The Reunited Kingdom

The Reunited Kingdom, also called the Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor, was the restored dual monarchy that emerged after the final defeat of Sauron in the War of the Ring. Its establishment marked the end of the Third Age and the beginning of the Fourth Age, fulfilling the ancient hope that the lines of Isildur and Anárion would be rejoined under a single High King. Aragorn II Elessar, the heir of Isildur through the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, was crowned King of Gondor and Arnor, uniting the two Númenórean realms in exile that had been sundered for more than three thousand years.

Foundation and Coronation

Aragorn's claim to the kingship was formally recognized at the Council of Elrond, where he revealed the reforged sword Andúril, the Sword that was Broken. After the victory at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, he led the Host of the West to the Black Gate, and following the destruction of the One Ring, he was crowned King Elessar in Minas Tirith on May 1, 3019. The coronation was a solemn ceremony: Faramir, the Steward of Gondor, surrendered his office, and Aragorn received the crown from the Ring-bearer Frodo Baggins, with Gandalf setting it upon his head. He spoke the words of Elendil: "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." The banner of the Tree and the Stars was unfurled upon the topmost tower of the White City, signaling the restoration of the ancient line.

Governance and Administration

The Reunited Kingdom was governed by a restored monarchy, but Aragorn wisely retained many of the institutions that had served Gondor well. Faramir was confirmed as Steward of Gondor and created Prince of Ithilien, and the office of Steward continued as a hereditary title under the crown. The northern realm of Arnor was also revived: Aragorn took up the Sceptre of Annúminas, and the ancient capital was rebuilt. The Thain of the Shire, the Master of Buckland, and the Mayor of Michel Delving were made Counsellors of the North-kingdom, integrating the Hobbits into the larger political structure while preserving their autonomy. The Shire itself was declared a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre, and Men were forbidden to enter it.

The Reunited Kingdom in the Appendices

The Appendices to The Lord of the Rings provide extensive historical and genealogical context for the Reunited Kingdom. Appendix A traces the lines of the Númenórean kings, the realms in exile, and the Stewards of Gondor, culminating in the restoration under Aragorn. Appendix B, the Tale of Years, records the key events of the Third Age and the early Fourth Age, including the crowning of King Elessar, the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen, and the deaths of the remaining members of the Fellowship. Appendix C contains family trees of the Hobbits, showing how the Shire-folk were connected to the new order. Appendix D details the Shire Calendar, which was retained in the Shire even as the New Reckoning was adopted in the Kingdom. Appendix E describes the writing systems of Middle-earth, and Appendix F discusses the languages and peoples, including the Westron or Common Speech that bound the Reunited Kingdom together.

Significance and Legacy

The Reunited Kingdom represented the fulfillment of the long struggle against Sauron and the healing of the ancient division between the Northern and Southern Dúnedain. Under Aragorn's rule, the White Tree blossomed anew in the court of Minas Tirith, and the city was rebuilt and made more fair than ever before. The kingdom enjoyed peace and prosperity, with the King's peace extending over all the lands of the West. The Reunited Kingdom also marked the beginning of the Dominion of Men, as the Elves departed over the Sea and the Elder Days came to an end. Aragorn reigned for 122 years, and his son Eldarion succeeded him, ensuring the continuity of the restored line.