The Legacy of Arnor and the Division of Middle-earth

After the Downfall of Númenor, Elendil and his sons founded two great kingdoms: Gondor and Arnor. While the former was ruled jointly by Anarion and Isildur, Arnor was initially governed by their father until his death during the Siege of Barad-d?r. Following this tragic loss, even further calamities befell the Northern Realms, ultimately leading to its great fragmentation. This article delves into the fates of the two realms and their roles during this tumultuous period, emphasizing the pivotal impact of the Witch King and his domain, Angmar.

The Founding of Arnor and Gondor

During the War of the Last Alliance, Elendil and his sons were instrumental in defeating Sauron. However, their victory came at a great cost; Elendil and Anarion perished, with Isildur eventually meeting his demise in an ambush. As a result, Anarion's heirs took the throne in Gondor, while the descendants of Isildur assumed leadership in Arnor, marking the foundational period of these two great realms.

The Fall of Arnor: Persecution and Division

Despite initial stability, the North Kingdom faced significant challenges. Notably, the year after the death of Isildur, the realm was beset by the rising threat of Angmar, ruled by the cryptic Nazg?l known as the Witch King. This dark entity's mission was none other than the destruction of Arnor. The ensuing centuries saw a relentless battle between the forces of light and darkness in the North.

During this time, Arnor began to crumble. The divided rule of Númenórean heirs contributed to the realm's instability. When Isildur's line eventually failed, the kingdom was split into three distinct realms: Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. Each realm was led by separate heirs, who refused to acknowledge the claims of the others, leading to a period of profound division and conflict.

Angmar's Ascension and Carnage

Angmar, under the leadership of the Witch King, grew increasingly powerful over the years. Rhudaur, the first of the three realms, was the first to fall to Angmar's relentless assault in approximately 600 years after it declared its independence. Cardolan followed suit, being abandoned around 250 years after Rhudaur's fall. Arthedain, the last of the realms, endured until around the 900th year after the fall of Rhudaur, after which it also fell into ruin.

The Dwindling Dunedain

In the wake of the fall of Arnor, the ruling houses of the Dunedain were reduced to a nomadic existence, with many scattered and surviving in poverty. The loss of Arnor, a symbol of Númenórean power, marked a significant turning point in the history of Middle-earth, underscoring the power of Angmar's influence over the Northern realms.

In conclusion, the fates of Arnor and Gondor were intricately intertwined with the struggles of Elendil's sons. While Gondor fought valiantly under the rule of Gondorians, Arnor faced a more turbulent destiny, ultimately leading to its tragic demise. The rise of Angmar, and the Witch King's role in this saga, is a crucial tale of Middle-earth, showcasing the treacherous path of power and the enduring shadows of the past.