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Dates
Apparently built in about the year III 1250, but this is open to question1
Location
The northern entrance to Nen Hithoel
Origins
Apparently built by King Rómendacil II (but see note 1)
Race
Division
Culture
Pronunciation
a'rgonath
Meaning
'Two kingly stones'2
Other names
Indexes: About this entry:
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ArgonathThe Pillars of the Kings![]() ![]() Two mighty statues, carved in the likenesses of Isildur and Anárion, that guarded the passage of the Great River Anduin. They marked the ancient northern border of Gondor. We do not know exactly when the Argonath were constructed, but the available evidence points to the middle of the thirteenth century of the Third Age. This would probably have been during the reign of Narmacil I, though they would have been built under the direction of his Regent Minalcar (who later ruled Gondor in his own right as Rómendacil II). Though the date of their construction is not entirely certain, the historical context of the Argonath is well established. Gondor's influence at that time extended far up the Vales of Anduin, but in this period an influx of Northmen were beginning to establish themselves in the lands northward and eastward of Nen Hithoel. Seeking to accommodate these people, Gondor consolidated its border at the Emyn Muil, marking that point on the Great River by placing a great warning stone on either side of the stream. Beyond these stones no stranger was permitted to pass downriver without permission. These huge stones were carved in the likenesses of the founding Kings of Gondor, Isildur and Anárion, the sons of Elendil. Built on great pedestals founded in the river, each was carved with a stern expression on his face and a crowned helm on his head. The left hand of each stone King was held up in a gesture of warning, while the right carried an axe.3 At the time that the Fellowship of the Ring passed between the statues, they had guarded the river for nearly 1,800 years, and though they naturally showed signs of weathering, they still remained intact. By this point in history, the border they had been set to guard had retreated southward, and they had not truly been the Gates of Gondor for some five centuries, but nonetheless they cast their baleful glare down on travellers as they passed between the stones of the Argonath. Notes
See also...Fallen King, Gate of Kings, Gates of Argonath, Gates of Gondor, Isildur, North March, North Stair, Pillars of the Kings, River Anduin, River of Gondor, Rómendacil II, The Rapids Indexes: About this entry:
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