Anarion: The Forgotten Son of Isildur in Lord of the Rings

Have you ever wondered about the lesser-known character of Anarion, son of Elendil, in the rich tapestry of the Lord of the Rings universe? Anarion, brother to Isildur, played a significant role in the early history of Gondor. Here, we explore the mysterious life of Anarion, his legacy, and his presence (or lack thereof) in the films and books of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Who Was Anarion?

Admittedly, there is often a mix-up when it comes to Anarion's identity. Contrary to popular belief, Anarion was not Isildur's son, but his younger brother. Together, they founded the Kingdom of Gondor. However, Anarion tragically died during the Siege of Barad-dur, where the forces of Sauron were defeated.

His Legacy and the Naming of Anorien

Despite his death, Anarion's legacy lived on. Minerien (renamed Anorien) and Minas Anor (later renamed to Minas Tirith) were named in honor of Anarion. The naming of these key locations in Gondor represents not only his role in the war against Sauron but also his enduring influence on the geography and culture of Gondor.

His Role in the Seige of Barad-dur

During the Siege of Barad-dur, a significant battle in the War of the Last Alliance, Anarion fell. The most detailed account of his fate comes from the Silmarillion, where it is mentioned that he died when a rock was thrown from the tower, resulting in the beloved character's demise. This event is also marked in the literature with the renaming of Minas Anor to Minas Tirith in his honor.

His Presence in Lord of the Rings and Other Adaptations

Anarion's story is rich and pivotal in the original books, but his presence is more limited in the film adaptations. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Return of the King film series largely focus on the main characters and plot points, leaving out many of the supporting figures from the books. This omission is somewhat understandable, as Anarion's story is not directly tied to the main narrative of the Ring.

However, a brief mention of Anarion can be found in the Two Towers when Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, refers to himself as the 'Steward of the House of Anarion.' Additionally, his role in the founding of Gondor and his son Meneldil's succession to the throne are significant details that are included in the film adaptations.

Further Exploration

For those interested in delving deeper into the character of Anarion, there are several places to explore. The Silmarillion provides detailed information on his life and death. Additionally, works such as the Far Otherwise by Peter Nordal offer more insights into the earlier history of Gondor and the life of this significant figure.

Regardless of his prominence in the films, Anarion remains a key figure in the lore of Middle-earth, his presence felt through the names and history of Gondor. If you've read the original books or watched the movies, you've undoubtedly come across this forgotten son of Isildur, whose story continues to enchant fans of Tolkien's work.