Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor
| Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor | ||||||
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| Capital | Osgiliath Annúminas | |||||
| Largest city | Minas Anor | |||||
| Official languages | Westron | |||||
| Demonym | Arnorian Gondorian |
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| Government | Monarchy | |||||
| - | High King of Arnor and Gondor King of all Dúnedain King of the West |
Arfalor I | ||||
| Legislature | Council of the Sceptre | |||||
| Formation | ||||||
| - | Reunification | T.A. 3019 | ||||
| Population | ||||||
| - | Fo.A. 250 estimate | 5,700,000 | ||||
| Currency | Castar (or Mirian) | |||||
| Region | Lazarus | |
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| Date format | dd ˘ mm ˘ yyyy | |
The Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor (also known as Kingdom of the West) is a realm located on the western part of Middle-Earth.
The Realm includes the areas of influence and domain of Dùnedains: the costituent realms of Gondor (south) and Arnor (north), the most part of Eriador region between the two realms, and the plains between the Ered Lithui and the Sea of Rhûn, belonging to the southern parts of Rhovanion.
The Reunited Kingdom lays on western shores of Belager, the Great Sea: its most northern shore is on Bay of Forochel, while its southern-most part consists of the city of Umbar.
The Reunited Kingdom is a feudal and unitary state, governed under an absolute monarchy, with its seat of government at Minas Anor (although the official capital is Osigliath). It consists of two constituent countries: Arnor and Gondor. Each of the constituent countries has its own local administrations, but both of them are ruled by the High King of Gondor and Arnor.
Associated with the constituent countries, but not part of none of them, are the two Common Regions of Enedwaith and of Rhovanion.
Contents
History and name
The Name "Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor" was introduced in 1 F.A. by High King Aragorn II-Tar Elessar of the House Telcontar. It reflects the restoration of the Kingdom of Arnor and the reunification of dominions of Dùnedains. Upon Sauron's defeat, Aragorn II was crowned as Tar Elessar of the House of Telcontar. He became the twenty-sixth King of Arnor, thirty-fifth King of Gondor and the first High King of the Reunited Kingdom. However, the royal authority was actually reestablished in Arnor only between 35 and 47 F.A. Following decades were marked by both a re-colonization effort, aimed to re-settle at least the most important northern cities and streets, as well as Enedwaith main strong-places like Tharbad and Isengard) and a series of military campaigns. During this period, the Shire became more important in the wider politics of Middle-earth. By the edict of High King Tar Elessar, Men were banned from its borders, but it remained nonetheless a part of the North-kingdom. The Thain, the Master of Buckland and the Mayor of the Shire were all made royal counsellors.
During the first century Tar Elessar led the armies of the Reunited Kingdom in many successful military campaigns that retook the Province of South Gondor, conquered Umbar and made Umbar a Province of Gondor once again and re-established dominance over southern regions of Rhovanion, while in some major incursions the forces of the West (Rohan and the Reunited Kingdom allied) went even beyond the Sea of Rhun and the Far Harad, defeating the hostile peoples there. Aragorn also rebuilt the old northern capital of Annúminas.
In Fo.A. 47 Eldarion, the eldest son of Tar Elessar Telcontar, was born; he was raised and educated according to old and blessed customs of Gondor and Arnor. Towards the end of the Fo.A. I Century, some events brought sages and heroes to become to worry about a possible return of the shadow on the western part of the Middle-earth, but these fears came and passed. In the meantime, the reclaiming of the North was initiated. Dunedains and other Men were encouraged to settle in the ancient cities of the North Kingdoms. A few stopped and built their farms and small villages in Cardolan, where towns were nearly non-existent and a man could do as he pleased with little or no oversight from authorities. But most continued on past Bree and the Great East Road, to be near the great cities of Fornost Erain and Annúminas.
High King Elessar died in the year Fo.A. 120, at 210 and just after having passed the throne to his son Eldarion. Tar Eldarion of the House of Telcontar was, similarly to his father, both a legislator and a conqueror. Under him the rebirth of Eriador continued and deepened and Dúnedain were gathered and fully returned to their prominence, also outside Gondor; he also married Lady Nebrithien, a noble Gondorian Dúnadan woman.
After 153 years of reign, Tar Eldarion died at 237 and passed the rulership of the Reunited Kingdom to his son Tar Arfalor I Eldarien of the House of Telcontar, the current High King, in Fo.A. 273.
While overseeing and supporting the growth of all his domains, the main focus of High King Eldarion was in the North; his main policy was the continuation of the reclaiming of the North started by his father. By the turn of the second century of the Fourth Age, both Fornost Erain and Annúminas were already cities that even Arvedui would have been proud of. The centre of this sustained growth were the plains comprised between Bree-land, Amon Sûl, Fornost Erain and Annúminas: countryside is quite populated and several towns have been built. North of Fornost Erain, cold blasts make farming, and living, more and more difficult as one proceeded. This growth has endured until the middle of the Fo.A. III Century, making the so-called "Northern Jewels" likely future rivals for Minas Anor in the South.
Across the wider lands, a peace descended, and for the people of the Two Kingdoms this has been a time of prosperity and plenty. Nowadays, toward the end of Fo.A. III Century, roads are normally safe enough, especially major ones, because they are protected by garrisons scattered along their route. However, the Reunited Kingdom stretches over a territory so immense and journey times for some journeys are long and well versed in the territories so wild that no one is really safe when traveling, if he has with him a "greedy loot" for bands raiders or if it has, for some reason, leave the main routes to unusual paths.
