LOTR Revealed: The Untold Fate of the Dunedain Post-War

Highlights

The Dunedain are descendants of the people of Numenor and are the wisest and most noble humans with extended lifespans.

Following the establishment of the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, the Dunedain considered themselves as a unified realm, disregarding their geographical separation.

Having successfully concluded the War of the One Ring, Aragorn restores the unity of the Dunedain kingdoms and assumes kingship. However, over time, the Dunedain's bloodline and lifespan gradually diminish, bringing them closer to that of ordinary humans.

J.R.R. Tolkien's remarkable series of books delves into a world of history and mythology that leaves a lasting impact on readers. Few works of fiction have the ability to achieve such a lasting impression. While The Lord of the Rings story concludes with The Return of the King, the lives of the characters continue beyond that point. The Hobbits go on to lead fulfilling and joyful lives, Legolas and Gimli maintain their cherished friendship and embark on adventures together, and Aragorn, in collaboration with Rohan, fosters an era of peace for the Age of Man.

For those who have only experienced the film adaptations, the term "Dunedain" is mentioned briefly to describe Aragorn and a group of rangers. However, the movies fail to fully elucidate the identity and significance of the Dunedain. In truth, this collective of individuals plays a vital role in the War of the Ring and an even greater one in its aftermath. Their origins are intertwined with the most pivotal humans in the realm of Middle-earth.

Who are the Dunedain?

In the Second Age of Middle-Earth, the island of Numenor was inhabited by a kingdom of exceptional individuals. In recognition of their valiant efforts in battling the first dark lord of Middle-earth, Morgoth, the Valar granted certain humans the island of Numenor and extraordinarily prolonged lifespans. Eventually, the island submerged back into the sea, as the Valar had intended. However, before Numenor's demise, Elendil, a Numenorean, led his sons and followers to Middle-earth where they established two magnificent realms for mankind.

In essence, the Dunedain are the descendants of Numenor. They are renowned as the wisest and most noble humans, blessed with lifespans far surpassing those of ordinary individuals like Boromir and his kin. Although they do not possess the immortality of the Elves, they regularly outlive the Dwarves. Departing from Numenor, they founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, situated in the north and south respectively. Over time, their numbers dwindled, and they dispersed across Middle-earth. It is from this lineage of kings that Aragorn, together with Isildur and Anárion, claims descent.

The Divisions of the Dunedain

Despite being two separate kingdoms, Arnor in the north and Gondor in the south, the Dunedain considered themselves as one unified kingdom. The High King's seat was in Annúminas, the capital of Arnor, giving him authority over both kingdoms. However, everything changed after Isildur, the bearer of the One Ring, was betrayed and killed. Isildur's youngest son, Valandil, then assumed his father's role.

Unfortunately, at that time, there were insufficient people, particularly Dunedain, to inhabit and sustain the land of Arnor. This was due to the significant loss of Men in the War of the Last Alliance and the catastrophe at the Gladden Fields, where Isildur lost his life. The Gladden Fields disaster severed the unity among the Dunedain of the North, rendering them vulnerable to the forces of the Witch-King of Angmar. Over time, Angmar gradually decimated the remnants of Numenorean hosts until only a few hundred Dunedain remained. These survivors, alongside their kin, became renowned as the Rangers of the North.

Unlike Arnor, the Dunedain in Gondor flourished and forged a kingdom that bore a striking resemblance to the once majestic Numenor in terms of its opulence and grandeur. However, over time, the purity of their lineage waned as the Dunedain of the South intermingled with lesser Men. As a consequence, their lifespans grew shorter, and their noble heritage faded away into obscurity. None of the Dunedain residing within the realm of Gondor possessed the untainted bloodline of Numenor that would entitle them to claim the throne, resulting in its succession falling to a long line of stewards. By the time the War of the One Ring arrived, the Dunedain of the South dwelled in Minas Tirith and the nearby villages, indistinguishable from the Men of Middle-earth.

What Happened to the Dunedain After the War of the One Ring?

Aragorn's reunion with the Grey Company, a group of 30 Dunedain rangers, is not depicted in the movies. This significant event took place during the events of The Return of the King. The Grey Company joined forces with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli in their mission to recruit the Oathbreakers. Their involvement ultimately turned the tide of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Following his ascension to the throne, Aragorn successfully reunited the two kingdoms of the Dunedain, Arnor and Gondor. Remarkably, even the Shire became part of this reunified kingdom. Aragorn, however, enacted a law that strictly forbade any Man from entering the Hobbits' home. Being a law-abiding ruler, Aragorn ensured that the beauty and tranquility of the Shire remained unspoiled.

Aragorn rebuilt the city of Annúminas in the north, but retained Minas Tirith as the capital where he ruled as High King. While the population of the Dunedain improved, intermingling with non-Numenorean people led to a dilution of their bloodline. Only a few individuals from noble houses lived beyond 100 years when Aragorn united the kingdoms. Aragorn himself, being the longest-living Dunedain of his time, reached the modest age of 210 years. Eventually, the lifespan of the Dunedain became comparable to that of other Men in Middle-earth.