Why the Númenorean Exiles Found Two Kingdoms Instead of One

The tale of the Númenorean exiles is a tale of separation and resilience that led to the founding of two mighty kingdoms, Arnor and Gondor. Instead of uniting under a single High King, the sons of Elendil, Isildur and Anarion, carved out distinct realms, each with its own capital and leadership. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision and the context in which it happened.

Initial Plans and the Downfall of Numenor

According to the original plan, Elendil was to become the High King, with Isildur and Anarion as subkings, overseeing a united Númenorean realm. However, the Downfall of Numenor, followed by the reshaping of the Earth, disrupted these plans. Elendil's ships were separated, and the Faithful Númenoreans, scattered by the turmoil, found themselves on different shores.

Separation and Reunification

The journey to Middle-earth was chaotic, with Elendil's ships unable to maintain control due to the tumultuous conditions. Both Isildur and Anarion and Elendil's party landed in different regions:

Isildur and Anarion landed in Pelargir, in the South. Elendil landed in the North, in the area that would later become Arnor.

Implied Unity and Challenges

Originally, the two realms were meant to share a single High King, but this concept held only in theory. Despite the intention for unity, real-world challenges emerged. The separation of Elendil and his sons by a massive tidal wave meant that they didn't initially know the fate of the other. Furthermore, the presence of Faithful Numenoreans in both regions, descendants of those who had fled during persecution, reinforced the cultural and political ties between the two realms.

Geographical and Practical Separation

The physical separation between Arnor and Gondor was significant. The Misty Mountains and the White Mountains, along with other natural barriers, made it exceedingly difficult for a single king to govern both territories effectively. These geographical disparities created the necessity for two distinct kingdoms:

The Misty Mountains to the west of Arnor and east of Gondor, serving as a natural divide. The White Mountains to the south of Gondor, further isolating the two realms.

Founding and Initial Reunification

The initial separation of Elendil and Isildur by stormy conditions led to the founding of Arnor and Gondor, respectively. When Elendil and Isildur eventually reunited, Elendil assumed the role of High King, but the independent nature of the two realms persisted. Gondor, with its strategic position and supportive environment, soon became a principal state and overtook Arnor in terms of importance.

Conclusion

The story of the Númenorean exiles highlights the complexities of governance and unity in a post-disaster world. Despite the original intention of a single Númenorean realm, the challenges of geography, cultural ties, and the immediate aftermath of the Downfall of Numenor led to the creation of two powerful and distinct kingdoms, Arnor and Gondor. This history serves as an enduring tale of resilience and the practical realities of running a divided but unified region.