Ithilien, Moon Over Gondor - Page 2
© Michael Martinez
Life along the Anduin would have to be inviting, since the Dunedain began establishing colonies there. It's almost certain that Pelargir (Royal Garth of Ships, founded S.A. 2350) was built as a means of establishing Numenorean power in the area. Sauron never seems to have controlled any fleets in the Second Age, so it doesn't seem likely Pelargir was used as a base of operations to stop piracy or gain control over the sea lanes. The only rivals for seaborne traffic as far as the Numenoreans were concerned, would have been the Elves.
The Numenoreans may have begun settling along the Anduin before Pelargir was built. Umbar had been founded in 2280, so the Numenoreans must have been spreading steadily up the coast. Undoutbedly, Pelargir ensured there would be few if any wars along the southern Anduin. So Numenorean traders and colonists would have been able to go just about anywhere they pleased at least as far as Emyn Arnen. A few wars and feuds may have developed in the mountains, where the wild Gwathuirim remained loyal to Sauron for a long time.
In 3319 Isildur and Anarion arrived at the Mouths of Anduin. The next year, Elendil and his sons established the Realms-in-Exile, Arnor and Gondor. The people of Pelargir had to be instrumental in establishing Gondor. They would have had the military strength to establish a new kingdom, although the Dunedain throughout Anorien, Ithilien, Belfalas, Lebennin, and Calenardhon may have welcomed the family of the Lords of Andunie. Isildur's treaty with the King of the Mountains implies there were rival lords to contend with. The Dunedain had to find the means of placating them, or defending against them. "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age" says that Minas Anor was "a shield against the wild men of the dales".
Osgiliath was probably the first city Isildur and Anarion built. The Peoples of Middle-earth says that Isildur's third son was born in Minas Ithil, whereas Isildur's second son is merely listed as "born in Gondor". By establishing the great bridge and fortress between Emyn Arnen and Mindolluin Isildur and Anarion were able to extend their influence and resources to both the east and west. "Of the Rings of Power" says that Isildur built Minas Ithil "as a threat to Mordor", which must have remained strong despite Sauron's absence. Ar-Pharazon had never entered Mordor, so its armies and slaves would have been intact.
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