Where do I even begin with Annúminas, the once great capital of the Kingdom of Arnor?
Even in its ruined state, after much time and neglect by the Angmarim, the white stone still shines across the waters of Lake Nenuial. This is where Elendil staked his claim upon landing in Lindon following the destruction of Númenor; and where the Annúminas-stone palantíri and the Sceptre of Annúminas would gain their names. The city itself is positioned between tall mountains and the lake, using natural landmarks as defences to great effect. Perhaps their architecture was meant to resemble that of the Númenórean city of Andúnië, acting as a reminder to what had been lost? That, of course, is merely speculation.
Although the city was strong, those who dwelt within were few. The losses against the wars with the Dark Lord, followed by the Disaster of the Gladden Fields, began the decline of the Northern Dúnedain. Eventually, Annúminas would be abandoned, with the Kings of Arnor, and later Arthedain, ruling from Fornost Erain. Annúminas remained within the possession of the Kingdom of Arthedain following the fracturing of Arnor, making it a prestigious Lordship within the realm known as the Warden of Annúminas, a title which would later be adopted by the Dúnedain of the nearby keep of Tinnudir. With the Kingdoms defeated by Angmar, the city was deserted and fell into decay, until Angmar saw the potential in its location and claimed the city for themselves.
Even with its treatment by the Angmarim, miraculously much of the city remains intact. Much like Minas Tirith, it is built in multiple tiers, with the keep of Ost Elendil upon the isle of Tyl Annûn, standing above them all, overlooking the lake and the city below. In a twist of irony, some of the city has been flooded, mainly in what would have been the docks and the western districts. It is without doubt that Annúminas utilised transport and trade by water and would have been well connected to the border settlement where Bree-town now resides as well as smaller settlements along the Baranduin River.
Upon the upper tiers of the city rests the Glinghant, once a spectacular walled garden, one of the largest of its kind. It is said that many rare flowers from Númenor were planted and thrived here, including the Anarlossë or, as the Hobbits of the Shire know them, sunflowers. A large statue to Elendil was also present within the centre of the garden, however, when the city was abandoned by the Dúnedain, this was moved to Tinnudir and now watches over the keep’s main chamber.
The road to Annúminas’ East Gate is a solemn one, for it is lined on both sides with the tombs of the Kings of Arnor and their households, and is aptly named the Way of Kings. I would not be surprised if this is what inspired the Rohirrim to conduct a similar practice, for the Kings of Rohan and their families are also entombed along the road to Edoras. In the Sindarin language, ‘haudh’ translates as ‘tomb’ or ‘grave’, with the King’s name following that denoting who is contained within. Haudh Elendil is a curious case of this, for Elendil was in fact buried by Isildur atop Halifirien. This tomb stands as the largest of the tombs along the Way of Kings, and comprises of some of his personal items, and this was done to honour the founder of the city.
However, not all the Kings were interred along the Way of Kings. The first King of Arnor, Valandil, Isildur’s youngest son, has his tomb upon the isle of Tyl Annûn, below the keep of Ost Elendil. It is the largest within the city, where the King and his household, along with all the remaining Númenóreans who followed Elendil and his sons, were interred. The Rangers tell me this was done to honour the memory of all those who escaped from Númenor and gave the legacy of her people another chance. Such inscriptions, as well as the names of the Faithful, are written on plaques within the tomb’s opening chamber. It is these names were many noble Gondorian families trace their ancestry to.
So, what will become of the city now that it has been reclaimed and a King now sits upon the Throne of Gondor? Well, I have no doubt King Elessar will wish to restore the city to its former glory. Much will need to be done to prepare the city for his arrival until he sets foot within, none may dwell within the city. There is some ceremony behind this, for the King is of the line of Elendil, the city’s founder. Whether a Steward or Prince will govern Arnor in the King’s absence, I cannot say.
