Middle-Earth Lorebook

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1. #1Gondor

   Keys: South-Kingdom, Gondor · Secondary:

   While Númenórean settlements already existed in Middle-Earth, Gondor and its sister realm of Arnor were officially founded in S.A. 3320. Gondor is the greatest of the Realms-in-Exile which yet remains, sometimes called South-Kingdom. Gondor's power reached its Golden Age under the four "Ship-kings": Tarannon Falastur, Eärnil I, Ciryandil, and Hyarmendacil I. During the reign of the powerful king Hyarmendacil I, Gondor reached the height of its greatest extent and power. For the rest of his one hundred and thirty-four year reign Gondor was at peace; the passes of Mordor were well guarded, and no one dared contest his power. During Hyarmendacil I's reign, Gondor's borders reached their furthest extent. The Kingdom extended east to the Sea of Rhûn; south to the Harnen and all the coast up to the cape of Umbar; as far north as Celebrant; and west towards Greyflood. Gondor would enjoy centuries of peace due to its military might. The Men of the Vales of Anduin as well as the Haradrim acknowledged its authority and overlordship, with the Kings of Harad paying homage. This was called Rainë Ondonórëo, or Gondorian Peace, maintained with the aid of the realms of Rhovanion, Bellakar and Khy. However, Gondor has been in a slow decline following the Kin-strife and the Great Plague. Gondor has been ruled by the line of the Stewards after Eärnur, the last King of Gondor perished in a duel against the Witch-King, leaving no legitimate claimants of the House of Anárion to claim rulership of Gondor. Gondor is composed of a number of provinces: Anórien, Ithilien, Lebennin, Lamedon, Dol Amroth, Anfalas, Pinnath Gelin, Harondor and Andrast.

2. #2Anórien

   Keys: Royal Demesne, Anórien · Secondary: Amon Anwar, Doranórien, Lossarnach, Entyn-i-Onodló, Osgiliath, Gardhon Fuir, Cair Andros, Minas Tirith

   Anórien is the capital province, bordered by Ithilien to the east and Lebennin in the south. Its capital city used to be Osgiliath, which was left ruined and depopulated in the wake of the Kin-strife. Minas Anor, sister city to Minas Ithil of Ithilien, was renamed Minas Tirith, serving as Gondor's capital afterwards.

   The city of Minas Tirith was originally a fortress, Minas Anor, the 'Tower of the Sun', which was probably built after the founding of the realm of Gondor in S.A. 3320 before S.A. 3429. It was the western counterpart to Minas Ithil - 'Tower of the Moon', though was originally of less importance, and was built as a small fort on the summit of Amon Anor mostly to guard Rath Dínen, the Tombs of the Kings. From Osgiliath the sons of Elendil jointly ruled the newly-founded South-kingdom, but Minas Anor was home to Anárion's House and Minas Ithil to Isildur's. Therefore when the seven palantíri were divided amongst the Realms in Exile one was placed in Minas Anor.

   Additional locations of interest: The great wall of Rammas Echor which protects the vast and sprawling farmlands and orchards of Pelennor Fields.

   Amon Anwar, which delineates Gondor's border with Rohan. Originally known as Eilenaer, later renamed as Amon Anwar by Gondorians - the 'Hill of Awe', and known to the Rohirrim as Halifirien. It is a hallowed place to the Gondorians, for it is where Elendil was laid to rest. Following the victory at the Field of Celebrant, Cirion the Steward of Gondor brought Eorl the Young, the Lord of the Éothéod, to Amon Anwar in August, T.A. 2510. There was the Oath of Eorl sworn by which Calenardhon was ceded to the Éothéod and a friendship between Gondor and Rohan was founded. After Eorl had returned to the North to bring back all his people, Cirion removed the tomb of Elendil and took the casket to Rath Dínen.

   Cair Andros - 'Ship of Long Foam' - is a ship-shaped island upon which the Citadel of Cairros was built. It guards one of the two crossing points across Anduin. It was once the southmost of a long chain of fortifications reaching as far north as the Limlight.

   The Drúadan Forest, north of the eastern end of the White Mountains, is a dense forest where the reclusive but peaceful Drúedain live, also known as Woses. The forest is largely avoided by the Rohirrim and Gondorians alike, who believe it to be haunted.

   Osgiliath is the ruined former capital of Gondor. Once a great and resplendent city, it was sacked by Castamir the Usurper during the Kin-strife. The great Dome of the Stars, where the Osgiliath-stone was stored, was destroyed and the palantír itself was lost to the waters of Anduin.

   After King Eärnur's death, Anórien is held by the House of Húrin, descended from Húrin of Emyn Arnen, Steward to King Minardil.

3. #3Ithilien

   Keys: Minas Morgul, Minas Ithil, Ithilien · Secondary: Emyn Arnen, Hyarpendë, Nindalf, Forithilien, Henneth Annûn, Cormalthen, Harithilien

   Ithilien is Gondor's easternmost province. Its northern border reaches to the marshlands of Nindalf, also known as Wetwang, its eastern border is the mountain range of Ephel Dúath separating it from Mordor, its southern border with Harnendor is delineated by the Poros river, and its western border with Anórien and Lebennin follows the course of the Anduin.

   Ithilien is a sheltered region, shielded from the east by the Ephel Dúath, protected from the north by the Emyn Muil, and open to the southern airs and the moist winds from the sea.

   Small woods of resinous trees, fir, cedar, cypress, groves and thickets of tamarisk and terebinth, olive trees, bay, great ilexes of huge girth, ash-trees and giant oaks grow in Ithilien. There are also junipers, myrtles, thymes, sages of many kinds, marjorams, parsleys, and many herbs of various forms and scents. In addition, there are saxifrages, stonecrops, primeroles, anemones, filbert-brakes, asphodel, lilies, roses, irises, water-lilies, briars, eglantines and trailing clematises. Furthermore, grass, celandine and acres populous with the leaves of woodland hyacinths grow in Ithilien. Lebethron and Culumalda trees grow especially in the woods around the Field of Cormallen.

   Ithilien was a fair and prosperous land before Gondor's strength was decimated by the Kin-strife and the Great Plague, as well as invasions of Wainriders, Balchoth and Haradrim. As Mordor's strength waxed in turn, the people of Ithilien increasingly withdrew across the Anduin.

