The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Race
Division
Family
Aragorn descended from the House of Isildur, the ruling house of the Men of the West in Middle-earth
Meaning
A reference to the origins of the Dúnedain westward across the Great Sea
Other names
Title of

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  • Updated 18 May 2017
  • This entry is complete

Man of the West

The meaning of Dúnadan

" 'The Dúnadan,' said Bilbo. 'He is often called that here. But I thought you knew enough Elvish at least to know dún-adan: Man of the West, Númenórean.' "
Words of Bilbo to Frodo in Rivendell
The Fellowship of the Ring II 1
Many Meetings

The literal translation of the word Dúnadan, a word that could in principle be applied to any of the Númenóreans or their descendants. The plural form is Dúnedain, 'Men of the West'.

In Rivendell, it seems to have been specially reserved as a term of address for Aragorn, whose ancestral line stretched back through Isildur and Elendil to the first Kings of Númenor and beyond. As the rightful lord of all the Dúnedain in Middle-earth, he was indeed - as Bilbo put it - the Dúnadan.


See also...

Dúnadan, The West

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About this entry:

  • Updated 18 May 2017
  • This entry is complete

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