Dúnedain

The Dúnedain, or Dúnadan in the singular, are a race of Men in J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium. The name means “Men of the West” in Sindarin, and they are described as taller and more Fair of feature than many other Men. They are the direct descendants of the Edain who settled in Númenor, and after Númenor’s Downfall those who survived were granted a prolonged lifespan and enhanced endurance by the Valar. From their Númenórean heritage they founded two kingdoms in Middle-earth: Arnor in the north and Gondor in the south.

In the Second and Third Ages the Dúnedain of the North and the South followed different paths. Arnor grew into a realm in the north, later fractured into Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. After wars with the Witch-king of Angmar, the northern kingdom diminished, and its surviving Dúnedain continued as the Rangers of the North, led by Chieftains who safeguarded the lands of Eriador and maintained the memory of their people. The Dúnedain of Gondor endured as the ruling line of kings, then as Stewards, maintaining the southern realms and the alliances of Númenórean kin.

The legacy of the Dúnedain is most visible in the life of Aragorn, a direct descendant of Isildur and Elendil, who becomes King Elessar and unites the two western realms. Throughout their history, the Dúnedain are characterized by their noble bearing, long memory, and commitment to protection of Middle-earth.