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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.

The legacy of the Dúnedain is most visible in the life of Aragorn, a direct descendant of

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.
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.