Of Gondor and Other Númenórean Settlements In Middle-earth

These events chronicle the arrival of the Faithful in Middle-earth after the Downfall of Númenor. "Elendil was cast up by the waves in the land of Lindon, and he was befriended by Gil-galad" (p. 290, The Silmarillion). With the aid of the Elves Elendil established his kingdom in Eraidor with the main city being Annúminas. In this region many towers were built, among them were Emyn Beraid which looked toward the sea and Amon Sûl (otherwise known as Weathertop). The Northern Kingdom was long known as Arnar (with the chief regions being Rhudaur and Cardolan).

Elendil's sons, Isildur and Anárion were taken southward by the waves and wind. Upon reaching Middle-earth they travelled up the Great River Anduin and established the realm of Gondor. The chief city of the realm was Osgiliath which was split in two halves by the Anduin so Isildur and Anárion had a great bridge built to span the river. Other key features were built in Gondor as well: Minas Ithil, Tower of the Rising Moon where Isildur dwelt as a threat to Sauron nearest to Morder; Minas Anor, Tower of the Setting Sun, where Anárion resided guarding against Wild Men; the Argonath where also built, along with the Pinnacle of Orthanc also known as Isenguard. Together the brothers ruled the South having two great thrones built side by side in Osgiliath.

Of the treasures rescued from Númenor the most valuable to the exiles where the White Tree and the Seven Stones. The White Tree, descendant of Nimloth the Fair given to the Númenóreans in the time of Aldarion and Erendis which descended from the Tree of Tirion, which was made in the image of Telperion by Yavanna in the land of the Valar; "...was planted in Minas Ithil before the house of Isildur, since he it was that had saved the fruit from destruction..." (p. 291-292, The Silmarillion).

The Seven Stones known as the Palantiri, those that watch from afar, were divided. Three were with Elendil while Anárion and Isildur each possessed two. "Now these Stones had this virtue that those who looked therein might perceive in them things far off, whether in place or time" (p. 292, The Silmarillion). Typically they revealed things near another Stone and only one of great will could actually control where a Palantiri could see. "The palantiri were no doubt never matters of common use or common knowledge, even in Númenor" (p. 403, Unfinished Tales). And in Middle-earth only the Kings of Elendil's line used them and they were quick to acknowledge how the Stone led to their insight. "Thus the Númenóreans were aware of many things that their enemies wished to conceal, and little escaped their vigilance in the days of their might" (p. 292, The Silmarillion).

Elendil kept his Palantiri in Annúminas, Amon Sul, the Tower of Emyn Beraid which he would use to gaze across the sea into Eressëa, now removed from Man's reach, where the Master-stone abode. The Stones were gifts from the Elves of Eressëa to the Faithful before the dark days. Isildur and Anárion kept their stones at Minas Ithil, Minas Anor, Orthanc, and Osgiliath. Meanwhile Sauron, still regaining strength, thought only of war in his tower of Barad-dûr above the valley of Gorgoroth, near the Mountain of Fire.

Middle-earth timeline: 3321-3400 Second Age

Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 290-293, Unfinished Tales, page 403