The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Probably made in the seventh or eighth century of the Second Age;1 associated with Annúminas after the foundation of Arnor in II 3320; survived into the Fourth Age
Origins
Originally the rod of office borne by the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor
Race
Division
Culture
Men of Arnor and their descendants
Family
Settlements
Particularly associated with Annúminas; later held at Rivendell
Pronunciation
Annúminas is pronounced 'anoo'minas' (the 'i' sound is short, so ending of this word sounds like 'minnas')
Meaning
Annúminas means 'west tower'
Other names
Northern Sceptre, Sceptre of Arnor; sometimes known simply as 'the Sceptre', a term shared with other similar symbols of office

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About this entry:

  • Updated 20 February 2020
  • Updates planned: 1

Sceptre of Annúminas

The token of royalty in the North-kingdom

A silver rod, originally the symbol of office of the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor. It 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 and their descendants, the Chieftains of the Dúnedain.


Notes

1

We know that the Sceptre of Annúminas had its origins as the rod of the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor. The first of those Lords, Valandil, achieved the title at some point in the seventh or eighth century of the Second Age, and so the Sceptre probably dated back to that time. It is never stated explicitly, however, that the Sceptre brought to Middle-earth by Elendil was the original rod of Andúnië. Given that no comment is made on the matter, it is probably fair to assume that it was indeed the original, but conceivably the old Sceptre might have been replaced over its long history in Númenor.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 20 February 2020
  • Updates planned: 1

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