   Locations of interest in Ithilien:

   Minas Ithil - 'Tower of the Moon' - was once the capital of Ithilien, the sister-city to Minas Anor across the Anduin. A sapling of the White Tree of Númenor, saved by Isildur before the Akallabêth, was planted in Minas Ithil. While the new tree was burned by Sauron when he briefly seized Minas Ithil during the War of the Last Alliance, Isildur escaped yet again with a sapling, which was planted in Minas Anor. In its prime, Minas Ithil was a beautiful place. It sat high on a rocky seat "upon the black knees" of the Ephel Dúath, overlooking the valley. Moonlight reflected off the marble walls of the city so that it seemed to shine. The tall tower of the city had many windows, and the topmost part rotated slowly from one side to the other. A white bridge crossed the nearby river, with large meadows on both banks of the stream. After being taken by Mordor in T.A. 2000, the city became terrible, and the valley was filled with decay. The city was lit by a pale white light, and the gate was shaped like an open mouth with gleaming teeth and eyes. The meadows were filled with deadly white flowers emitting a sickly odour. At the head of the bridge crossing the Morgulduin were corrupted human and bestial statues. The river steamed a poisonous, deadly cold vapour, and the water was undrinkable.

   Henneth Annûn - this is a well-hidden refuge, built during the reign of Steward Túrin II circa T.A. 2901, serving as a headquarters for the Ithilien Rangers. It is an expansive cave complex, its entrance hidden by a waterfall.

   Hyarpendë - 'Southern Slope' - originally a haven that served as a ferry station to Pelargir on the other side of the Anduin. Before the Akallabêth it had been, much like Pelargir, only a few miles from the coast. It remained the largest city east of Anduin until the founding of Minas Ithil in S.A. 3320.

4. #4Lebennin

   Keys: Lebennin · Secondary: Celosien, Pelargir, Gilrain, Lebennimeth

   Lebennin is bordered by Anórien to the north, Ithilien to the east, Lamedon and Dol Amroth to the west. Its capital is the great port city of Pelargir, where the majority of Gondor's ships are built for the needs of its navy. Pelargir also serves as Gondor's primary maritime port. The title of Lebennin's ruler is Sealord/Sealady. House of Eärnur (unrelated to the king) holds the title.

   Pelargir was built in S.A. 2350 as a haven of the Faithful. The King's Men established havens farther South. In its early days been only a few miles away from the coasts, but after the Downfall of Númenor the coasts along the Bay of Belfalas had retreated a great distance and the city was left far inland. Pelargir was one of the cities that assembled Gondor when it was founded in S.A. 3320 by the Faithful.

   It became an even greater haven in the days of the Ship-kings. Tarannon Falastur built a great house there, with its roots in the water which he so dearly loved. Tarannon's nephew Eärnil I, who succeeded him, rebuilt Pelargir and built a great navy to conquer Umbar.

   It is situated at the place where the river Sirith flows into Anduin. While the ruler of Pelargir had been appointed by the League of Pelargir in the beginning, the title of Sealord has been hereditary since T.A. 2398.

   One of the holy sites of the Dúnedain is within Pelargir. Eithel Ulu - 'Well of the Pourer' - is a shallow pool of water about 300 feet beneath the central garth of Pelargir upon which the Sealord's castle is built. Accessible only to the Sealord himself, it is a dwelling place for the presence of the Valar named Ulmo. Here he might whisper to those who seek his counsel.

   Lebennin controls the delta of Ethir Anduin where the great river flows into the Bay of Belfalas, and the delta also serves as an important crossing into the lands of Harondor.

5. #5Lamedon

   Keys: Lamedon · Secondary: Morthond Vale, Calembel, Glanhir, Stone of Erech

   Lamedon is bordered by Lebennin to the east, Dol Amroth to the south, Pinnath Gelin and Anfalas to the west. It is a land of rolling hills and sprawling plains. House of Mellendil rules Lamedon as High Lords, and its capital city is Calembel. In the Morthond Vale, the Stone of Erech was placed after being brought from Númenor. It is a perfectly spherical black orb, half-submerged into the ground. Upon this stone did the Men of the Mountains swear to fight for Isildur and when they broke their oath, he cursed them with undeath.

6. #6Dol Amroth

   Keys: Dol Amroth · Secondary: Linhir, Edhelion, Lond Ernil, Dor-en-Ernil, Gilros, Tolfalas, Methrast

   Dol Amroth is a promontory, a peninsula bordered by Lebennin in the east, Lamedon to the north, and Anfalas to the west. For submitting voluntarily to Gondor's authority during the formation of the kingdom proper, the House of Imrazór was granted princely status - thus, rulers of Dol Amroth are called Prince/Princess. The Swan-Knights of Dol Amroth are renowned for their chivalry, horsemanship and skill at arms.

   The first known settlers of Belfalas were Sindar refugees from Beleriand in the late First Age, and in the Second Age (after the War of the Elves and Sauron) the headland that would become Dol Amroth was settled by Galadriel and Celeborn; their company was increased by Elves from Lórinand.

   A noble Númenórean family of the Faithful settled in Belfalas before the Downfall and built a stronghold on the promontory. When the Realms in Exile were formed, Elendil gave their ruler the title of Prince, and his realm became known as Dor-en-Ernil.

   Imrazôr, a noble of Belfalas, married the elf-maid Mithrellas who was a companion of Nimrodel. Their child, Galador, was the first Prince of Dol Amroth, and from him is descended the House of Imrazôr. Because of this Elven ancestry, the ruling house and their kin were noble by blood and fair in face and mind. In addition to the rulers of Dol Amroth, the people of Dol Amroth were also of high blood being tall, grey-eyed, proud, and dark-haired, indicative of their high Númenórean blood. Being mostly Dúnedain of the South, the inhabitants of Dol Amroth are also some of the few people of Gondor who know and speak Sindarin on a daily basis. They are famous as the most skilful harp players in all of Gondor.

   Dol Amroth is the capital of the Princedom, and is the greatest centre of lore and learning after Minas Tirith. Many are her libraries and repositories of ancient craft. It is there that the renowned Swan-Knights train, their grandmaster traditionally being the Prince's heir.

   The city of Linhir is renowned for its tall and strong walls, built where the Gilrain flows into the Bay of Belfalas, serving as an important maritime trade centre and haven for Gondorian ships.