During the last centuries, the Reunited Kingdom has grown complacent in peace. Orcs are no more than bogeymen, at least outside the most remote Rhovanion locations or mountainous recesses. As time passed, the Shadow of Sauron has become a distant memory, and strange cults and societies have grown up in Gondor. Rumours of new shadow cults, bewitched by legends of Sauron and corrupt Numenoreans, creping into existence are slowly emerging but sages and heroes are not worried about it.
Geography
The country occupies the major part of the western regions of Middle-Earth. It lies between the Ice Bay of Forochel and the southern shores of Bay of Belfalas.
Most of the country consists of lowland terrain, with mountainous terrain representing part of southern (Ered Nimras between Gondor and Rohan and Ephrel Dúath between Gondor and former Mordor) and central borders (the southern part of the Misty Mountains between Dunland and Rohan).
The principal rivers are the Anduin, Gwathló (Greyflood) and Baranduin (Brandwyne).
North-South Road
The North-South Road is the major road in the West built by the Númenóreans from the Second Age; it links the northern kingdom of Arnor with the southern kingdom of Gondor. It runs from Fornost Erain in the far north (Annúminas being linked to Fornost Erain by the Kings's Road), southward for hundreds of leagues through Eriador passing by Bree (where it crosses the East-West Road) and through Andrath between the Barrow-downs and the South Downs and crosses Minhiriath. It then crosses Tharbad on the Gwathló, where it crosses the river to traverse Enedwaith. From then on, the North Road becomes the Old South Road.
Arching slightly towards the Misty Mountains, goes went through the Gap of Rohan (via the Fords of Isen); after two miles it bends sharply to the south-east to meet the Deeping-road and again bent to the east and Edoras. It passes across Rohan parallel to the White Mountains and eventually Anorien. It passes near Minas Anor and then passes over Erui at the Crossings of Erui, and reaches Pelargir.
Most of the northern part of the road had fallen into ruins after the Fall of Fornost and the desolation of Eriador, but it was reopened by Aragorn Tar Elessar in early Fourth Age.
Government
The Reunited Kingdom is a feudal and unitary state under an absolute monarchy. High King Arfalor I is the head of state. The High King exercises ultimate governing authority; his powers are not limited by the law, although he has not the right of reigning against natural law as established by Valar. The Monarchy is hereditary. The monarchy is counterbalanced by political groups from among the social classes and regions of the realm.
Divisions
Each country of the Reunited Kingdom has its own system of administrative and geographic demarcation, which has origins that pre-date the formation of the Reunification itself.
High King
The High King of Arnor and Gondor (Quenya: Arantar; Sindarin and Westron: Aran, Adûnaic: Âru) is the Kings of all Dúnedain. Elendil was the leader of the Elendili who survived the Downfall.
There has been five High-Kings of Arnor and Gondor since the sundering of the two Kingdoms. High Kings before the long sundering of both Arnor and Gondor were Elendil the Tall and his son Isildur. After the death of Isildur in T.A. 2, his son Valandil succeeded him as King of Arnor, while his brother Anárion's son Meneldil succeeded him as King of Gondor. Valandil never attempted to assert power over Gondor, and thus Isildur is counted as the last High King of both Realms, but the descendants of Valandil continued to use the title High King of Arnor. Later, after the death of Ondoher of Gondor, Arvedui of Arthedain claimed the Kingship over Gondor as the rightful heir of Isildur, but the Council of Gondor, influenced by Steward Pelendur refused Arvedui's claim, saying that Isildur forsook the Kingdom to Meneldil, and that only the heirs of Anárion could be King of Gondor. Arvedui would become the last King of Arnor, and his descendants, the Chieftains of the Dúnedain never attempted to claim the throne of Gondor, nor the High Kingship.
Only at the beginning of the Fourth Age, the two kingdoms came under one ruler again as the Reunited Kingdom under Elessar Telcontar and, later in the Fourth Age, under Elessar Telcontar's son, Tar Eldarion. Eldarion inherited his Kingdom in a manner that recalled the ancient traditions of Númenor: his father Aragorn Elessar gave him the tokens of his rule, and then gave up his life willingly, as his mighty ancestors had done thousands of years before. The new King's mother Arwen left him to rule alone, passing away to the now-empty land of Lórien, where her long life also came to an end.
The incumbent High King, Tar Arfalor I Eldarien, is the Eldarion's eldest son.
Functions
The High King, also styled King of all Dunedains and King of the West, fulfills three roles: high priest of the veneration of Valar and of Eru Iluvatar and, therefore, Dùnedains' supreme and chief jurist, ruler of the Reunited Kingdom and commander and leader of the hosts of the Kingdom and, finally, healer and guarantor of prosperity.
The first and foremost of these is the priestly function: to act as the Valar's chosen mediator between Eru Ilúvatar and the people by presiding over the annual rituals. Strictly linked to the priestly role, the High King's second traditional role is as Dùnedains' chief jurist. He serves as the upholder, arbitrator, and executor of the Laws of Númenor. While this function extends well beyond the performance of ritual stipulations, it is nevertheless imbued with religious authority; for the monarch possesses the power to bind oaths by the names of Eru Ilúvatar and the Valar, and so to bless those who fulfill their word and to curse oathbreakers. Finally, in his juridical role, the monarch has the task to enact new laws as need may arose.
Beyond being the supreme jurist, the High King also is the actual supreme ruler of the realm, as well as the supreme leader of his hosts at war. The third duty of the monarch is the governance of the Kingdoms in times of peace, and the activity of healing and of guaranteeing prosperity (provided the communion between Eru Iluvatar and Valar and the people is respected). These functions are much less rigid than the other two roles, in part due to the strength of the traditional aristocracy.
