The second child of Tar-Meneldur and Almarian of Númenor, Ailinel's elder brother was Aldarion, who later became King Tar-Aldarion, and her younger sister was known as Almiel. Ailinel wedded a noble named Orchaldor, a descendant of the House of Hador, and they had a son named Soronto.
Because her brother Tar-Aldarion had only one child - a daughter - he changed the law of succession so that child could become a Ruling Queen. According to some readings of Númenor's complex laws of inheritance, if the law had not changed, Ailinel's son Soronto would have become Tar-Aldarion's heir. If history had been different, then, Ailinel would have been the foremother of the succeeding Kings of Númenor (though sources differ on the technicalities of this point).
Notes
1 |
Ailinel's name is not directly explained, but elements that make it up seem to mean 'lake daughter' or perhaps 'lake woman'. There were very few significant lakes in Númenor, and indeed only one of any size, so if this interpretation is correct, then it would seem most likely to refer to the fragrant pool of Nísinen above Eldalondë.
|
Indexes:
About this entry:
- Updated 25 February 2023
- This entry is complete
For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.
Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2004, 2016, 2023. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.
SHARE
