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The COMPLETE History of Gondor | Tolkien Explained (Compilation)

Nerd of the Rings・38 minutes read

Gondor, a realm originating from Numenor, thrives over 3000 years with iconic landmarks, alliances, battles, and a final victory over Sauron, leading to Aragorn's reign and peace in the realm.

Insights

  • Gondor, originating from Numenor, has a rich history lasting over 3000 years, with iconic cities like Minas Anor and Minas Ithil showcasing remarkable craftsmanship.
  • The Last Alliance of Elves and Men, led by Isildur, Elrond, and Gil-galad, defeats Sauron in the Battle of Dagorlad, solidifying Gondor's role in the fight against evil.
  • The alliance between Gondor and Rohan, symbolized by the oath at Elendil's tomb, ensures mutual aid and friendship against common enemies like the Corsairs of Umbar and orcs, leading to pivotal battles in the realm's history.

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Recent questions

  • What is Gondor?

    A significant realm in Middle-earth.

  • Who founded Gondor?

    Isildur and Anarion.

  • What is the capital of Gondor?

    Osgiliath.

  • Who defeated Sauron in Gondor?

    The Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

  • Who became King of Gondor after Isildur?

    Aragorn.

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Summary

00:00

The Legacy of Gondor in Middle-earth

  • Gondor is a significant and enduring realm in Middle-earth, originating from Numenor and lasting over 3000 years.
  • Isildur and Anarion, sons of Elendil, establish Gondor after the Downfall of Numenor, with Isildur ruling Ithilien and Anarion founding Minas Anor.
  • The capital of Gondor, Osgiliath, is built between Minas Anor and Minas Ithil, showcasing great craftsmanship.
  • Gondor constructs iconic monuments like the tower of Orthanc and the Stone of Erech, along with the fortress at Aglarond.
  • Four of the seven palantiri from Numenor are placed in Gondor, including one each in Minas Anor, Minas Ithil, Osgiliath, and Orthanc.
  • Gondor includes people of Numenorean descent, with colonies like Belfalas and Pelargir, leading to the Princedom of Belfalas and the eventual Prince of Dol Amroth, Imrahil.
  • Gondor, initially subservient to Arnor, becomes more powerful and populous, necessitating aid from the north when Sauron returns.
  • The Last Alliance of Elves and Men, led by Isildur, Elrond, and Gil-galad, defeats Sauron in the Battle of Dagorlad and at Barad-dur.
  • Isildur becomes the new High King of Gondor after the war, but his death leads to the loss of the One Ring in the Anduin.
  • Gondor thrives during the Golden Age under the Ship-kings, expanding its realm and navy, culminating in Hyarmendacil I's victory over Harad.

13:55

Gondor's Turbulent History: Wars, Plagues, and Alliances

  • Eldacar avenges Castamir at the Crossings of Erui, leading to Gondor losing control of Umbar for 400 years.
  • The Corsairs of Umbar ally with the Haradrim, leading to a war against Gondor where King Aldamir is killed.
  • Aldamir's son, Hyarmendacil II, avenges his father's death by defeating the men of Harad in battle.
  • A devastating plague hits Gondor in 1636 TA, causing widespread casualties and the relocation of the capital to Minas Anor.
  • The Easterlings, known as the Wainriders, invade Gondor, leading to a disastrous battle where King Narmacil II is killed.
  • The Eotheod, descendants of the enslaved northmen, warn Gondor of an impending raid by the Wainriders.
  • Gondor allies with Arthedain to combat a common enemy, leading to a contest for the throne after Ondoher's death.
  • Earnil II defeats Gondor's enemies in a coordinated assault, leading to a dispute over the rightful heir to the throne.
  • The Witch-king of Angmar besieges Gondor, leading to the fall of Minas Ithil and the rise of Minas Morgul.
  • The line of the Stewards begins after King Earnur's disappearance, ruling until the return of the king, marking the start of the Watchful Peace.

27:27

Alliance of Gondor and Rohan against Sauron

  • In 2509 TA, Cirion sends six riders to seek aid from the Eotheod in the north, with only Borondir surviving the 950-mile journey.
  • Borondir delivers the Red Arrow to King Eorl the Young, symbolizing the dire need for aid against the invading Balchoth.
  • The Eotheod arrive in time to turn the tide of battle, driving away the enemies and pursuing them across Calenardhon.
  • Cirion offers Eorl all lands of Calenardhon in exchange for an eternal alliance, sealed at the tomb of Elendil with a solemn oath.
  • The oath between Gondor and Rohan ensures mutual aid and friendship, echoing the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.
  • Gondor faces threats from Corsairs of Umbar and orcs, with notable battles and events during the rule of various Stewards.
  • Turin II fortifies Ithilien against orc invasions and faces a major threat from the Haradrim, aided by Rohan fulfilling the Oath of Eorl.
  • Echthelion II strengthens Gondor against Sauron's resurgence, welcoming Thorongil into his service, who later returns as Aragorn.
  • Denethor II becomes the 26th Ruling Steward, facing personal tragedies and the looming threat of Sauron's great war.
  • Denethor's use of the palantir reveals crucial knowledge but also attracts Sauron's attention, leading to a battle of wills with significant consequences.

40:45

War of the Ring: Gondor's Struggle and Triumph

  • Denethor's body weakens due to stress from using the stone and Sauron's power, causing premature aging.
  • Sauron launches the first attack of the War of the Ring on June 20, 3018, testing Gondor's strength.
  • Boromir and Faramir defend Osgiliath, destroying the ancient bridge to thwart Sauron's forces.
  • Boromir is sent to find Rivendell, never to return, while Faramir leads the Rangers of Ithilien.
  • Gandalf and Pippin arrive in Minas Tirith on March 9, 3019, witnessing the warning beacons of Gondor.
  • Sauron's forces block out the sun on March 10, sending his army under the Witch-king to attack Minas Tirith.
  • Faramir is saved by Gandalf from the Nazgul, leading to the Siege of Gondor as Denethor loses hope.
  • The Battle of the Pelennor Fields on March 15 sees Rohan's victory over Mordor, with Aragorn's arrival turning the tide.
  • Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor and Arnor, restoring peace and prosperity to the realm.
  • Aragorn's reign brings peace, prosperity, and the defeat of Sauron's remnants, ruling for 122 years before passing the throne to Eldarion.
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