Anárion

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This article is about the son of Elendil. For the King of Númenor, see Tar-Anárion.
Anárion
Númenórean
Anarion decipher.jpg
Biographical Information
TitlesKing of Gondor (joint)
AffiliationThe Faithful
LanguageQuenya
BirthS.A. 3219
Andúnië, Númenor
RuleS.A. 3320 - 3440 (120 years)
DeathS.A. 3440 (aged 221)
During Siege of Barad-dûr
Family
HouseHouse of Elendil
ParentageElendil
SiblingsIsildur
ChildrenThree unnamed children and Meneldil
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Anárion

Anárion (Q: "sun-son", pron. [aˈnaːri.on], stem Anáriond-) was the the second son of Elendil and the brother of Isildur. His son Meneldil was the last man born in Númenor before its Downfall.

History

Together with his father and brother, Anárion was a leader of the Faithful, the part of the Númenórean people that opposed the dark rule of King Ar-Pharazôn and his councilor Sauron.

After the Downfall, Elendil landed in northern Middle-earth near the Elven realm of Lindon, and there established the realm of Arnor. Isildur and Anárion, however, landed in the south and established the realm of Gondor. Both realms were founded on existing Númenórean colonies: Gondor grew out of the already established city of Pelargir, and the existing Princedom of Belfalas (later renamed Dol Amroth).

Anárion was chiefly responsible for the early ordering of Gondor: he founded the cities of Minas Anor and Minas Ithil, as well as the bridge and city of Osgiliath. Osgiliath was dedicated to the stars, but also after Elendil. Minas Anor and the outlying region of Anórien were named after the Sun, but also after Anárion. Minas Ithil and Ithilien across the river Anduin were named after the Moon, and Isildur.

Gondor was soon attacked by a returned Sauron. In the War of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men Anárion defended Gondor and its people, ruling as its regent, while his brother escaped north to join up with Elendil and the Elves. Defending a land under siege, he successfully defended the Númenórean Exiles, the earlier settlers, and the indigenous population of Gondor until Elendil, Isildur and Gil-galad summoned him to take part in the campaign into Mordor. He fought with distinction in the Battle of Dagorlad and in the Siege of Barad-dûr, but was slain in 3440 by a stone hurled from the Dark Tower. Anárion had four children, the youngest of which was a son, Meneldil.

Although his line was originally not destined to rule, his son Meneldil became King of Gondor, as Isildur's heirs only ruled over Arnor. Isildur is not recorded as having given up his rights over Gondor, and the Line of Anárion may have come to power illegally.

On the other hand, the title 'High King' remained with the northern line, and even as Gondor grew more mighty than Arnor it remained the younger line. The Line of Anárion slowly dwindled and disappeared over time, until in the end the Ruling Stewards denounced the right of any heir of Anárion to ever reclaim the throne, as no one with "pure blood" could be found. This eventually opened the path for Aragorn II to eventually become king of the Reunited Kingdom.

Genealogy

          Elendil
     ________|________
    |                 |
 Isildur           ANÁRION
           ___________|___________
          |                       |
three unnamed daughters        Meneldil
                                  |     
                                  |     
                               Cemendur