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Elendil

In Middle-earth, the fantasy universe of J. R. R. Tolkien, Elendil is a heroic figure. Known as Elendil the Tall (Tolkien puts his height at a lofty 7'11") or Elendil the Fair, he is the father of Isildur and Anárion, last lord of Andúnië, and the first High King of Arnor and Gondor.

Elendil is born in 3119 of the Second Age in Númenor, son of Amandil, Lord of Andúnië and leader of the "Faithful" (those who remained loyal to the Valar), who maintained a strong friendship with the Elves and preserved the old ways against the practices of Ar-Pharazôn and Sauron. Elendil's name means either "Elf-friend" or "Star-lover" in Quenya.

Elendil, his sons Isildur and Anárion, and their supporters flee to Middle-earth at the Downfall of Númenor, sailing east in seven ships and founding the realms of Arnor and Gondor in Middle-earth in S.A. 3320. With them they take the palantíri, the "Seeing Stones" that were given to the Lords of Andúnie by the Elves of Tol Eressëa, and a seedling of Nimloth, the White Tree of Númenor.

As he lands on Middle-earth Elendil proclaims in Quenya: Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta, which means, "Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world." His heir and 39-great-grandson Aragorn speaks these traditional words again when he takes up the crown of Gondor at the beginning of the Fourth Age.

Elendil lives in Arnor, where he founds the city of Annúminas. His son Anárion founds the city of Minas Anor in Anórien, and his son Isildur founds Minas Ithil in Ithilien. Across the Anduin the city of Osgiliath is built. Across the realms towers are built for the palantíri, with which the realms keep contact.

In time Sauron returns to Middle-earth, establishing a stronghold in Mordor, next to Gondor. In 3428 he attacks, seizing Minas Ithil. Isildur flees north to his father, leaving Anárion in charge of Gondor. In 3434, Elendil and Isildur return south together with the Elven High King Gil-galad and their combined armies, in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. At the end of the long siege of Barad-dûr, in the year 3441 of the Second Age, Sauron comes out to personally do battle. Gil-galad and Elendil fight him and cast him down, but are both killed, and Elendil's sword Narsil is broken when he falls. Isildur uses the broken sword to cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand.

Elendil is known as a great warrior and a wise king, and a heroic figure among the Dúnedain. Isildur builds a hidden tomb for his father on the summit of the beacon hill of Halifirien.

Aragorn's battle-cry is the name "Elendil".