[ ARNOR ]

Arnor is the Sindarin translation for 'royal-land'. Arnor was founded in SA 3320 by Elendil, who ruled as its first king. At its height Arnor included all the lands between Gwatholo-Bruinen and the Lhœn. Arnor's first capital was Annúminas, but before 861 the capital was changed to Fornost. Unlike Gondor, Arnor did not prosper, and the dwindling of the Dúnedain began with the Battle of the Gladden Fields in TA 2. However, throughout all its hardships, the descent of the rulers of Arnor, the Line of Isildur was preserved.

When Eärendur, the 10th King of Arnor, died in TA 861, Arnor was split among his three sons, the oldest becoming King of Arthedain. The Dúnedain in the other two kingdoms, Cardolan and Rhudaur quickly dwindled, and in TA 1349 Arthedain claimed lordship of all of Arnor. After this time, what was properly speaking Arthedain was sometimes called Arnor.

Angmar and Rhudaur used this claim as a pretext to attack Arthedain, and in 1974 the kingdom fell. The heirs of Isildur became the Chieftains of the few Dúnedain of the North, until after the War of the Ring, when Arnor was re-established by Elessar Telcontar.

Also known as the North-kingdom and the Northern Kingdom.

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