   The Cove of Uinen is a sacred place on the isle of Tolfalas where the last surviving Oiolairë trees grow. These fragrant trees were native to Númenor, a symbol of the covenant between the Maia Uinen and the Guild of Venturers. It was customary for Númenor's mariners to place a cut bough of oiolairë on the prows of their ships, called the Green Bough of Return for good fortune. Uinen's power still protects the hallowed place to this day.

7. #7Pinnath Gelin
8. #8Anfalas

   Keys: Anfalas · Secondary: , Long Galen, Edhellond, Langstrand, Serelond

   Anfalas has the second greatest border with the great Bay of Belfalas, second only to Andrast. It is bordered by Dol Amroth in the east, Lamedon in north-east, Pinnath Gelin in the north, and Andrast in the west. Its capital is the port city of Lond Galen, held by the House of Olindur.

   Of note is also the ancient, abandoned Elven haven of Edhellond. It is situated on the west coast of the Morthond river where it flows into the Bay of Belfalas and delineates the border between Anfalas and Dol Amroth. Edhellond was founded in the late First Age by seafaring Sindar from the west havens of Beleriand who fled in three small ships when the power of Morgoth overwhelmed the Eldar and the Edain; but it was later increased by adventurers of the Silvan Elves seeking for the sea who came down Anduin. From Edhellond, Elves began sailing westward from the time of the fall of Eregion in S.A. 1697.

   Around T.A. 1980, with the freeing of the Balrog in Moria, many of the Galadhrim fled south to Edhellond and sailed over the Sea to Valinor. Amroth, King of Lórien, was lost at sea near Edhellond in 1981 when he attempted to swim to shore to seek his beloved Nimrodel. The ship from which he jumped overboard was the last ship of Elves to leave from Edhellond. The haven was deserted from then on, although it was remembered, as were other ancient Elvish dwellings, in the traditions of the Gondorians in Anfalas and Dol Amroth.

   There is also the port city of Serelond some leagues west of Lond Galen. Founded in S.A. 2903 by enterprising merchants of the League of Pelargir, an important outpost to serve as an entrepôt to the inland regions. Eventually, Serelond became a place for the politically defeated or disgraced members of the League to retire to. While on paper Serelond swore fealty to Gondor - like all other Dúnedain realms on the Bay of Belfalas - in practice it was effectively autonomous, paying only lip service to their fealty. This would eventually come to an end during Tarannon Falastur's westward expansion as he curbed the independence of the aloof coastal city-states.

9. #9Andrast

   Keys: Andrast · Secondary: Nan Enqui, Ras Morthil, Bar Morthil, Beacon of Ulond, Parth-i-Certémar, Annúlefnui, Tharagrondost

   Andrast is Gondor's westmost province, bordered on the east by both Pinnath Gelin and Anfalas, the border delineated by the Lefnui river. To the north of it is the sparsely-populated wilderness of Enedwaith. The White Mountains ended their southward bend at the cape of Andrast.

   In practice, Gondor has only nominal authority in Andrast, controlling the Citadel of Tharagrondost as its westernmost naval base, and the royal estate of Bar Morthil built upon the cape of Ras Morthil. It is considered a hallowed place as the most westerly vantage point for recalling the Land of Gift and the Meneltarma, and kings would at times withdraw to there for solitude and meditation. House of Ohtarion rules the Gondorian holdings in Andrast.

10. #10Arnor

    Keys: Arnor · Secondary: North-Kingdom

    Arnor is the northmost of the Realms-in-Exile established by Elendil after the Downfall of Númenor, occupying much of the lands of Eriador and bordered on the west by the Elven realm of Lindon. Its capital is Annúminas, situated upon the shore of Lake Evendim, historically the seat of House of Isildur. While great and mighty it had been in its days of glory, the War of the Last Alliance had sapped much of Arnor's strength, and wasted further on succession wars after the death of its last king, Eärendur, whereupon Arnor was divided in three smaller kingdoms between his sons Amlaith, Thorondor and Galadhion - Arthedain, Cardolan and Rhudaur, respectively. There was often strife among the three kingdoms, because Rhudaur and Cardolan desired to possess the Weather Hills and the land westwards towards Bree, especially Weathertop, because the tower on it contained the most important Palantír of the North and the other two palantíri of the North were also held by Arthedain. The Angmar Wars would see the eventual destruction of these successor realms by the Witch-King, the near-extinction of the line of Isildur, and the scattering of its people in year 1974 of the Third Age.

11. #11Arthedain

    Keys: Arthedain · Secondary: Rammas Forn, Siragalë, Eketya, Fornost, Hyarromenya, Norinanya, Tarmëa, Taurelondë, Emyn Sûl, Sarn Athrad, Amon Sûl, Annúminas, Nan Túrath, Nelvorin, Shire, Celairnen

    After the tenth king of Arnor, Eärendur, died in T.A. 861, dissensions between his sons fractured the realm. Arnor was divided into Arthedain, Rhudaur and Cardolan. The line of Isildur was maintained in Arthedain, but in Rhudaur and Cardolan the line faded quickly. Arthedain retained Amon Sûl and its palantír as well as two others, which led to contention between the three kingdoms. Amlaith, Eärendur's firstborn, was first King of Arthedain. Due to the scarcity of people after the losses suffered during the War of the Last Alliance, Annúminas was abandoned and the royal court was moved to Fornost.

    In T.A. 1601 two Fallohide brothers, Marcho and Blanco, crossed the Brandywine with many Hobbits and, with the permission of King Argeleb II, established the Shire. The Hobbits and the remaining Men in Arthedain suffered losses in the Great Plague of T.A. 1636.

    In T.A. 1974 the Witch-king invaded Arthedain, capturing Fornost and driving most of the few Dúnedain across the Lhûn. King Arvedui held out for awhile in the North Downs until he and his guard were driven north. Although the realm of Angmar was crushed at the Battle of Fornost in T.A. 1975, the realm of Arthedain also came to an end and its lands remained mostly empty (except for the Shire) and the line of Isildur was rendered almost extinct. Arvedui, the last King of Arthedain, drowned when his ship was wrecked in the Bay of Forochel, taking the palantíri of Annúminas and Amon Sûl with it.

