Chieftain of the Dúnedain
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The Chieftain of the Dúnedain was the leader of the remnants of the Northern Dúnedain following the fall of Arthedain and the destruction of the kingdom in the Fall of Fornost.
Though descended from the kings of Arthedain, the Chieftains did not claim the kingship, as their realm had been largely destroyed. Instead, they led the Rangers of the North, guarding the lands of Eriador and protecting its peoples from the incursions of Orcs and other evils. The title was hereditary, and was passed down through 16 chieftains to the last holder, Aragorn. He held that title until he was crowned High King of the Reunited Kingdom after the War of the Ring.
Chieftains
The title has been held by the following notable Chieftains, among others:
- Aranarth, the first Chieftain, who assumed leadership after the death of his father and the fall of Fornost. He established the Rangers as the guardians of Eriador and oversaw the northern remnant of the Dúnedain.
- Arahael, the second Chieftain, who succeeded Aranarth and maintained the Watchful Peace, keeping the lands of the North safe from minor incursions.
- Aragorn I, the fifth Chieftain, who ruled for a brief period and met a premature death at the hands of wolves while protecting Eriador.
- Aragost, the eighth Chieftain, whose long rule coincided with a lull in enemy activity as threats focused elsewhere.
- Aravorn, the ninth Chieftain, who continued the vigilant watch over the North as attacks remained minimal.
- Arassuil, the eleventh Chieftain, whose tenure saw the bold return of Orcs from the Misty Mountains and the famed Battle of Greenfields, where Hobbits aided in defending the Shire.
- Arathorn I, the twelfth Chieftain, who succeeded Arassuil but died prematurely, leaving the Rangers under the guidance of his son.
- Argonui, the thirteenth Chieftain, whose time in office was marked by the Fell Winter and devastating floods that ravaged Enedwaith and Minhiriath.
- Arador, the fourteenth Chieftain, who oversaw a period of recovery and continued vigilance over Eriador.
- Arathorn II, the fifteenth Chieftain, who maintained the North during uncertain times.
- Aragorn II, the sixteenth and final Chieftain, who would later reclaim the throne of Gondor as King, joining the North and South once more as the Reunited Kingdom.
