The Untold Secrets of the Kingdoms of Men in LOTR

Highlights

Unlike their Elven counterparts, men in Middle-earth are mortal beings who will eventually meet their demise. However, this aspect of mortality also grants them the ability to progress and develop as a society, as they pass on valuable knowledge and cherished traditions from one generation to the next.

Númenor, a kingdom generously bestowed upon Men by the Valar, bestowed extended lifetimes upon its residents. The rulers of Númenor would journey to Middle-earth, sharing their wisdom and knowledge. Tragically, their pursuit of power and immortality ultimately led to the downfall of Númenor.

Gondor, the most prominent kingdom of Men, played a pivotal role in the events depicted in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Despite facing numerous challenges that diminished its power, Gondor ultimately contributed to the defeat of Sauron, bringing about the end of the Third Age. Additionally, Arnor and Rohan were two other kingdoms of great importance within the world of Middle-earth.

Middle-earth is a diverse realm, housing various races, cultures, and ways of life. While fantastical creatures like Ents and Orcs only exist in Lord of the Rings fiction, humans, known as Men, are among the inhabitants of Middle-earth. Men, similar to Elves, are considered Children of Ilúvitar, but they differ in that they are mortal. Unlike Elves, Men were granted freedom and are not bound to Arda indefinitely, meaning they experience aging and eventually face death. Men are recognized for their drive for power and are divided into various groups and cultures, predominantly settling in the Lands and Kingdoms of Men.

Within Middle-earth, there are numerous settlements and Kingdoms of Men, with notable ones being Númenor, Gondor, Rohan, and Arnor, which feature prominently throughout the events in Lord of the Rings and other works by Tolkien. These Kingdoms of Men encompass towering citadels, bridges, and man-made structures, as well as vast grasslands and natural wonders. Each kingdom possesses a rich historical background and lineage. As humans are mortal, they have the ability to grow and evolve as a society by passing down their knowledge, culture, traditions, and heritage from one generation to the next.

Númenor

Beyond Middle-earth's borders lay a kingdom that had faded from its own history. Situated on an island in the Great Sea, Númenor was bestowed upon Men by the Valar during the early Second Age. Men embraced Meneltarma, a mountain situated at the island's heart, as a temple dedicated to Ilúvatar. Elros, the Half-Elven offspring of Eärendil and Elwing, reigned as Númenor's inaugural King. Elros' descendants continued to govern the kingdom for countless generations, leading to his distant heir, Aragorn. The Númenóreans grew immensely powerful, boasting lifespans double that of the Men dwelling in Middle-earth. Their extended years, skills, and wisdom earned them the title "Kings of Men." Númenóreans began venturing to Middle-earth, seeking to assist and transmit their knowledge to the Men residing there. However, the Valar prohibited them from sailing too far westward and reaching the Undying Lands, a realm where mortal beings were unwelcome. Initially obedient, they eventually hungered for greater power and believed themselves deserving of immortality akin to the Valar's. This led to their colonization of certain eastern regions of Middle-earth.

When Sauron forged the One Ring, the Elves waged war against him. The Númenóreans fought alongside them and continued to populate Middle-earth. Ar-Pharazôn, the reigning King of Númenor, sailed to Middle-earth to join the war effort. However, he was ensnared by Sauron, who offered him and the Númenóreans the immortality they desired on the condition of worshiping Morgoth. Under Sauron's influence, Ar-Pharazôn and many of his Men attempted to conquer the Undying Lands. Upon their arrival, Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme deity of Arda, transformed the world from a flat plane to a sphere, preventing mortals from accessing the Undying Lands, and caused the island of Númenor to sink. This cataclysm claimed the lives of all its inhabitants, including Sauron, who had taken on a mortal form during his time there. The fall of Númenor served as a pivotal moment in Middle-earth's history, marking the conclusion of the Second Age.

Gondor

Gondor, the most prominent Kingdom of Men, stands at the heart of Middle-earth. After the destruction of Númenor, brothers Isildur and Anárion sought refuge in Middle-earth and established the Kingdom of Gondor. Initially, Osgiliath served as its capital, but it was later replaced by Minas Tirith. Gondor's lineage of kings descended from Anárion for 31 generations. In its early years, Gondor stood as one of the most powerful kingdoms in Middle-earth, but it gradually declined during the Third Age due to civil unrest, a plague, and assaults from Sauron's armies.

The Kingdom of Gondor and its people play a crucial role in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Boromir, the son of Denethor II, Gondor's Steward, is a member of the Fellowship of the Ring. Alongside his brother Faramir, he commands Gondor's forces during the Battle of Osgiliath, which has significant consequences in the War of the Ring. Together with their Rohirrim allies, the forces of Gondor successfully repel Mordor's invasion during the Battle of Pelennor Fields. Sauron's defeat signifies the conclusion of the War of the Ring and the end of the Third Age. Following these events, the Great Gate of Gondor is rebuilt by Gimli and other Dwarves, and Aragorn is hailed as King Elessar, ruling over both Gondor and Arnor, its sister kingdom.

Arnor

Situated in the region of Eriador, Arnor stands as a sister kingdom to Gondor, being another Kingdom of Men. It was established by Elendil, who had also escaped from Númenor and settled in Eriador, as a significant Númenórian population already resided there. Elendil lost his life during the War of the Last Alliance, and since Gondor’s line of kings were descendants of his brother Anárion, Isildur became the King of Arnor. Tragically, Isildur and his three eldest sons perished in the Disaster of the Gladden Fields, leaving Valandil, his youngest son and sole survivor, to assume the role of High King of Arnor.

Over time, Arnor encountered internal conflicts and external threats, ultimately leading to its demise and fragmentation into the separate kingdoms of Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. Following Aragorn's ascension as King Elessar, he reestablished the Kingdom of Arnor and joined it with Gondor to establish the Reunited Kingdom.

Rohan

Rohan, located to the east of Gondor, is renowned for its fearless and self-reliant cavalry, known as the Rohirrim. Throughout the Third Age, Rohan has been Gondor's most powerful ally. It was established by Eorl the Young, a Man hailing from the distant north of Middle-earth and the Lord of the Éothéod. The line of Eorl's kings ruled for nearly 250 years until Helm Hammerhand, the ninth king of Rohan, passed away. His nephew, Fréaláf Hildeson, succeeded the throne, initiating the second line of kings, which endured until the conclusion of the Third Age.

In the War of the Ring, Rohan played a pivotal role in the Battle of the Hornburg, resulting in Saruman's defeat. Subsequently, they joined forces with the Gondorians in the Battle of Pelennor Fields, where they fought against Mordor's invading forces. During this battle, Théoden, the King of Rohan at that time, perished and was succeeded by his nephew, Éomer. Following the War of the Ring, Éomer's sister, Éowyn, married Faramir, the Prince of Ithilien.

The Kingdoms of Men featured in the Lord of the Rings series, although there have been more throughout Middle-earth's history, play significant roles. They exemplify the multifaceted and intricate nature of Men, while also displaying their inherent spirit, ambition, courage, and resilience.