The Heir Line of Isildur: From Arathorn to Aragorn

In the annals of Middle-earth, the line of Isildur, a descendant of Elendil, is the backbone of the kingdom of Gondor. This lineage is crucial in understanding the complex political and military history of this realm. This article delves into the key figures in this lineage, specifically focusing on the heirs before Aragorn, starting from Arathorn and his father, Arathorn the II, to the last king of Gondor, Ernur.

Isildur's Heirs: A Tale of Lineage and Power

Isildur's heir before Aragorn was Arathorn II, who was also his father. Arathorn II was the son of Lord Arathorn I, a lieutenant of the Steward of Gondor. Out of Isildur's descendants, the line continued through several kings until the reign of Ernur, who was the last ruler of Gondor from the direct line of Isildur.

Isildur to Ernur: The Long Line of Gondor

Let's trace the lineage more precisely:

Isildur → Valandil, his son → descendants through several kings Line descending through several kings, ending with Ernur, the last king of Gondor before 2050 of the Third Age. After Ernur, the line continued through relatives, eventually leading to Arathorn II, father of Aragorn.

So Arathorn II was the heir before Aragorn, and his son Aragorn became the heir of Isildur, proceeding to become the king of Gondor and Arnor.

King Earnur and the Stewardship of Anarion

King Earnur, often confused with Isildur's heir, was the descendant of Anarion, not Isildur. High King Isildur entrusted Gondor's rule to his nephew, Meneldil, son of Anarion. From Meneldil's line descended King Earnur, who was the last ruler of Gondor before disappearing in 2050 of the Third Age. Thus, Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, claimed his stewardship from the line of Anarion, not Isildur.

Isildur's Descendants and the Arnor Line

Isildur's descendants who ruled Arnor include his son Valandil, who continued the line in the north, and his other sons, such as Elendur, who served briefly as the king of Arnor. Yet, all four brothers of Isildur, including himself, met their demise at the Disaster of the Gladden Fields. Isildur's nephew, Melendil, son of Anárion, succeeded Isildur and preserved the line through relatives, which led to Aragorn II.

The Thirty-Two Kings of Gondor

Between Isildur and Aragorn, there were thirty-two kings and approximately 3000 years of rule. The line of kings in Gondor ended with Ernur, who disappeared after attempting to claim the throne for his throne for a second time and before producing any heirs. However, the line was preserved through relatives, leading to the emergence of Aragorn II, who ultimately reclaimed the throne.