Arveleg I

Arveleg I (T.A. ?–1409) was the tenth King of Arthedain, ruling from T.A. 1349 until his death in 1409. His reign was marked by the height of the Angmar War, and he was slain defending Amon Sûl against the assault of the Witch-king of Angmar.

History

Arveleg succeeded his father Malvegil as King of Arthedain in T.A. 1349. By this time, the realm of Arnor had long been divided into Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur, with Angmar pressing from the north. Rhudaur had fallen under the sway of Angmar’s Hill-men, and the Witch-king threatened the remaining Dúnedain kingdoms with increasing force.

In T.A. 1356, Arveleg’s cousin King Argeleb I had been slain in battle with Rhudaur and Angmar. Arveleg continued the defense of Arthedain, strengthening his alliances with Cardolan and the Elves of Lindon. Despite these efforts, the danger from Angmar grew steadily.

In T.A. 1409, the Witch-king launched his greatest invasion of Eriador. A massive host swept through Rhudaur and into the Weather Hills, besieging the tower of Amon Sûl. Arveleg held the fortress with support from Cardolan and Elves out of Lindon, but the defenders were overwhelmed. Arveleg was slain in the battle, and the tower of Amon Sûl was destroyed.

His son Araphor succeeded him as King of Arthedain.

Legacy

Arveleg I’s death and the fall of Amon Sûl were devastating blows to the North-kingdom. Although the palantír of Amon Sûl was saved and carried to Fornost Erain, Arthedain and Cardolan never fully recovered from the disaster. Arveleg was remembered among the Dúnedain as a valiant king who fell in defense of his people.