Lord Of The Rings Online: Exploring Middle-earth: Annúminas

The great city of Annúminas was built by Elendil of Westernesse, from where he ruled as High King over both Arnor and Gondor, the North and South kingdoms of Men. After a long dynasty that lasted over 800 years, the North-kingdom split into three realms, leaving Annúminas to fall into decay. Tread carefully!

When Elendil of Westernesse came into Middle-earth after the destruction of Númenor, he settled at last in the northlands of Eriador and established the kingdom of Arnor. On the shores of Lake Evendim he built the great city of Annúminas, from which he ruled as High King over both the North and South kingdoms of Men: Arnor and Gondor.

Nine kings ruled Arnor after Elendil, though only eight dwelt in Annúminas. Isildur, Elendil's heir, never sat upon the throne, for he was slain in the Gladden Fields while returning from the wars with Sauron in the South. Valandil, Isildur's youngest son, took the throne following his father's death, and established a dynasty that lasted more than 800 years. After the death of King Eärendur, his heirs fell to fighting and the North-kingdom broke into three realms: Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur. Amlaith, the first king of Arthedain, removed his court to Fornost, leaving Annúminas to fall into decay.

Annúminas is a location taken directly from the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. While little is said of it - other than the brief tale of its desolation and that it once housed one of the seven palantíri - the ruins of the great city play a major role in the Epic Story of The Lord of the Rings Online^TM: Shadows of Angmar^TM. Fans of the books will be eager to visit this former home of the Kings of Arnor, and adventurous players will find many great challenges there.