Crown Jewels of the Reunited Kingdom
The Crown Jewels of the Reunited Kingdom are royal objects and heirlooms, which include the regalia and vestments worn by Numenorean, Gondorian and Arnorian kings and queens. Symbols of centuries of Monarchy, the objects denote the High King's roles as head of state, high priest of the One, and head of the Western armies.
Sceptre of Annúminas
The Sceptre of Annúminas is a silver rod, originally the symbol of office of the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor. It has survived the Downfall, and was held by the Kings of Arnor while that realm lasted. After the division of the North-kingdom, it was handed down through the generations of the Kings of Arthedain until the death of the last king, Arvedui, in T.A. 1975. After that the sceptre was kept in Rivendell. In 2951, when Aragorn was twenty years old, Elrond gave him the other heirlooms of the House of Elendil, but he withheld the Sceptre saying that Aragorn had yet to earn it. After the War of the Ring, when Elrond arrived in Minas Tirith with his daughter Arwen, he handed the sceptre to Aragorn, who had been crowned as king Elessar.[3] In Fo.A. 120, laying in his deathbed the King gave the sceptre into the hands of his son, Eldarion.
After 153 years, Tar Eldarion passed the rulership of the Reunited Kingdom to his son Tar Arfalor I Eldarien, the current High King, in Fo.A. 273, solemnly giving him the Sceptre of Annúminas.
Crown of Gondor
The Crown of Gondor, also called the Winged Crown and the crown of Elendil, is the ceremonial headgear of the High King Kings of Gondor and Arnor, and is used as a symbol of the Kingship. The current Crown is a tall, jeweled and winged helm, all white, with wings resembling those of a sea-bird wrought of pearl and silver. Seven gems of adamant are set in the circlet. On its summit is a jewel, the light of which goes up like a flame to represent Anarion. On 1 May T.A. 3019 Aragorn II Telcontar came forward to receive the crown. In the year Fo.A. 120 Tar Eldarion received the Crown according the ancient tradition.[1]
In 273 Fo.A. Tar Arfalor I Eldarien, also received the crown from his father's hands.
Council of the Sceptre
The Council of the Sceptre is the restrict royal advice and support body. It is composed of princes and lords of each of the Kingdom's separate lands, of the High King's heir, and of the Steward and the Great Officers of the Realm as well. The Councillors in their capacity have no power save that of advice and counsel.
Great Officers of the Realm
In the Reunited Kingdom, the Great Officers of the Realm are the Crown ministers, who are appointed to exercise certain functions as part of the government. Such positions are not transmissible nor hereditary. The Reunited Kingdom inherits its Officers from both Gondor and Arnor. While most of them are hereditary, some offices are appointed. Some offices are put into "commission"; that is, multiple commissioners are appointed to collectively exercise the office.
Steward of the Realm
The Stewards of the Realm are at first the chief of the high councilors to the High Kings. Steward is therefore the traditional title of the chief counsellor to the High Kings. Stewards are of pure high Númenórean blood.
Soon after the death of Denethor II, Aragorn II Tar Elessar Telcontar was crowned High King. The Steward Faramir, son of Denethor II, surrendered to the High King his rod of office, but it was returned to him. King Elessar confirmed in Faramir and his descendants the office of Steward of Gondor, which soon became Steward of the Realm, and granted him in addition the Princedom of Ithilien, ensuring his line a position as counsellor of the King.
Gondor
Gondor is the Southern Kingdom of the Reunited Kingdoms. In the first three centuries of the Fourth Age, Gondor has been the actual seat of the High King. The King of Gondor (as conceptually separated by the High King) is aided by the Council of Gondor, which meets in a separate capacity from the Council of the Sceptre. Some Gondorian lords who do seat in the Council of Gondor, do not seat into the Council of the Sceptre and vice versa.
Geography and subdivisions
Within the Reunited Kingdom, Gondor lies south the line of Adorn-Angren (Isen) river in the north, which separates it from both Enedwaith (part of the Kingdom of the West but not of Gondor) and the allied land of Rohan; south a relatively segment of the Ered Nimrais range, which separate Gondor from the Eastfold; east the Mearing Stream and the Falls of Rauros, which separate Gondor and Eastfold and East Emnet respectively; south the Dead Marshes, which mark the border between the Western Middle-earth and the Rhovanion (part of which under the control of the High Kings); west the Ephel Duath, which separate Ithilien from Plateau of Gorgoroth (the ancient Mordor) and Nurn; north the Harnen (except for some coastal possessions), which divides Harondor from Near Harad.
Therefore Gondor comprises the twelve most southern lands and provinces (Sûza): Umbar, Harondor, Ithilien, Anórien, Lossarnach, Lebennin, Belfalas, Lamedon and Ringló Vale, Tolfalas, Anfalas and Andrast. Each of these lands enjoys of a different form of government, according to its own customs and traditions.
Ithilien is under the rule of the Prince of Ithilien, Andrast is governed by a King-appointed Lord Lieutenant, who has no more than little authority over the Drúedain who inhabit this land, and Anórien is under the direct rule of the King.
However, in a general way, Umbar, Harondor and Andrast all have a King-appointed Lord Lieutenant (although duties and responsibilities vary according each province), Ithilien is under the firm rule of the House of Húrin and Anórien under the direct rule of the High King; the remaining provinces are governed by High Councils, made up of all significant lords and representatives of major autonomous cities and towns. At the head of the High Councils are generally high-ranking nobles, but the High King may appoint a commoner as personal legate. The only exception is the High Council of Belfalas, which is presided over by the Prince of Dol Amroth due to an hereditary privilege granted in ancient times.
The core function of a provincial head, whatever form the position may take, is to be the representative of the High King and of its government, to act as the highest magistrate of judge, and manage the taxation and public spending in his area. The head of a province has usually a large staff of other officials: procurators, judicial advisers and reeves.