    Annúminas was the greatest city of Arnor, built by Elendil in memory of Andúnië of lost Númenor. The greatest of the works of Elendil, it features the grand bridge of Ariant - 'King-bridge' - which connects the city to the royal palace of Ost Elendil built upon the isle of Tyl Annûn, the Sunset Isle. It was abandoned during Amlaith's rule for Arnor was no longer populated enough - indeed, it was already falling into ruin by the time Arnor was sundered between Amlaith and his brothers.

    Fornost, renamed Fornost Erain - 'Northern Fortress of Kings' - after Amlaith moved his court there, was a fortified city much like Minas Tirith is. The garrison of Fornost was responsible for manning the chain of fortifications of the Weather Hills, to guard Arnor's heartlands against invasions of Hillmen and the like from the east. It was sacked by the Witch-King in T.A. 1974 after a brutal siege.

    Amon Sûl was an important part of the Weather Hills' fortifications, a tower of great height built upon an already lofty hill. Approaching enemies could be seen from leagues away, even without the aid of the palantír that Elendil had placed there. It was eventually razed in an overwhelming assault in T.A. 1409 - while the palantír was evacuated sucessfully, the tower was utterly ruined and King Arveleg was slain. While his son Araphor triumphed over Angmar with the aid of Lindon and Rivendell, Arthedain had not the resources to restore Amon Sûl afterwards.

    Nelvorin is an ancient settlement of Uialedain - 'Men of Twilight' - that survived the fall of Arthedain, remaining a well-hidden secret for much of the Third Age. It used to be one of the most prestigious centres of learning and lorekeeping in Elendil's days. It is situated in the hills north of Lake Evendim.

    Caras Celairnen is a trade settlement established upon the bank of Lhûn river. It is Arnor's westmost settlement, with the Lhûn delineating Arnor's eastern border with the Elven realm of Lindon. It was originally an Elven trading port before becoming an early site of Númenórean settlement. While the rest of Arnor collapsed during the Angmar Wars, Caras Celairnen was left unaffected due to the arrival of a Gondorian expedition under King Eärnur. Some of its people went with Gondor's armies afterwards, others followed Aranarth, first Chieftain of the Dúnedain, into the wilderness. The rest remained there, trading with the Uialedain, Elves of Lindon, and Dwarves of Belegost. Silivnir, youngest son of King Valandil, held rulership of the city, afterwards establishing the cadet house of Silivnirion which has held the city ever since.

    Taurelondë was originally an elven port of the Kingdom of Sîrgala, home to the Sîrrandrai Elves. During the War of the Elves and Sauron, it was greatly devastated by Sauron's hordes and many of the Sîrrandrai fled across the sea to Valinor. While some returned afterwards, the increasing number of Númeorean settlers led to the Elves cede their lands, choosing either to return to Valinor or settle in the Tower Hills around Elostirion. Taurelondë was built where the Baranduin spilled into the Belegaer.

12. #12Cardolan

    Keys: Cardolan · Secondary: Dol Caladir, Girithlin, Mistalondë, Eryn Vorn, Thalion, Tharbad, Dyr Maenason, Faerdor, Minhiriath, Ethir Gwathló, Argond, Tyrn Gorthad

    Cardolan is the second of the splinter-kingdoms formed in Arnor's partition. It was the realm of Thorondor, Eärendur's second son. The line of Isildur did not endure in Cardolan, and kingship passed to the house of Caladir after King Tarastor perished in a riding accident, and both of his children were assassinated. For acknowledging the claim of Argeleb I to kingship of Cardolan, House Caladir was granted a princely status - however, this would not last for in T.A. 1409 a great host would issue from Angmar and extinguish the male line of House Caladir. In T.A. 1636 the Great Plague would sweep across Middle-Earth - Cardolan was left effectively unpopulated, and the Barrow-wights would infest Tyrn Gorthad not long after, making any attempts at resettling Cardolan doomed to failure.

    Thalion was the capital of Cardolan - while it occupied a strategically-important location, it had never been built with war in mind and could not be easily defended. It was sacked repeatedly during the internecine wars between its successor states, and razed for good in T.A. 1409.

    Argond became Cardolan's capital when the throne passed onto House Caladir after Tarastor's death. It was badly damaged during the Battle of the Keep in T.A. 1409, after which the capital was relocated to Iarond in the Governorate of Tyrn Gorthad.

    Barad Girithlin is the stronghold of House Girithlin who settled in the lower Baranduin vale possibly as early as S.A. 1786. It was built as a fortified manor and wayhouse first, in the later years of the Second Age redesigned to include a large central tower and an octagonal wall.

    Mistalondë used to be an important port used by the Númenóreans during the colonisation efforts in Eriador. It was built on the western side of the Gwathló to replace Lond Daer on the other side of the river after its breakwaters had been overthrown and its harbour silted by the great wave that followed the Akallabêth. While its importance became lesser when ships became capable of sailing up to Tharbad, the Angmar Wars and the Great Plague proved just as ruinous to the ancient port. In time, it would become a settlement of the Saralain people after the Dúnedain withdrew to Arthedain.

    Tharbad was an important Cardolani city at the point where Gwathló and the Glanduin meet, a place of great marshes known as Nin-in-Eilph, or Swanfleet. During the time that the forests of Minhiriath were exploited for Númenor's shipbuilding needs by the Guild of Venturers (circa S.A. 800-1695) Tharbad was part of a chain of forts that guarded the Guild's timber stores; it was destroyed in S.A. 1697 by Sauron's invasion of Eriador, along with the forest. Tharbad was refounded in S.A. 1912, becoming a major entry point for Númenórean settlers. After the devastation of Cardolan in T.A. 1409, it seceded from the Iarond-based Cardolani administration, becoming a city-state under Gondor's protection - but with Arnor in ruins, the Gondorian garrison was eventually withdrawn after the Great Plague of T.A. 1636. After the death blow dealt to Arthedain in T.A. 1974, Tharbad was left entirely isolated, its population dwindling. The city's famous bridge collapsed entirely in T.A. 2050 - and in T.A. 2912, the Fell Winter scattered the last pitiful handful of its people.

