The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Location
Origins
A line established by Elendil, the first High King
Race
Division
Culture
Family
Settlements
The original seat of the High Kings of Arnor was at Annúminas
Pronunciation
Arnor is pronounced 'a'rrnorr' ('rr' indicates that all r sounds should be distinctly pronounced)
Meaning
The title 'High King' is a reference to the fact that the Kings of Arnor were originally High Kings over both the Kingdoms of the Dúnedain; Arnor means 'land of the King'
Other names
Title of
Elendil and nine of his descendants

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About this entry:

  • Updated 18 March 2022
  • This entry is complete

High King of Arnor

Ruler of the North-kingdom

The title of Elendil and Isildur, passed down through Isildur's fourth son Valandil and seven further generations, from Eldacar to Eärendur. These rulers were normally styled simply 'King of Arnor'; the use of the term High King seems to reflect their origins as lords of both the North- and South-Kingdoms of the Dúnedain. After Isildur's death, Gondor in the South was ruled as a separate kingdom, and the authority of the hereditary High Kings in Arnor was no longer acknowledged, though the traditional title remained.

The retention of the title may imply that the descendants of Isildur maintained a claim on the throne of Gondor, but if so it was not recorded by history. Indeed, no official claim was made until the time of Arvedui, more than a millennium after the death of the last High King of Arnor, and the Crown of Gondor would not return to Isildur's line until it was granted to Aragorn, more than two thousand years after the rule of the High Kings of Arnor came to an end.


For a genealogy and detailed list of the High Kings of Arnor, see the entry for King of Arnor.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 18 March 2022
  • This entry is complete

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