Introduction

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, the division of the Dúnedain lands of Arnor and Gondor following the War of the Last Alliance against Sauron is a fascinating topic. This article delves into the reasons behind Anárion's inheritance of Gondor over Isildur's line, and why the kingdoms eventually split into two distinct realms.

Background on Isildur and Anárion

The sons of Elendil, leader of the Dúnedain, established the realms of Arnor and Gondor in the aftermath of the fall of Númenor. Isildur, the elder brother, was a key figure in the War of the Last Alliance, famously cutting the One Ring from Sauron's hand. Anárion, the younger brother, also valiantly fought in the war and played a critical role in the founding of Gondor.

Joint Rule: The Early Years

Following the War of the Last Alliance, Gondor was established as a joint kingdom, with Isildur taking control of the north, including Ithilien, and Anárion ruling the south, which included Minas Tirith. However, Isildur's untimely death in an ambush by Orcs shortly after the war marked a significant turning point.

Isildur's Death and Anárion's Ascendancy

Isildur's demise left a void that Anárion's line was better positioned to fill. Isildur's sons were weakened by the loss of their father and subsequent conflicts, whereas Anárion's descendants maintained stability. Over time, Anárion's line became the more enduring and powerful rule in Gondor.

Division of the Kingdom

Initially, the Dúnedain were united under Elendil's rule, but as time passed, the kingdoms began to diverge. While Gondor remained a more unified realm for a longer period, Arnor faced strife and was eventually destroyed. This was due to both political and geographic factors.

Political and Geographic Factors

The geographical separation of the two realms and the distinct challenges they faced fostered different identities. Gondor's focus shifted to its southern territories, while Arnor encountered internal conflicts and was weakened by wars with neighboring foes. These factors contributed to the eventual division of the Dúnedain territories.

Conclusion

The inheritance of Gondor by Anárion instead of Isildur was influenced by the immediate circumstances following the War of the Last Alliance, including Isildur's death and the subsequent stability of Anárion's line. The split of the kingdoms was a reflection of the political realities and challenges faced by the Dúnedain in the aftermath of their great victories over Sauron.

Further Reading

This exploration of Anárion's inheritance and the division of the Dúnedain realms opens up avenues for further study into the political dynamics and cultural evolution of Middle-earth in Tolkien's legendarium. For a deeper dive, consider examining The Silmarillion, The History of Middle-earth series, and other scholarly works on Tolkien's world.