13. #13Rhudaur

    Keys: Rhudaur · Secondary: Dúl Glandagol, Hithaeglir Harad, Fort Arlas, Dor-en-Egladil, Dol Tiriamon, Trollshaws, Hithaeglir Forn, Angle of Eriador, Ettenmoors, Dyr Eldanaryon, Cameth Brin, Amon Raen, Atharcuille

    Rhudaur is characterized by dreary and rising hills, dark trees with twisted roots hanging off of cliffs, and gloomy weather. It is a sombre, threatening, and unfriendly country. Upon many heights and ridges were ancient stone walls, ruined towers, and ominous, evil-looking castles.

    It was the least of the splinter-kingdoms of Arnor, ruled by Galadhion, the youngest of Eärendur's sons. It was the one to be least peopled by the Dúnedain, and their Hillmen subjects bore little love as a consequence of Númenor's past exploitations of Eriador when the King's Men faction reigned supreme ere the Akallabêth. Rhudaur was the first to fall to Angmar, for the Hillmen had made a secret pact with the Witch-King. Hwaldar, Chief of Chiefs, slew the last King of Rhudaur in T.A. 1339.

    Amon Raen: In the later centuries of the Second Age, even in Eriador many new settlers were somewhat rapacious and keen to rule over 'Lesser Men'. These they found in the northeast, where a small Númenórean elite, ruling from fortified manors, subjugated the Hillmen tribes. The oldest and greatest Númenórean settlement in the area was Amon Raen - the Twisted Hill - known to the Hillmen as ‘Cameth Brin.’ A tall citadel was built atop the hill, from which the lands thereabout could be surveyed and controlled over a great distance. Absorbed into Arnor upon the coming of Elendil, in later years Cameth Brin became the capital of the breakaway kingdom of Rhudaur, whose strength was undermined by the legacy of difficult relations with the Hillmen. It remained one of the last areas of Dúnedain settlement in that petty kingdom before all was swept away by the machinations of the Witch-King of Angmar, whose Hillmen puppet-kings took their revenge and made Cameth Brin a place of fear, its great storerooms converted to dungeons of terrible repute. Now abandoned for long centuries, Cameth Brin is little more than a shell. Yet it remains the mightiest of the castles that scatter the hills of Rhudaur, and being built by the Dúnedain in their prime, its walls remain proud and uncrumbling, even if its dark and empty windows give it an evil aspect.

    Angle of Eriador: The Angle of Eriador stands as a solitary stronghold, a land of quiet strength and enduring legacy, where the scattered Dúnedain of Arnor have found refuge after the fall of their once-great kingdom. Nestled between the windswept hills and the shores of the northern rivers, this remote region has become a haven for the last of the Dúnedain, a place where their ancient bloodline continues in secret, hidden from the encroaching darkness of the world. The ruins of old Arnor, distant but ever-present, remind them of their lost heritage, yet the Dúnedain hold fast to their duty, preserving the memory of their kingdom in the silence of the wilderness.

14. #14Shire

    Keys: Shire · Secondary: Tuckborough, Westfarthing, Southfarthing, Michel Delving, Sûza, Town Hole, Eastfarthing, Hobbiton, Northfarthing

    The Shire is a fertile and well-tilled part of Arnor, with many royal farms, cornlands, vineyards, and woods. It had long been deserted during the waning days of the Kingdom when it was known as the splinter-realm of Arthedain; it had been the hunting grounds of the King of Arnor. The Hobbits from Bree got official permission from King Argeleb II at Norbury (Fornost) to settle the lands. This was finally done in T.A. 1601 (Year 1 in Shire Reckoning) by Hobbits from Bree, led by the brothers Marcho and Blanco. They were joined by other hobbits who lived in Dunland and parts of depopulated Cardolan and Rhudaur.

    Its small size, relative lack of importance, and brave and resilient Hobbit population made it too modest an objective for conquest. More important was that the Shire was guarded and protected by the Dúnedain Rangers of the North (and Gandalf), who watched the borders and kept out intruders. The only strangers to enter the Shire were the Dwarves travelling on the East Road that ran through the Shire to and from their mines in the Blue Mountains, and the occasional Elves on their way to the Emyn Beraid or the Grey Havens.

    However, the Shire faced its adversities since it was inside the range of the Great Plague of T.A. 1636, and Goblins from Mount Gram invaded the Shire until they were driven out after the Battle of Greenfields (T.A. 2747). The Shire also suffered because of the Long Winter (T.A. 2758) soon followed by the Days of Dearth (T.A. 2760) and the Fell Winter (T.A. 2911) when White Wolves entered the Shire.

15. #15Northmen

    Keys: Northmen · Secondary: Leofrings, Dorwinrim, Rohirrim, Valemen, Dálringi, Éothéod, Woodmen

    These are the cultures of the Men that live in the Vale of Anduin and Rhovanion.

    Rohirrim: The Horse-Lords of Rohan are the descendants of the Éothéod who answered the call of Cirion of Gondor under their king Eorl the Young. After their victory at the fields of Celebrant, Cirion granted them the depopulated province of Calenardhon, which came to be known as Rohan, the land of the Horse-Lords. A martial but honorable people, the Rohirrim are unmatched riders and breeders of horses, stalwart friends and terrible foes.

    Éothéod: The Éothéod were a group of Northmen who flourished near the Vales of Anduin and later in northern Mirkwood. They were faithful allies to Gondor, and eventually were the ancestors of the Rohirrim.

    Valemen: The Men of the Vale diverged from their Woodman kin in the late Third Age, emerging from the forest to colonise the fertile Anduin valley made relatively safe after the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. Abandoning the secretive and secluded lifestyle of the forest-dwellers, they adopted a pastoral lifestyle centred on defensive enclosures, even resettling some of the abandoned villages and trading towns that their ancestors had been driven from in centuries past

    Dálringi: The Northmen of the Dale-lands and upper Celduin first emerged as a cohesive identity in the period after the Wainrider conquest. Though the upper Celduin had been settled much earlier and in strength during the height of the Kingdom of Rhovanion, it was only with the fall of the Kingdom that the Dalemen (in their own tongue the Dálringi) truly began to diverge. Of all the Northmen, they were the least influenced by Gondor and most by the Elves of Eryn Lasgalen and the Dwarves of Erebor and the Iron Hills. Aivadiuria and his heirs unified and led the people throughout the Wainrider invasion, eventually ascending to become lords of Dale and the Kings thereof. The Dálringi are a cosmopolitan and welcoming people, who meld the city and the country, yet still possess the vigour of their more martial forebears from the greater plainlands.

