The title given to the great King Tarannon Falastur and his three successors: Eärnil I, Ciryandil and Hyarmendacil I. These four did much to expand Gondor's naval and military might. Between them, they enormously extended the South-kingdom's control over the southern lands of Middle-earth, including the lands west of the Mouths of Anduin, and as far south as Umbar and the Harad. Their influence was such that, at the end of the reign of Hyarmendacil I, Gondor had reached a peak of strength and power that it would never surpass.
| I |
Tarannon Falastur |
Ruled Gondor III 830 - III 913 (83 years)
The son and heir of King Siriondil. As Captain of the Hosts, Tarannon greatly expanded Gondor's naval power along the coasts of Middle-earth, winning many victories. When he ascended the throne, this caused him to choose the name Falastur, meaning 'Lord of the Coasts', and beginning the tradition of the Ship-kings. Tarannon was driven to exile his Queen, Berúthiel, and so he became the first of Gondor's Kings to die without leaving a direct heir. He was succeeded by his nephew Eärnil.
|
| II |
Eärnil I |
Ruled Gondor III 913 - III 936 (23 years)
Eärnil followed his uncle in building Gondor's naval might, and he also repaired the ancient harbour of Pelargir on the Anduin, giving Gondor's ships easy access to the Great Sea. Eärnil put his ships to use when he besieged and captured Umbar, which soon became an important port and stronghold of the Gondorians. This second Ship-king's reign was cut short when he was lost in storm at sea, and he was succeeded by his son Ciryandil.
|
| III |
Ciryandil |
Ruled Gondor III 936 - III 1015 (79 years)
Ciryandil continued the naval policies of his predecessors, and made Gondor's fleet even greater. During his reign, the lords whom Eärnil had driven out of Umbar rallied the Haradrim against the Gondorians occupying the Haven. Thus began a siege of many years, during which Ciryandil himself was slain. He was succeeded by his son Ciryaher, better known to history as Hyarmendacil I.
|
| IV |
Hyarmendacil I |
Ruled Gondor III 1015 - III 1149 (134 years)
Born Ciryaher, due to the early death of his father this fourth and last of the Ship-kings also had the longest of their reigns. Withstanding the Siege of Umbar for many years, he built up a vast army and navy. When at last he unleashed his forces against the Haradrim, he defeated them utterly, and in III 1050 the Harad became subject to the Kings of Gondor. After this great victory Ciryaher took the royal name Hyarmendacil, meaning 'South-victor'. For the remaining ninety-nine years of his rule Hyarmendacil and his people lived in peace, having extended the dominions of Gondor to their greatest ever extent. |
See also...
Captain of Ships, Ciryaher, Ciryandil, Eärnil I, Falastur, King of Gondor, Lord of the Coasts, Queen of Gondor, Siege of Umbar, Siriondil, Tarannon Falastur, Tarciryan
Indexes:
About this entry:
- Updated 12 December 2009
- This entry is complete
For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.
Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2002, 2009. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.
SHARE