The twelve Gondorian provinces are further subdivided into numerous district, which in turn include fiefdoms, cities and towns, each enjoying its own degree of autonomy, according its history and granted privileges. While fiefdoms, such as the Princedom of Dol Amroth, are ruled by King's vassals according hereditary rules, autonomous cities and towns are governed through several institutional forms, ranging from an urban aristocracy to a direct democracy. However, the most common forms of government are oligarchic in nature. Osgiliath, due to its sheer importance, is governed by an Ostoher (Lord of the Citadel) who is invariably a King's younger son or brother.
Cities and towns subject which are not autonomous or which are not granted their own charter of rights and privileges are governed and administered by an Ostherdir (Town-Prefect), wo is appointed directly by the High King (for Andrast and Anorien) or by the head of the relevant province. Tenure of an Ostherdir lasts five years, if not extended by his appointer. Rural Districts are headed by Herdirin, appointed for five years.
Arnor
The Kingdom of Arnor is the Northern Kingdom of the Reunited Kingdoms. In the Fourth Age, Arnor is the northern frontier and, although all High Kings have travelled across their Realms, it is far from the richest lands of older prosperity. The King of Arnor is aided by the Council of Arnor, which meets in a separate capacity from the Council of the Sceptre. Some Arnorian lords, who do seat in the Council of Arnor, do not seat into the Council of the Sceptre and vice versa. The King of Arnor and High King of the Reunited Kingdom acts as the supreme authority in legislative and judicial matters, but the nobility carries much of the responsibility for daily operations.
In the entire Kingdom of Arnor, the High King could count on population of almost forty thousands Men, without considering Hobbits (both in the Shire and in other places).
Being the High King of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor mostly based in Minas Anor in the South, in Fo.A. 72, when Prince Eldarion was 25 years old, Tar Elessar look forward and enacted a complex architecture for the governance of his domains. The High King rules the whole Kingdom: when his own eldest son and Crown Prince is of age (at least 20 years old), he or she would assume the burden of government of the northern part of the Kingdom. If the High King has not yet a son of age, a Chancellor of the Realm coordinates some of the government functions of the Kingdom of Arnor.
Geography and subdivisions
Within the Reunited Kingdom, Arnor lies north the line of Greyflood-Loudwater (Gwathló-Bruinien) rivers in the South, which separates it from both Enedwaith (part of the Kingdom of the West but not of Arnor) and Hollin; the ancient realm of Angmar and Misty Mountains make up the Northern Border, while the southern shores of the Ice Bay of Forochel are controlled by the Reunited Kingdom via the Kingdom of Arnor. River Lhûn (Lune) and the Southern Ered Luin define the western border, allowing the Kingdom to shore the Gulf of Lhûn.
The Dunedain or Arnor dwell in many places in Eriador, and specifically the courses of the rivers Lune and Baranduin as well as Fornost. The capital is at the ancient city of Annúminas, but also other ancient strongholds have been reclaimed since the rebirth of the Kingdom of the North, including Fornost Erain, Amon Sûl, and Lond Daer. Along these reborn cities and towns, Bree-land (centred around Bree) is an ancient point of population.
Therefore Arnor comprises the three most northern lands and provinces (Sûza): Arthedain, Rhudaur, and Minhiriath (the ancient post-Arnorian Kingdom of Cardolan). Each of these four lands is governed by a Steward of the King, chosen among surviving Arnorian aristocracy or trusted men; the Gonfalonier of the King is assisted by the High Council, made up of all significant lords and representatives of major autonomous cities and towns. The core function of a Gonfalonier is to be the representative of the High King and of its government, to act as the highest magistrate of judge, and manage the taxation and public spending in his area. The Gonfalonier of the King has a large staff of other officials: procurators, judicial advisers and reeves.
The Dúnedain of Arnor were one of the two great divisions of the descendants of the Númenóreans living in Middle-earth (the other being Men of Gondor of the South-kingdom). Before the foundation of Arnor there was already a sizable Númenórean population living in northern Eriador, a result of the slow emigration of Númenóreans which had started under Tar-Meneldur and Tar-Aldarion. The region was and still is home also to Middle Men of Edain stock, and the early colonists interbred with the indigenous population. Dúnedain of Arnor are still considered to be more noble than their southern cousins, although not as powerful as them.
Within the Kingdom of Arnor, but under the statute of freedom of land, there is the Shire of the Hobbits, ranging from southern Evendim hills to the Vineyards and from under the Tower Hills to Old Forest. The Free Land of the Shire of the Hobbits is governed according the Hobbits' own customs and traditions, but they are nonetheless Arnor's subjects.
The four Arnorian provinces are further subdivided into fiefdoms and towns, each enjoying some degree of autonomy, according its history and granted privileges. While fiefdoms are ruled by King's vassals according hereditary rules, autonomous cities and towns are governed through several institutional forms, ranging from an urban aristocracy to a direct democracy. However, the most common forms of urban government are oligarchic in nature. Most important cities in Arnor are Fornost Erain, Elostirion, Tharbad, Lond Daer, and obviously Annúminas.
Cities and towns subject which are not autonomous or which are not granted their own charter of rights and privileges are governed and administered by an Ostherdir (Town-Prefect), who in Arnor is appointed directly by the High King. Tenure of an Ostherdir lasts five years, if not extended by the King. Rural Districts are headed by Herdirin, appointed for five years.