    Dorwinrim: Known as the Folyavuldok in their own tongue, the Dorwinrim are a truly unique people. Born during the days of the oppression of the Easterling Empire of the Szreldor, they are the melding of patriarchal Northmen and matriarchal Logath. In their society, everyone may rise and prosper, regardless of gender or status of birth. Though they are viewed primarily as Northmen, their Easterling heritage can also be seen in their vibrant culture and society. Their ancient tutelage at the hands of the Entwives, further enriched by trading with the Elves of Greenwood, has given them a grasp of agriculture unparalleled in central Middle-Earth and the immense agricultural wealth of Dorwinion has been the cause of many a greedy war - or has funded it. Though the Wine-lords and Great Merchants might often squabble, the Dorwinrim are fierce in their defence of their independence and right to determine their own fate.

    Leofrings: A nomadic folk of riders akin to the Rohirrim, the Leofrings are descendants of those Éothéod who didn’t follow Eorl all the way to Calenardhon. The Leofrings (named after their leader Leofr) chose to dwell in the Nether Vales of Anduin, settling the western side of the Great River between the mountains and it. Pastoralists by nature, herding sheep from atop horseback, the Leofrings have never been great in number and make few permanent abodes. Around T.A. 2630, the greater part of the Leofrings were scattered by a host of Orcs, and many of them fled the North, leading the population of the Parth Celebrant and Undeeps to swell. Some in time crossed the Limlight into Rohan, settling in the northern downs of the Wold. Many of these, acknowledging their kinship with the Eorlingas, swore fealty to Edoras. The Leofrings keep close to the shores of the Great River, and in the last years of the Third Age, some of their number have taken to working with bands of outlaws and plundering Orcs to smuggle stolen horses across the Anduin.

    Woodmen: For countless centuries the Woodmen of Rhovanion have lived in the Forest of Greenwood, particularly in its western and eastern eaves. A secretive and tribalistic folk, they suffered much from the depredations of Dol Guldur. Though their communities were once connected by many trails through the forest, allowing some of their folk to live in clearings deep within its heart, they became a sundered and diminished people.

16. #16Dwarves

    Keys: Dwarves · Secondary: Broadbeams, Stonefoots, Ironfists, Axes of Nargubraz, Blacklocks, Longbeards, Iron Hill Longbeards, Firebeards, Stiffbeards

    Longbeards: the House of Dwarves descended from Durin the Deathless; the Longbeards (Khuzdul: Sigintarâg) are the most noble and powerful of the houses of the Dwarves. Their mansions traditionally were in Khazad-dûm in the Misty Mountains, and they have ever been on the side of the Free Peoples. They had a fierce and abiding friendship with the Noldor Elves of Eregion while that realm lasted. They also established the Longbeard realms of the Grey Mountains, Erebor, Blue Mountains, and the Iron Hills.

    Iron Hill Longbeards: The first Longbeard settlers in the Iron Hills date back to the Years of the Trees, when the hills were first prospected by enterprising Dwarves for precious minerals. However, they found predominantly iron (hence the hills' name). Despite supplying much of the Longbeards' supply of iron ever since, its populace remained small in comparison to the holds in the Misty Mountains, Khazad-dûm most of all. The Iron Hills and its Dwarven population would see a substantial change due to the Broadbeams' migration to Khazad-dûm in the Second Age. Seeking to build new lives for themselves, some Broadbeams heard tell of the far-off colony and its great stores of iron and chose to continue on from Khazad-dûm. Following the Old Dwarf Road eastward, these new settlers merged with the existing Longbeard population and became one Folk. Loss of contact with Khazad-dûm during the War of the Elves and Sauron accelerated the development of its own subculture. As a result, the Iron Hill Longbeards of all their clan show the most similarities to their Broadbeam kin, harnessing and refining their techniques for working iron honed of old in Belegost.

    Firebeards: the House of Dwarves descended from Úri the Scarred; the Firebeards (Khuzdul: Urstarâg) are one of two Dwarven houses that lived in the Blue Mountains. With the Broadbeam they built Tumunzahar (Nogrod) and Gabilgathol (Belegost), the westernmost mansions of the Dwarves. The Firebeards were counted close allies and friends of the Sons of Fëanor, and gave them refuge in their halls for a time during the War of Wrath. Both peoples were much enriched by their friendship, and the friendship of Khazad-dûm and Eregion was rooted in this old alliance. After the War of Wrath, Belegost and Nogrod were heavily damaged, and many of the Dwarves of this clan migrated to Khazad-dûm. Roughly one-half of the Firebeards migrated to Khazad-dûm, while the other half opted to settle new holds in the southern Ered Luin under their royal house. This split was very divisive and kept relations between the Firebeards and their kin-clans in the Broadbeams and Longbeards chilly until the early Third Age. Gamil Zirak and Telchar of Nogrod were counted among this house.

    Broadbeams: the House of Dwarves descended from Dwálin the Wise; the Broadbeams (Khuzdul: Fantnuhûb) are one of two Dwarven houses that lived in the Blue Mountains. With the Firebeards they built Tumunzahar (Nogrod) and Gabilgathol (Belegost), the westernmost mansions of the Dwarves. The Broadbeams were counted close allies and friends of the Sons of Fëanor, and gave them refuge in their halls for a time during the War of Wrath. Both peoples were much enriched by their friendship, and the friendship of Khazad-dûm and the Noldor Elves of Eregion was rooted in this old alliance. After the War of Wrath, Belegost and Nogrod were heavily damaged, and many of the Dwarves of this clan migrated to Khazad-dûm. Roughly three-fourths of the Broadbeams migrated to Khazad-dûm, led by their king Dwálin II, while the remainder settled new holds in the northern Ered Luin under a cadet branch of their royal line. In time the two sundered lines of the Broadbeam royal house would be reunited and return to the Blue Mountains where they have reigned since. Azaghâl of Belegost was counted amongst this house.

