The son of Arveleg II was born into a time of war and strife. At the time of his birth, his father's realm of Arthedain had been under threat from the eastern land of Angmar for more than four hundred years.
Araval, too, played his part in the war with Angmar. The Lord of the Rings tells us nothing of his career, but The History of Middle-earth hints (in volume XII) that he was a diplomat and a warrior. In alliance with the Elves of Lindon and Imladris, he won at least one important victory over the Witch-king of Angmar. We are also told that he attempted the recolonisation of Cardolan, though this was prevented by the evil beings, the wights, sent there by the Witch-king some two centuries before.
In the end, though, Araval's bravery counted for little. His grandson Arvedui, who was born in Araval's lifetime and just thirteen years after his great victory, was to see the final destruction of the kingdom of Arthedain.
Araval ruled Arthedain for seventy-eight years, and was succeeded by his son Araphant.
Notes
1
The date of Araval's birth appears only in The History of Middle-earth volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth. It cannot therefore be considered completely reliable.
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