Arthedain
Arthedain is the main and northen-most province of Arnor and by far the largest one. In the Third Age, Arthedain was one of the three realms of the Dúnedain of the North created from the fragmentation of the kingdom of Arnor. After the death of Arnor's King Eärendur, his sons divided the realm into the kingdoms of Arthedain, Rhudaur and Cardolan. Arthedain as an independent kingdom was destroyed in T.A. 1974-1975 and was re-established as a Province in Fo.A. 23.
The provincial capital of Arthedain is Fornost Erain, although the Gonfalonier of the King has also residence in Annúminas. Current Gonfalonier of the King is Hîratar Rogothin of the House of Telcontar (appointed in Fo.A. 266), cousin of the High King and native of Foramon, in northern Evendim Hills, where he has his ancestral fief.
Arthedain lays primarily between the Lhûn and the Brandywine in northwestern Eriador, including also the land north of the Great East Road from the Brandywine Bridge to the Weather Hills. Notable features within Arthedain are the Hills of Evendim, Lake Evendim, North Downs, Tower Hills, Far Downs, White Downs. The Free Land of the Hobbits (the Shire and surrounding lands) is included within its borders between the Tower Hills and the Old Forest, but is not part of Arthedain itself.
Arthedain is primarily an agricultural land. Tenant farmers supply their landlords with their surplus goods, which are then brought to regional markets to exchange for luxury items. Wool and grain are the principal agricultural products, much of which flows to Minhiriath. Miners draw silver and copper from the rugged uplands of Arthedain, and friendly relations with the Dwarves of the Ered Luin allow other ores to flow into the country as well.
Most important cities of Arthedain are Elostirion, Annúminas (the capital city of the whole realm) and Fornost Erain, as well as Bree and Amon Sûl, as well as the King's Quadrilateral, a densely populated area which is comprised within elevated plain among Amon Sûl, Bree, Annúminas and Fornost Erain.
The orography of Arthedain is dominated by the Brandywine and its tributaries: its river valley constitute the main part of the province, while uplands do exist near Fornost Erain (North Downs), near Annúminas (Evendim Hills), near Elostirion (Tower Hills and, just outside the kingdom, Blue Mountains) and near Amon Sûl (Weatherhills).
The Brandywine flows out the Lake Evendim, and runs eastward for about 60 miles before turning southward; after about another 120 miles it flows through the easternmost reaches of the Shire, forming that land's eastern border, except for Buckland, which lies east of it. Its major crossings are the Star Bridge near Annúminas and the Brandywine Bridge on the East Road and the Bucklebury Ferry in the Shire.
Between Annúminas and the northern hills of the Shire, and south the Far Downs, the Brandywine valley is outside the Free Land of the Hobbits, and it is home of several Men's towns and villages.
Arthedain has four important roads: the Great East Road, running from the Tower Hills to Amon Sûl, and then into Rhudaur; the North Road, which runs from Fornost Erain to Bree, and then in Minhiriath; and, finally, the road from Waymoot in the Shire to Sarn Ford and then to Ariden in Minhiriath. The fourth road is the King's Road, linking Annúminas to Fornost Erain.
Peoples of Arthedain include a significant part of the Northern Dúnedain, as well as Bree-men (descendants of a people of the White Mountains and loosely related to Dunlendings) and peoples of the Rivermen culture, in turn part of the Eriador Northmen cluster. Other peoples include the Lossoth. Arthedain is also home of some residual Elvish colonies (mainly Falathrim living on the eastern side of the Tower Hills), of the Hobbits of Bree and of the Shire and of the communities, hamlets, villages and towns of the higher plains east the Brandywine valley. These higher plains, north of the Great East Road and west the Weather Hills, have been experiencing a constant and steady growth of population since the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Arnor in the very early Fourth Age. These inhabitants are for the most part result of the new prosperity, but also descendants of immigrants from overpopulated areas of Gondor, and other small groups which settled in the region after their oath of allegiance.
The Arthedain (Sindarin for Edain of the Realm) are the Dúnedain of the old Kingdom of Arthedain a and of the present-day province of Arthedain. They are the purest-blooded descendants of the Númenóreans among the Dúnedain alongside those still living in the Angle in Rhudaur, the ancient home of the families and clans of the Third Age Rangers of the North..
Evendim Hills (until the Lhun River), Evendim Lake and Annúminas, until the Tower Hills, are mostly populated by Dúnedain, of both old Arnorian ancestry and of immigrated Gondorian origins and their culture is roundly Dúnedain; near the Lhun there are also some Falathirm outposts, who are quite well integrated. The North Downs are populated by both Dúnedain and Northmen, resulting in a closed warlike culture but also capable of notable refinement. Weather Hills host a few small mines and an mostly-agricultural culture.
The resulting culture of the Brandywine valley and surrounding areas (excluding Annúminas and Fornost Erain) is a mixture of Bree culture, which generally gives cheerful and provincial traits, and of Northmen world's view, which is more closed to other folks. Quite insulated, the traditional Dúnedain high culture of warrior and artistic pride also thrives. On the other hand, the eastern plains (King's Quadrilateral) feature an agricultural culture which is generally traditionalist and tends to be fragmented and insular.
Harnannuidôr
Harnannuidôr (Sindarin for South-western Plain) is the official name of the southwestern regions of Arthedain. These lands, comprised between the Free Land of the Hobbits, the Blue Mountains and north the river valley of the Brandywine, are traditionally quite thickly inhabited by Men of Eriador from ancient times. While they were affected by the decadence of Arnor and Arthedain, also due to distance inhabitants of Harnannuidôr were greatly less affected than any other.
Harnannuidôr is an agricultural region which relies on manorial economy and culture: in this region, towns and cities are rare and sparse, while the countryside is evenly populated. A tradition which developed in earliest stages of the Fourth Age is the horse breeding (although not nearly at the Rohan levels). Harnannuidôr is considered a single district, and therefore its fiefdoms and towns are overseen by Herdir Thorbert Peacher, a former military officer from Bree-land.
