If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, you probably know that Aragorn is the rightful heir of the throne of Gondor, the kingdom of Men in Middle-earth. But do you know who his ancestors were, and how he is related to Elendil, the legendary king who founded Gondor and Arnor? In this article, we will explore the fascinating family tree of Aragorn, and reveal the surprising connection between him and Elendil.
Contents
Who is Elendil?
Elendil was a nobleman from Númenor, a powerful island kingdom that was destroyed by the wrath of the Valar (the angelic beings who governed the world) for defying their ban on sailing to the Undying Lands. Elendil was one of the few survivors of the cataclysm, along with his sons Isildur and Anárion, and their followers. They escaped in nine ships and landed in different parts of Middle-earth
Elendil settled in the north, where he founded the kingdom of Arnor and its capital city of Annúminas. He also befriended Gil-galad, the High King of the Elves, and formed an alliance with him against Sauron, the Dark Lord who had corrupted Númenor and sought to conquer Middle-earth. Elendil brought with him some relics from Númenor, such as the palantíri (the seeing stones that allowed communication across long distances) and a seedling of Nimloth, the White Tree that symbolized his royal lineage
Who is Aragorn?
Aragorn was born in the Third Age, more than 3000 years after Elendil’s death. He was the son of Arathorn, a chieftain of the Dúnedain, the descendants of the Númenóreans who remained faithful to the Valar and the Elves. The Dúnedain had dwindled in numbers and power over the centuries, due to wars, plagues, and attacks from Sauron’s servants. They lived as wandering rangers in Eriador, guarding the remnants of Arnor and protecting its people from evil
Aragorn was raised by Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell and Elendil’s distant relative. He learned about his heritage and destiny from him, as well as from Gandalf, the wizard who guided him throughout his life. Aragorn inherited many gifts from his ancestors, such as longevity, wisdom, courage, healing skills, and a keen sight. He also possessed some heirlooms from Elendil’s line, such as Andúril (the reforged sword that was broken when Elendil fought Sauron) and a sapling of the White Tree
Elendil and Aragorn are related through both of Elendil’s sons, Isildur and Anárion. Isildur was the elder son who accompanied his father to the War of the Last Alliance against Sauron at the end of the Second Age. He was the one who cut off Sauron’s finger and took the One Ring from him, but he failed to destroy it and was later killed by Orcs in an ambush at Gladden Fields. His surviving son Valandil became the first king of Arnor, while his other son Elendur died with him
Anárion was the younger son who settled in Gondor with his brother Isildur. He founded Minas Anor (later Minas Tirith), one of the two great fortresses that guarded Gondor’s borders. He also helped defend Gondor from Sauron’s attacks during the War of the Last Alliance, but he was slain by a stone cast from Barad-dûr (Sauron’s stronghold). His son Meneldil became the first king of Gondor after Isildur’s departure.
Aragorn is a direct descendant of both Isildur and Anárion. His paternal line comes from Isildur through Valandil and his successors in Arnor. His maternal line comes from Anárion through Meneldil and his successors in Gondor. The two lines were reunited when Arvedui, the last king of Arnor, married Fíriel, a princess of Gondor. Their son Aranarth became the first chieftain of the Dúnedain after Arnor was destroyed by Angmar (a realm ruled by one of Sauron’s lieutenants). Aragorn is the 16th chieftain of the Dúnedain and the 39th direct descendant of Isildur.
What does this mean for Aragorn’s claim to the throne?
Aragorn’s claim to the throne of Gondor is based on his descent from both Isildur and Anárion. He is the rightful heir of Elendil, who was the first High King of both Arnor and Gondor. However, his claim was not recognized by the stewards of Gondor, who ruled the kingdom in the absence of a king since the death of Eärnur, the last king of Gondor, who was challenged by the Witch-king of Angmar and never returned. The stewards considered Isildur’s line to have forfeited the throne when he left Gondor after his father’s death, and they only acknowledged Anárion’s line as legitimate.
Aragorn had to prove his worthiness to the people of Gondor by leading them in the War of the Ring against Sauron, who had returned to power and threatened to destroy Middle-earth. He also had to fulfill some prophecies that foretold his return, such as healing the wounded with athelas (a herb that was also called kingsfoil), summoning the Dead Men of Dunharrow (who had sworn allegiance to Isildur but betrayed him), and showing the standard of Elendil (which was made by Arwen, his betrothed and Elrond’s daughter).
After Sauron’s defeat, Aragorn was crowned as King Elessar (meaning Elfstone, a name given to him by Galadriel) by Gandalf. He reunited Arnor and Gondor under one realm, and restored peace and prosperity to Middle-earth. He married Arwen, who gave up her immortality to be with him, and they had a son named Eldarion, who succeeded him as king after his death. Aragorn ruled for 122 years, until he passed away at the age of 210. He was buried in Rath Dínen (the Silent Street), where the tombs of the kings and stewards of Gondor were located.
Conclusion
Elendil and Aragorn are two of the most important and heroic figures in The Lord of the Rings. They share a common ancestry that goes back to Númenor, a lost island that was once a great civilization. They also share a common destiny that involves fighting against Sauron, the enemy of all free peoples. Elendil founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, while Aragorn restored them and became their king. They are both examples of courage, wisdom, and leadership that inspire generations of readers and fans.