    Ironfists: the House of Dwarves descended from Sindri the Rich; the Ironfists (Khuzdul: Zirinmazân) are one of the two Dwarven houses that lived in Rhûn. They were known to be fierce merchants and possessed of a deep mercantile savvy, which sometimes grew into fierce, burning greed. In the First Age, the Ironfists quarrelled with their brother-clan, the Stiffbeards, over control of some mines near the place of their awakening. The Ironfists claimed their greater population and strength entitled them to the mines, as their need and ability were greater, despite them being on ancient Stiffbeard territory. However, a coalition of the Stiffbeards, Blacklocks, and Stonefoots formed to oppose the Ironfists, eventually sparking the War of Iron. The alliance forced the Ironfists to stand down, and thereafter the great majority of the Ironfists were exiled from the Red Mountains, traveling across Rhûn to the Ered Harmal. There they built new holds and lives for themselves, trading iron weapons to any who could pay them, caring little for the great affairs beyond their gates. In the Third Age, the Ironfists were the Dwarven house most tempted by Sauron's promises of wealth and riches. This was made clear during the War of the Last Alliance and the Treachery of Ôrn. Even so, only a small fraction of the Ironfists ever followed such a path. As their fortunes waned in later years, many Ironfists became wanderers in the plains of Rhûn, smiths, traders, and tutors of Men, and some even made their way west and north to the lands of the Longbeards.

    Stiffbeards: The House of Dwarves descended from Thúlin the Swift; the Stiffbeards (Khuzdul: Mebeltarâg) are one of the two Dwarven houses that lived in Rhûn, alongside the Ironfists. The Stiffbeards were the northernmost house of the Dwarves, and the greatest dragon-slayers of their race, though long years of war with the drakes sapped their numbers. They were the smallest of the Dwarven houses and the most humble, but also the most stubborn - even by Dwarvish standards. In the Third Age, it is known that some of this house journeyed west and were absorbed into the Longbeards of the Iron Hills.

    Blacklocks: the House of Dwarves descended from Thrâr the Proud; the Blacklocks (Khuzdul: Naragzanât) awoke and made their mansions in the Red Mountains. In the early Second Age under Thrár II, they settled the vale of Bizarûldûm on the eastern shores of Middle-Earth, and shortly thereafter they were joined by their brother-clan, the Stonefoots. Together they forged the greatest realm of the Dwarves outside of Khazad-dûm itself, and the greater portion of both peoples came to dwell therein. However, this interwoven nature would be at once their greatest strength and weakness in the Bizarûldûm Succession Crisis, and the greater Stonefoot and Blacklock houses became estranged, further inflamed by the manipulations of Sauron which led to the War of the Lie and the creation of the Axes of Nargubraz. In time the Blacklocks were known to have split into several groups, with some remaining in the East, others making mansions in the Yellow Mountains, and still others joining with their western kin. But ever did they burn with hatred of Sauron for the sorrows he had brought them, and wherever they settled, they were his most implacable foes in the East.

    Stonefoots: the House of Dwarves descended from Bavór the Cold, the Stonefoots (Khuzdul: Abanbasân) woke and made their mansions in the Red Mountains. In the early Second Age under Bavór II 'North-King', they joined the Blacklocks under Thrár II 'South-King' in settling the vale of Bizarûldûm on the eastern shores of Middle-Earth. Together they forged the greatest realm of the Dwarves outside of Khazad-dûm itself, and the greater portion of both peoples came to dwell therein. However, this interwoven nature would be at once their greatest strength and weakness in the Bizarûldûm Succession Crisis, and the greater Stonefoot and Blacklock houses became estranged, further enflamed by the manipulations of Sauron. The Stonefoots were also known as the 'Jewel-Dwarves', for the Stonefoots were known to be carvers of incredible skill and were exceptionally skilled in the working of jewels. They were also, oddly, known to be prolific artists in the Mannish sense.

    Axes of Nargubraz: the Axes of Nargubraz refers to the group formed by Rôn 'the Exile' and the Blacklock exiles of Nargubraz following the War of the Lie, who swore to never return to their homeland until they restored the honour of their house by seeing to the defeat of Sauron. The Axes had several companies and could be found throughout the entire world, but their greatest numbers could be found in the far south, where they swelled and strengthened the ancient Blacklock colonies in the region. The Axes were primarily composed of warriors and men, with the wives and children of the warriors often left behind in either Bizarûldûm or another keep of a different house nearby.

17. #17Dúnedain

    Keys: Dúnedain · Secondary: Gondorians, Orodbedhrim, Dúnedain, Harondorrim, Uialedain, Umbaredain, Arnorians, Númenóreans, Belfalathrim

    Dúnedain is, linguistically, the equivalent of Númenórean, both referring to the exact same group. In practice, however, they refer to two connected but different groups. 'Númenórean' is used to refer to all the people of Númenor before the Downfall of Númenor, whereas 'Dúnedain' is used to refer to the descendants of the Faithful post-Downfall. They are the descendants of those who settled and founded the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor. Although they were from the beginning fewer in number than the Men of Middle-Earth, the Dúnedain were lords of long life, great power, and wisdom; far more advanced than the Men of Middle-Earth among whom they dwelt and whom they ruled. Many of the great events of the Third Age involved the rise, fall, and resurgence of the Dúnedain and their realms.

    Númenóreans: The Númenóreans, known in Adúnaic as the Adûnâi, were the men who inhabited the isle of Elenna, Isle of the Star, known also as Westernesse, Númenórë, and Anadûnê. Taught by the Maia Ëonwë and the Elves of Tol Eressëa in many crafts and arts, the Númenóreans grew strong in the peace of Númenor, and in time their kingdom became the preeminent power of the Second Age. Elsewhere much has been written of the tragic decline and tyranny of the Númenóreans, before Númenor was cast down in the Akallabêth. In the Third Age, the term is largely used in a historical context, with those of Númenórean descent in Middle-Earth being known as the Dúnedain.

    Dúnedain: Dúnedain is a term used to refer to those descended from the Faithful (Quenya: Elendili, Adûnaic: Nimruzîrim - both terms meaning 'Elf-friends') Númenóreans in Middle-Earth. They primarily populated the realms of Arnor and Gondor, and because of this, many of the great events of the Third Age revolved around this proud people. Their strength and number have dwindled with the destruction of Arnor and the constant assaults on Gondor, but the heirs of Númenor retain much of the wisdom and nobility of their ancient forefathers.