The society of Harnannuidôr is formed into two main classes, the nobility and the peasantry, with the burgesses being a small community. The noble class consists of mixed Dúnedain-Northron clans and noble houses. All fit male nobles are knights and follow a warrior code of chivalry, holding noblesse oblige and honour in high regard. On the other hand, peasants of Harnannuidôr are in a clearly subordinated position, and most are illiterate and uneducated. Peasants may also not leave their home district or fief unless allowed; as a result a certain degree of inbreeding is quite common.
Minhiriath
The Province of Minhiriath (Sûzat Minhiriath) is the southern-most Province of Arnor, with the same borders and lands of the ancient post-Arnorian Kingdom of Cardolan: it includes all the lands between the Brandywine and the Gwathló rivers. Of the whole Kingdom of Arnor, Minhiriath has the most fertile soil, the largest land area and urban centre, and the closest ties to Gondor. Minhiriath is south of the Shire and Enedwaith is south of the Greyflood. The eastern border of Minhiriath is on the right bank of the Hoarwell (also known as Mitheithel), while the Sea is on the west. Beyond the Brandywine and until the Hoarwell, the northern border is the Great East Road: therefore Minhiriath would include Buckland, if this land were not part of the Free Land, which is counted outside Arnorian provinces.
Minhiriath is a plain region, most of its forests being long gone due to heavy deforestation of the Númenorean and Dúnedain shipbuilding needs from Second Age onwards; the only significant exception is the Eryn Vorn or Blackwood. Western Minhiriath consists of the southern half of the river valley of Brandywine and of the northern half of the river valley of Greyflood; the rest of the territory consists of higher plains with the hill formations of Barrow-downs and South Downs. The two river valleys are fertile lands, while the plateau is more arid.
The provincial capital of is the city of Tharbad, which is on the Greyflood, on the border between Minhiriath and Enedwaith. The port of Lond Daer is also on the Greyflood where it flows into the Sea. The main road is the Great Road, which runs in Minhiriath from Bree (also on the northern border of Minhiriath) to Tharbad. Along this main communication artery, several fortified towns and villages have been established in the early centuries of the Fourth Age. Some towns, such as East Sarn Ford on the Brandywine, also exist in both river valleys.
Minhiriath is mostly inhabited by Men. Peoples of Men in the province feature a certain level of ethnic variety: Northmen of Cardolan (from ancient settlements), Dúnedain (mainly in and around Tharbad and Lond Daer, as well as in the new towns and villages), hill folk, men of Tharbad, and some Southerner Clans. Such ethnic variety and the desire of each people to keep on its own have led to an unofficial partition of the Province: the north bank of Greyflood (from Tharbad to Lond Daer) and the North-South Road to Dúnedain, the south bank of the Brandywine, the highlands, the confluence of the Hoarwell into the Bruinien, and the north part of the North-South Road to the Northmen of Cardolan, the hill folk in the Barrow Downs and the South Downs, men of Tharbad in the eponymous city. The Southerner Clans are a semi-nomadic folk which dwells in the interior of the plateau, east to the South Downs. The coast is sparsely populated by fishermen villages.
Given the ethnic diversity, also culture of Minhiriath is similarly diverse and varied. While Dúnedain proudly claim their Second and Third Age heritage, Northmen maintain significant links with the Rohirrim. On the other hand, Tharbad has developed over the centuries of the Fourth Age a merchant culture, similar to its ancient attitude before the flooding of T.A. 2912. Due to the mixture of ancient and fresh waves of population, a "regional" identity has not yet developed, but internal exchanges are growing: the river valleys (especially the Greyflood valley) are specialised in agriculture or, for those near the coast, in fishing, while the plateau and the uplands regions are focused on herding.
The nobility of Minhiriath consists of two types of noble houses. Dúnedain nobles are both remnants from the ancient kingdom of Arnor and of Cardolan and newly established noble houses from the Rangers of the North. On the other hands, there are several Northmen's noble houses, which predated the Dúnedain domination and somewhat survived it. Also tribal chieftains of the Southerner Clans are considered to be nobles. Fiefdoms, towns and villages of Minhiriath are divided into seven Districts, each overseen by a royally-appointed Herdir: Minas Girithilin, Thaendor and Seren along the Brandywine, Undrond and Ariden along the Greyflood, Minas Malloth and the Eastern District in the interior. Lond Daer and Tharbad, due to their importance, are kept under the direct rule of the Steward of the King and each of them is administered by an Ostherdir.
The current Gonfalonier of the King in Minhiriath is Lord Eringtar of the House of Faladahan, who was appointed in Fo.A. 260. Lord Eringtar descends from Dírhail of the Grey Company.
The Laws of Númenor
The Laws of Númenor comprise a sacred corpus of religious law which the Faithful inherited from their forefathers, and which forms the basis of all legal traditions adhered to within the Realms-in-Exile and, therefore, within the Reunited Kingdom. They form the constitution ordained by the Valar and include all the just and fair royal decrees whose memory survived the events recorded in the Akallabêth.
Taken together, this body of ancient law serves as the norm and standard against which all other sources of law must be measured and evaluated.
The original laws were given to the Three Houses of Men by Eönwë, the herald of Manwë. The laws were inscribed upon seven bronze tablets and preserved in Armenelos. They stipulated sacred order - the worship of Ilúvatar, obedience to the Powers, respect for oaths, and observance of ritual prohibitions. The king's primary duty was to see to it that the Dúnedain adhered to their place in this order. As for the ordering of the Númenórean society itself, the Law of Seven Tablets covered little. The Three Houses could decide (in concert with their king) their own internal affairs in the Gathering of Houses. After Númenor became a settled and urban society, the laws of Edain (Namnar Atanion) were collected and codified as non-religious law.
The Downfall wiped out the vast majority of written records in Númenor. So, Elendil commanded that his sons undertake to compile an exhaustive codex of Númenórean law. This compilation sprang from its extant surviving fragments, which would serve as the foundation for all future law-making and jurisprudence in Gondor and Arnor.
The task of compiling and ordering the Laws of Númenor took sixty years and was carried out in the Halls of the Faithful in Pelargir. The resulting codex became the sacred corpus of law in Arnor and Gondor.
Once codified the Laws of Númenor remained a fixed corpus, intended to serve as canon for the development of future laws, but never to be expanded or changed because no law created under the authority of the exile could ever equal or surpass the authority of the original. Nevertheless, a great deal of new law did come into use in Gondor over the two millenia following the Downfall.
The making and execution of law in the Reunited Kingdom
As in Númenor, the process by which laws were made in the the Reunited Kingdom is handled by the High King in concert with the Council of the Sceptre. This assembly convenes annually at the summer court of Minas Anor. They counsel the High King in matters affecting the realm as a whole, assist him in the adjudication of important cases, and confirm new laws formulated under the High King's supervision. It also has the highest authority in determining the royal succession, and joins the king in the three great annual supplications at mount Mindolluin.
The High King is responsible for upholding the Laws of the Seven Tablets, any breach of those laws has to be judged by the High King himself or by one of his appointed officers. Thus, political and military leaders frequently assume a juridical role. The laws of the Edain and their derivatives, including royal decrees, are the jurisdiction of the regular court system, separate from the political chain of command.
Judiciary
Gondor is administered according a common law system. There is no major codification of the statutes enacted by the Sovereign, and judicial precedents are binding as opposed to persuasive. The justices and judges are responsible for adapting the Writ system to meet everyday needs. However, royal decrees overtake judicial law making so that judges are only able to innovate in certain minor areas and up to a point; furthermore, the doctrine of precedent requires similar cases to be adjudicated in a like manner.
The highest appellate court in Gondor is the King's Hearing and its decisions are binding on every other court in the hierarchy which are obliged to apply its rulings as the law of the land. The High Court of Justice binds the lower courts, and so on.
In every fiefdom and autonomous city or town, civil and criminal justice is administered through a court system established in each jurisdiction according to its specific needs. Lords and autonomous cities are entitled to administer civil law and minor criminal offences, while serious criminal offences, established by immemorial law, case law or royal statute, are dealt with by specific royal courts, which are present in each jurisdiction.
Both lordish and royal rulings can be appealed at the High Court of Justice, whose see is in every provincial capital. Under some circumstances, rulings of the High Court of Justice can be further appealed at the King's Hearings. The King's Hearings are royal hearings dedicated to appeals, when the King, who is himself a fine jurist, provides the ultimate ruling. When the Sovereign is absent, the King's Hearings are not held.
Raud Agar
The concept of "Raud Agar", a Sindarin word for Nobility of blood, is a racist concept which plays an important role in the Dúnadan culture. In an extensive meaning, the concept of Raud Agar refers to those without recent non-Dúneadain ancestors; the bias against non-Dúneadain ancestors is directed exclusively against human ancestors, Elves being regarded as a kin more noble than all Men. The concept of Raud Agar, however, is closely related to adherence to justice and to dictates of Eru Iluvatar and of the Valar.
Under the concept of Raud Agar, all other human races and peoples are considered being inferior to Dúneadains: Northmen are considered as being the human race coming immediately after Dúneadains (in turn at least theoretically inferior to Númenóreans of old). In Fourth Age all Northmen are still deferential to Dúneadains, even after centuries of mingling between the two races.
The concept of Raud Agar has been a significant barrier through both Númenórean and Dúneadain history, linking the preservation of racial purity to the excellence and nobility, and thus linking the heredity to authority. Nowadays, proofs of racial purity are required in a variety of circumstances: candidates for certain offices or titles and their spouses have to proof their Dúneadain ancestry. The High King is still required to be of pure Númenórean blood, and, despite their 969 years-long rule without a King, Stewards were unable to claim the Crown of Gondor due to their inferior blood purity and therefore nobility.
The Númenóreans of Gondor in T.A. XV Century fell to infighting and civil war because of the quarrel over the need for racial purity, especially concerning the ancestry of their King (the Kin-strife), and grew weaker as a result. The concept of absolute racial purity as separate from justice and abstinence from evil, already considerably weakened at the time of the civil war, was then definitively abandoned following the evil deeds of pure-blooded Númenórean Castamir the Usurper, while the half-Númenórean Eldacar was remembered for his justice. Furthermore, Black Númenóreans, descendants of surviving Númenórean King's followers, are considered to had been of the purest blood, but they were the most steadfast followers of the Enemy.
Nobility of the West
The Reunited Kingdom maintains noble systems and titles used by all Edain west to the Misty Mountains. However, over the centuries and millenaries, several systems were devised by the different Mannish peoples. With the establishment of the Reunited Kingdom, Aragorn Tar Elessar also established an unified order of precedence among different titles of different systems.
Ernil
An Ernil (Sindarin for Prince) is a noble title for suzerain rulers who acknowledge the supremacy of the High King; the granting of the title of Ernil entitles the holder to sit by his (or her) own right in the Council of the Sceptre. The most famous examples of Ernil are the Hobbit leaders, who are customarily granted the title of Ernil-i-Periannath (Prince of the Halflings) and thus summoned to Councils both of Arnor and of the Sceptre.
