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Elendil: From Exile to King
How Does Elendil Become King?
Elendil's journey from a noble of Numenor to the King of Gondor and Arnor is a tale of resilience, leadership, and divine providence. His rise to power is inextricably linked to the downfall of Numenor and the preservation of the Faithful. This article explores the complex circumstances that led to Elendil becoming a king, delving into his lineage, his escape from destruction, and his establishment of new kingdoms in Middle-earth.
Target Audience: Tolkien fans, fantasy enthusiasts, readers interested in historical leadership and world-building, individuals curious about the Second Age of Middle-earth.
How Does Elendil Become King?: The Lineage of the King
Elendil wasn't born a king, but he was born of noble blood. He was a direct descendant of Elros Tar-Minyatur, the first King of Numenor and brother of Elrond. Elros chose a mortal life, while Elrond remained an Elf. This lineage placed Elendil amongst the highest echelons of Numenorean society. More importantly, he was a member of the Lords of Andunie, a line of Numenoreans who remained faithful to the Valar and the ancient traditions, refusing to worship Melkor (Morgoth) and resisting the growing darkness that consumed the island kingdom. The Lords of Andunie were also keepers of the palantiri, the seeing-stones gifted to them by the Elves, which would later play a crucial role in the establishment of Gondor and Arnor.
Image Caption: A depiction of the Lords of Andunie, holding the Palantir.
How Does Elendil Become King?: The Fall of Numenor
The reign of Ar-Pharazon, the last King of Numenor, marked a turning point. Seduced by the lies of Sauron, Ar-Pharazon sailed to Valinor to challenge the Valar, the guardians of the Blessed Realm. This act of rebellion resulted in the destruction of Numenor. The island was swallowed by the sea in a cataclysmic event.
Elendil, along with his sons Isildur and Anarion, foresaw the impending doom. Guided by the faithful, and possessing nine ships, they fled Numenor with numerous artifacts, including a seedling of the White Tree of Valinor (Nimloth), which Isildur rescued at great peril, and several palantiri. This escape was not just a matter of luck but of divine intervention from the Valar. The nine ships were spared the destruction, carried by a great storm eastward. This storm was meant to punish Numenor, but guided Elendil to the shores of Middle-earth.
Image Caption: The destruction of Numenor, as depicted in Tolkien's writings.
How Does Elendil Become King?: Landing in Middle-earth and Establishing Kingdoms
The ships carrying Elendil and his sons were scattered by the storm, eventually landing in different areas along the western coast of Middle-earth. Elendil himself landed in the north, in the region that would become Arnor. Recognizing the potential of the land and remembering the ancient prophecies, he claimed the kingship of Arnor, the Northern Kingdom of the Dunedain (Men of the West).
Isildur and Anarion sailed further south and founded the kingdom of Gondor. While Elendil was recognized as High King of both Arnor and Gondor, each kingdom had its own ruling structure. Anarion ruled Minas Anor (later Minas Tirith) and Isildur ruled Minas Ithil (later Minas Morgul) for a time until he left to see his father in Arnor after Anarion's death. The palantiri they carried were placed in key locations throughout the kingdoms, allowing them to communicate and monitor their realms. This strategic placement and the power of these seeing-stones strengthened Elendil's claim and control.
Image Caption: A map depicting the locations of Arnor and Gondor in Middle-earth.
How Does Elendil Become King?: The War of the Last Alliance
Sauron, having returned to Middle-earth after the fall of Numenor, saw Elendil's arrival as a direct threat to his power. This led to the formation of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, a united force led by Elendil and Gil-galad, the High King of the Elves. This was the only time in the Second Age that Elves and Men put aside their differences to fight against a common enemy.
The War of the Last Alliance culminated in the Siege of Barad-dur, Sauron's fortress. After seven years, Sauron himself came forth, and in a final, heroic act, Elendil, alongside Gil-galad, faced the Dark Lord in single combat. Both Elendil and Gil-galad were slain, but not before Sauron was overthrown, and Isildur was able to cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand. While Elendil did not live to see Sauron's complete defeat, his sacrifice paved the way for the eventual downfall of the Dark Lord. The breaking of Narsil, Elendil's sword, became a symbol of hope for the future, prophesying the return of the King and the restoration of Gondor.
Image Caption: Elendil and Gil-galad battling Sauron during the War of the Last Alliance.
How Does Elendil Become King?: Legacy of Leadership
Elendil's legacy extends far beyond his death. He established the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, which served as bastions of civilization and resistance against Sauron for centuries to come. His lineage continued through his son Isildur and eventually led to Aragorn, the rightful King of Gondor in the Third Age.
Elendil's story is a powerful example of how leadership, faith, and resilience can overcome even the greatest challenges. He rose from the ashes of a fallen civilization to establish new hope and order in a world threatened by darkness. His reign, though tragically cut short, laid the foundation for the eventual triumph of good over evil in Middle-earth.
Summary Question and Answer:
Question: How did Elendil become King?
Answer: Elendil became King by virtue of his noble lineage as a descendant of Elros, his leadership of the Faithful during the downfall of Numenor, his successful escape to Middle-earth, and his subsequent founding of the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor. His claim was solidified by the relics he carried, including the palantiri, and his role in the War of the Last Alliance against Sauron.
Keywords: Elendil, King, Numenor, Gondor, Arnor, Middle-earth, Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Isildur, Sauron, War of the Last Alliance, Dunedain, Valar, Palantir, Fall of Numenor.