    Arnorians: The Dúnedain of the Northern Kingdom are a stern people, mysterious and wise. Grey-eyed and black of hair, the men of Arnor retain some of the purest of the blood of Númenor. Despite their purity of blood, they fell to mortal error all the same, and Arnor was broken and, in time, fell utterly to the assault of the Shadow. Yet from sorrow the Arnorians learned wisdom, and in some ways, they grew wiser than even their Númenórean forebears. The Arnorians wandered the wilderness, with only a few hidden cities and refuges in which their people maintained their ancient traditions.

    Gondorians: The Gondorians are the Dúnedain of the Southern Kingdom; proud mariners and builders, the Men of Gondor continue most of the customs of Númenor, particularly in regards to a culture of seafaring. Much of Gondor's nobility can trace themselves back to the days of Elendil himself or even before to the colonial period. The Gondorians speak Westron, but in a more archaic, formal manner compared to the northern dialect favored in Eriador. Educated Gondorians favor the use of Elvish languages such as Sindarin or Quenya, with most of the population being at least somewhat literate.

    Belfalathrim: Nowhere else in Gondor is the island culture of Númenor of old so well maintained as in Belfalas. Due to the specific nature of the aboriginal Daen presence on the peninsula, most of Belfalathrim kept a greater amount of Númenórean blood. The people of Belfalas are proud people, who rarely take oaths if they can't fulfil them, and often are more romantic than the average Gondorian. Belfalathric nobles and townsfolk usually are fluent in two languages - Westron and Sindarin, and many of them admire elves to the point of emulating their customs.

    Harondorrim: The common Harondor folk descend from Númenórean colonists and various Daen peoples of the coasts of Belfalas Bay, with most in Harondor possessing some Haruze blood. Physically, they differ little from the inhabitants of Ithilien or Lebennin, but they speak in Westron with a distinct local accent, and their lifestyles show the colorful influence of their Haruze neighbors. The Harondorrim are known to their Gondorian kin as the 'Outhame,' a Westron term for outsiders. They accept this label because they are well aware of their status as immigrants in the homeland of their fathers and eccentrics in the heartland of their culture.

    Orodbedhrim: The Mountain-Dwelling Folk, known in Sindarin as the Orodbedhrim, have their roots in Tarannon Falastur's westward expansion. The native men of the hills of central Gondor, the Coenfir, came to embrace the Dúnedain as brothers and teachers, and the two peoples joined together. As generations passed, the Coenfir increasingly intermarried with the Dúnedain, adopting Dúnedain clothing and mores, until there were not two cultures but one, the Orodbedhrim. Even to this day, signs of the Daen heritage of the Orodbedhrim shine through, with the enduring nature of their family clans and stout loyalty.

    Uialedain: Hidden in the deepest vales of the Hills of Evendim (Emyn Uial), known only to the Rangers and the Wise, the Folk of Evendim live quiet and peaceful lives as they have done for time out of mind. Once their lands hid survivors of the Edainic peoples, related to the House of Bëor, who populated northern Eriador before the War of the Elves and Sauron. Later, the remnant of that people mingled with Faithful Númenórean colonists and became indistinguishable from other Arnorians, save in a few bucolic traditions and the preservation of songs from far-off days. Sheltered by their hills, a few survived the fall of Arnor, but unlike their Northern Dúnedain kin - who helped to preserve their secret existence - they fled not to the wilds but remained in their vales, largely returning to the pastoral existence practised here since the Elder Days, when the Edain pastured their flocks in Eriador, before ever they met the Eldar. A dwindling people, they retain a folk memory of their ennobled ancestry and loyalty to the House of Isildur but are largely uninterested in outside affairs, regarding the 'Return of the King' as a proposition believed only by children and vintners.

    Umbaredain: After the conquest of Umbar by Eärnil I in T.A. 933, the Adûnaic and Haradrim populace of the haven found themselves suddenly supplemented by large numbers of Gondorian settlers - traders, administrators, and those seeking a new life in the latest southern province of Gondor. This migration gave birth to a new Umbarean culture, one that heavily took after its Gondorian overlords yet maintained some aspects of the ancient customs of the haven. These were the Umbaredain, and their melded history and heritage gave them a unique and somewhat rogue spirit compared to the other Dúnedain of the south. During the revolt of Castamir the Usurper, the Umbaredain wholly supported his claim, and after the death of Castamir at the Battle of the Crossings of Erui, helped to support his sons and dynasty thereafter. However, the skirmishing with Eldacar and his heirs and the lack of new settlers from Gondor greatly sapped the strength of the Umbaredain, and they increasingly intermarried with the Haradrim they relied ever more upon to fill their armies and farms, setting the stage for the Umbareans of the later Third Age.

18. #18Adûnâi

    Keys: Adûnâi · Secondary: Umbareans, Pharazônabênî

    Adûnâi is, linguistically, the equivalent of Númenórean in the language of the common people of Númenor: Adûnaic. Both refer to the exact same group. In practice, however, they refer to two connected but different groups. 'Númenórean' is used to refer to all the people of Númenor before its downfall, whereas 'Adûnâi' is used to refer to the descendants of the King's Men (Adûnaic: Ârûwânai) post-Downfall. In Westron they are often referred to as Black Númenóreans, which is a derogatory term. The Adûnâi are the descendants of the King's Men who settled the broader Númenórean empire outside the Westlands, such as Umbar and An-Balkûmagân. Although they were from the beginning far more advanced than the Men of Middle-Earth, and enjoyed long life - though shorter than those of the Dúnedain - their knowledge and culture dwindled faster, diverging into successor cultures, many completely losing the blessing of Númenor.

    Pharazônabênî: The Pharazônabênî (Adûnaic: People of Pharazôn) are the insular and, according to many, detestable culture. An ostensibly proud and noble people, they seemingly exude the nobility and grace of Anadûnê. In their grand halls and great palaces, one of sufficient blood of Númenor would find themselves in the company of friends and the recipient of gifts and respect. However, if you are one that the Pharazônabênî consider 'lesser,' you will find nothing but disdain, disrespect, and hostility. For the Pharazônabênî, their superiority and the inferiority of others is a simple fact of life. Formed after the Blood-Purists were exiled from Umbar, the Pharazônabênî haven't forgiven the Umbareans for all they have lost and the disgrace they levied upon them. For this and several other transgressions, a burning desire for revenge has grown in the hearts of many Pharazônabênî. Hatred for the 'other' runs deep in their society, and while they certainly will treat an Heir of Anadûnê with respect, if you do not follow their ways, you may find many a cold shoulder.

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