Dúnadan noble titles
Dúnedain use an articulated titles and ranks system with Sindarin names.
Dúnadan nobility can be found wherever there is a significant Dúnadan population. In particular, the Dúnadan nobility is obviously present all across Gondor and especially concentrated in Gondorian cities, as well as in Ithilien, Anfalas, Belfalas, Lamedon, and Blackroot Vale. Other regions of Gondor do have Dúnadan nobility, but in a minor proportion on the overall population. However, Dúnadan nobility is found also in notable cities of Eriador, such as Tharbad and Lond Daer, as well as north of Brandywine, and especially in the Angle, Rhudaur, and next to the Evendim Hills, Arthedain.
The Dúnadan nobility is subdivided into four ranks:
- A Rochben (pl. Roechbin, horse-rider) in the Reunited Kingdom is a member of the Equestrian Order. New members may be raised to the Order, if he meets property qualification and testify that at least three of his or her four grandparents are of undiluted Dúnadan blood. Members of the Order have right to sit in the local councils of the Provinces and to serve in the cavalry forces of the High King. Membership in the Order is hereditary, provided that the blood qualifications are met. A body of privileges belong to the Order, their wives and their unremarried widows, including the right to be tried by fellow peers, the right to carry a long sword in public and the right to be exempt from civil arrest.
- Hîr (Lord) or Hiril (Lady) are both styles and titles. As a style, it is used in formal speech of all holders of a dignity, wardship of a royal domain, and in colloquial speech, of all landed gentry. The Laws of the West states that no commoner can ever be a Hîr, unless in the occasion that he is appointed to such position. A Bŷr (Vassal) is a Hîr who owes his feudal loyalty directly to the High King as his own liege-lord.
- Herenya (Fortunate, blessed) is a style used by descendants of one of the 30 surviving Númenorean patrician families who came to the West with Elendil. From a Númenorean point of view, they were close in rank with the House of Valandil, but as members of the Faithful faction all these families accepted the leadership of the Lords of Andúnië well before the final Downfall of Númenor. More than three thousand years after, surviving families maintain their prominent status, often serving as marrying pool for the Kings.
- A Hîratar (Count) is a major landholder who has received a perpetual right of jurisdiction over his lands in lieu of services rendered to the Winged Crown.[2] There are very few Hîratarin the Reunited Kingdom: the most known is the Prince of Dol Amroth, but also the Prince of Ithilien. All Hîratarin are also part of the Herenya.
Northmen noble titles
Northmen have a reduced variety of noble titles, their kingdoms and realms being quite flattened. Where Northmen live in the Reunited Kingdom, they keep their own titles and ranks:
- Rídend: a Rídend is the basic member of the war professionals class, on an equal level (at least in name) to the Dúnadan title of Rochben.
- Thain: a Thain is an an aristocratic retainer of a king or lord. They are the majority of the aristocracy below the rank of Eorl. In the Reunited Kingdom, Thains are quite widespread from Enedwaith and upwards and in northern marches of Rhovanion. The title of the Hobbit Thain is the very same title (although the latter's status have increased over the centuries).
- Eorl: an Eorl is a high-ranking royal official in Northmen's kingdoms, and, in the Reunited Kingdom, is an aristocratic title and holds command of the army of the lands under his control on behalf of his overlord. Eorls are found mostly in Minhriath and Arthedain, because only prominent Northmen lords attain this rank and only in these regions Northmen still live in concentrated areas.
Military of the Reunited Kingdom
The military of the Reunited Kingdom is formed by the military of Gondor and by military units and formations of Arnor. However, the backbone of the military consists of southern forces, which are designed to be integrated with the Rohan's forces.
Royal Army
The Royal Army is the primary military body of the armed forces of the Reunited Kingdom, serving alongside the Royal Navy. The Royal Army maintains an high level of discipline, strategic prowess and organization.
There are two ground forces types: the Central Armies, a standing army of professional soldiers under High King's permanent and direct commaand, and the territorial forces, raised, maintained and organized by local lords or captains, such as the Rangers of Ithilien. The latter ones have the task of immediate border defence and resistance against the enemy, while the central armies have the task of conducting major war operations. However, during major wars, territorial forces can be put under High King's direct command.
Compared to Gondor, the northern Arnorian armies make less use of mounted troops. Footmen are the most numerous part of the army.
The Royal Navy constitutes the sea defence force of the Reunited Kingdom: it is a fully unified force and, although its core lays within the Bay of Belfalas, several squadrons are headquartered at Arnor's seaports and harbours. Gondor maintained a considerable navy from the time of the first of the "Ship-Kings".
The main military seaports of important strategic meaning are Pelargir, Umbar and Linhir in the South, while the northern most important harbours are Mithlond and Lond Daer.
Chain of command
The military chain of command is focused mainly around Gondorian forces: however, there are several forces and formations within Arnor: most of them are comprised under regular Cavalry or Infantry, although some units, such as Rangers of the North or others, are framed within the Royal Hosts.
- High King Arfalor I: the supreme commander;
- Quartermaster general
- Captain-General of the Royal Hosts
- Shipmaster (Ciryatur from the Quenya cirya, 'ship', and -tur, 'master')
- Lord-Captains of the Reunited Kingdom: Commanders of naval commands
- Captains-at-Sea: Commanders of vessels and ships
- Lord-Captains of the Reunited Kingdom: Commanders of naval commands
Languages
The Reunited Kingdom de facto official language is Westron, the language derived from contact between the Adûnaic tongue of Númenor and the languages of the western coastlands of the continent of Middle-earth.
