]] that they were in great straits, and that [[Angmar]] was preparing it final assault. [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]], accordingly, mustered a great army under the command of his son [[Eärnur]]. The [[Gondorians|Gondorian]] force put to sea, but would not arrive before [[Angmar]] destroyed the [[North-kingdom]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}</ref> Even so, the descendants of [[Arvedui]] never forgot his claim<ref name=gondor/> and when the line of [[Kings of Gondor|Kings]] failed in [[Gondor]], it was rumored that the Northern line still wandered in secrecy.<Ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>
 
===Final Reunification===
{{main|Reunited Kingdom}}
After the ultimate defeat of the [[Dark Lord]] in the [[War of the Ring]], [[Isildur's Heir]] [[Aragorn II Elessar]] came forward and reclaimed the [[High King (Dúnedain)|High Kingship]], once again reuniting the Númenórean Realms after more than three thousand years.<ref name=rings/>
 
==See also==
*[[Arnor]]
*[[Gondor]]
*[[Dúnedain]]
*[[Exiles of Númenor]]


At the end of that Age, the expanse of both kingdoms formed the [[Reunited Kingdom]] under [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]].
{{references}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Middle-earth]]

Revision as of 17:56, 9 July 2020

" Et Earello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta."
Elendil's Oath
Realms in Exile
Sage - Reunited Kingdom.png
General information
Other namesKingdoms of the Dúnedain, Númenórean Realms, Two Kingdoms
LocationArnor and Gondor
CapitalThe capital in Arnor was at Annúminas and later Fornost; in Gondor the capital was at Osgiliath and later Minas Tirith
Major townsArnor
Bree, Bywater, Fornost Erain, Hobbiton, Michel Delving, Tuckborough
Gondor
Calembel, Dol Amroth, Erech, Linhir, Pelargir, Umbar
RegionsArnor
Arthedain, Cardolan, Rhudaur
Gondor
Anfalas, Anórien, Belfalas, Dorwinion, Enedwaith (shared with Arnor), Ithilien, Lamedon, Lebennin, Lossarnach, South Gondor
People
PopulationMen of Arnor and Gondorians (many Hobbits in the Shire and Bree-land)
LanguageWestron, Númenórean Sindarin, Quenya, Hobbitish
GovernanceHigh King
Currencytharni, castar[1]
HolidayCormarë
History
Preceded byNúmenor
EstablishedS.A. 3320
DividedT.A. 2
Attempt to reunifyT.A. 1944
Reunited1 May, T.A. 3019

The Realms in Exile were the two kingdoms established by Elendil and his sons after the Downfall of Númenor. Often called the Kingdoms of the Dúnedain, it was the collective name for Arnor and Gondor, the North-Kingdom and South-kingdom of the Dúnedain in the Westlands of Middle-earth.

History

Foundation

After the Downfall of Númenor in S.A. 3319, the Great Sea cast up a handful of survivors on the shores of Middle-earth.[2] These were Elendil and his sons Isildur and Anárion, the last leaders of the Faithful,[3] who had fled from the port of Rómenna and were aboard ship when Númenor was swallowed by the Sea. The raging waters that followed the Downfall had driven their ships eastward until they came to the ruined shores of Middle-earth.[3] There they established in the North-west the Númenorean realms in exile, Arnor and Gondor, in S.A. 3320.[2]

Elendil and his people landed in Lindon and from there they spread out across Eriador.[4] Their great cities were at Annúminas on Nenuial, and Fornost on the North Downs,[4] and they thus established a realm that came to be known as Arnor, "Land of the King", because High King Elendil dwelt there by Lake Evendim.[3]

Elendil's sons Isildur and Anárion were driven southwards by the Sea, and found their way at last up through the Mouths of Anduin into the Great River in a region where a great Númenórean port, Pelargir, had stood for centuries.[4] They founded their own southern realm in this region, named Gondor, "Land of Stone", for the great feats of stonework they performed.[4] Their main city was named Osgiliath, built on the river on which they had entered their new land, but each of the brothers also had a fortress of their own: Minas Ithil for Isildur and Minas Anor for Anárion.[4]

Division

The Númenórean Realms formed the Last Alliance with the Elves against Sauron. During that War, Anarion and Elendil were killed.[4] Isildur succeeded to the High Kingship, but his loss at the Disaster of the Gladden Fields caused a division between the two realms.[4] At that time, Isildur's nephew Meneldil became King of Gondor in his own right, and the two kingdoms would remain separate until the time of Aragorn Elessar, more than three thousand years later.[4]

Attempts of Reunification

It was until the time of Araphant of Arthedain and Ondoher of Gondor when they took up counsel together after long silence and estrangment.[5] Then, it was determined that one single power and will was directing attacks against the Realms in Exile.[5] In T.A. 1940, Arvedui of Arthedain wed Fíriel of Gondor, thus reuniting the House of Isildur and the House of Anárion.[5] However, they could not profit from the new-formed alliance as Angmar and the Wainriders reappeared simultaneously.[5]

Ondoher would prove to be last in a direct line of kings when he was slain in battle with the Wainriders, alongside his sons.[5] Hoping to save Arnor from Angmar, Arvedui staked his claim to the kingship of Gondor, by right of his descent from Isildur and by that of his wife, mentioning also the ancient Law of Succession in Númenor.[5] The Council of Gondor refused (to the Gondorians the remnant of Arnor seemed an insignificant despite its great heritage) and gave the crown to Eärnil instead, the commander of the royal house who defeated the Wainriders; he maintained good relations with Arthedain, promising them aid.[5] Arvedui did not press his claim for he had neither the power nor the will to oppose the choice of the Dúnedain of Gondor.[5]

Arnor's strength was fast dwindling when in T.A. 1973 now-King Arvedui sent a message to Eärnil that they were in great straits, and that Angmar was preparing it final assault. Eärnil, accordingly, mustered a great army under the command of his son Eärnur. The Gondorian force put to sea, but would not arrive before Angmar destroyed the North-kingdom.[6] Even so, the descendants of Arvedui never forgot his claim[5] and when the line of Kings failed in Gondor, it was rumored that the Northern line still wandered in secrecy.[7]

Final Reunification

Main article: Reunited Kingdom

After the ultimate defeat of the Dark Lord in the War of the Ring, Isildur's Heir Aragorn II Elessar came forward and reclaimed the High Kingship, once again reuniting the Númenórean Realms after more than three thousand years.[4]

See also

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "II. The Appendix on Languages"
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Númenor"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards"