The Fate of the Dúnedain After the War of the Ring
The Dúnedain, known as Rangers to the local populations, played a significant role during the War of the Ring. Their fate and continued duties were a subject of much speculation and discussion among scholars, fans, and fansites dedicated to the lore of Middle-earth.
The Journey to Rohan and Beyond
Most of the Dúnedain of the North, or as they were known locally, traveled to join Aragorn in Rohan. They then embarked on the formidable journey to confront the forces of the Dead in the Paths of the Dead. Following this, they sailed up the mighty Anduin river, riding on the ships of the Corsair of Umbar. These Rangers then fought alongside the armies of Gondor in the final battles against Sauron's forces. Some of them perished in these battles, while the majority seems to have returned to Eriador with Gandalf and the hobbits, staying at Barliman Butterbur'sacious tavern in Bree.
Their return to Eriador is a testament to the enduring loyalty and duty of the Dúnedain. They continued to perform their duties as Rangers in their traditional lands, waiting for word from Aragorn, who was now King Elessar. It is likely that he appointed some of them, possibly even all of them, to manage the reformed realm of Arnor. The need for Guardianship and administration in the newly reformed realm was significant, and these roles would have required the Dúnedain expertise and trust.
The Continuation of the Dúnedain in Gondor
While the majority of the Dúnedain returned to their northern lands, it is possible that some of them remained in Gondor, serving alongside their new King. Although there is no specific information about this, their presence would have assured the continuity of their skills and knowledge in the southern regions. Aragorn, as the new High King of Arnor and Gondor, may have seen merit in having trusted Dúnedain guarding both realms. Regrettably, there is no concrete evidence to support this assumption, leaving it as a speculative but plausible scenario.
The Reorganization of the Dúnedain in the South
The Dúnedain of the South, who had remained in service under Steward Denethor, would be reorganized now that a king ruled the region. The shift from the stewarddom to a royal administration would have necessitated changes in the governance structure. King Elessar made several significant appointments, such as promoting Faramir to prince of Ithilien and Beregond, who was Pippin's guard friend, to one of the king's honor guard. These appointments, along with others, would have been essential in transitioning the southern lands to a new governmental system.
The confirmation of King Elessar's rule would have brought stability and a sense of dignity back to Gondor. The people, who had long awaited a return to a full monarchy, would have seen their new king as the rightful heir to their lands, which had been under the shadow of Stewardship for many years. The Dúnedain, with their keen senses and formidable combat skills, would have played a critical role in securing the new order in Gondor.
Speculation and Conclusion
While there is no definitive history detailing the exact fate of the Dúnedain in the years following the end of the War of the Ring, it is reasonable to speculate based on known lore and the circumstances of their service. The Dúnedain of the North returned to their homes, now loyal to their new king, while those in the South were reorganized to support the rule of Elessar. The strength and loyalty of the Dúnedain would have been vital in ensuring the stability of both the northern and southern realms during this transitional period.
The lasting impact of the Dúnedain can be seen in the ongoing management and security of the reformed realms of Arnor and Gondor. Their continued service, whether in Eriador or Gondor, underscores the enduring legacy of the Rangers and their significant role in the history of Middle-earth.
Keywords: Dúnedain, Rangers, War of the Ring, Arnor, Gondor
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The Role of Rangers in the War of the Ring The Legacy of the Stewards of Gondor A Comparison of the Oathbreakers and the Dúnedain