Ecthelion II Thandir

For the elf-lord of Gondolin, see Ecthelion. For the seventeeth ruling steward of Gondor, see Ecthelion I Minastur.

Biography: Ecthelion II Thandir
Birth - Death	Third Age 2886-2984
Race:	Man
Gender:	Male
Ancestor(s):	Húrin of Emyn Arnen ⁞
Parent(s):	Steward Turgon
	Ecthelion II Thandir
Child(ren):	Denethor II
Descendant(s):	⁞ Boromir and Faramir
Info:	25th ruling Steward of Gondor

Ecthelion II Thandir (Sindarin for Sharp-willed Shield-lord) served as the 25^th ruling Steward of Gondor, his rule lasting from 2953 until his death in 2984.

Ecthelion was the son of Steward Turgon. Two years before his rule began, Sauron revealed himself openly.

Known for his wisdom, Ecthelion devoted his efforts to strengthening Gondor against the renewed threat. He invited capable men from within the realm and beyond its borders to enter his service, granting rank and reward to the most deserving. Among them was the stranger Thorongil, who had come from the court of King Thengel of Rohan. Ecthelion held Thorongil in the highest esteem, valuing him even above his own son Denethor. The people of Gondor believed there was rivalry between Denethor and the mysterious captain. Thorongil also counseled Ecthelion not to trust Saruman of Isengard, but to place his confidence in Gandalf, whom Denethor distrusted.

Gandalf was welcomed in Minas Tirith during this period. Ecthelion also strengthened the defenses of Pelargir and refortified Cair Andros.

Thorongil warned that if Sauron initiated open war, the Corsairs of Umbar would pose a grave danger to the southern fiefs. With Ecthelion's blessing, he led a daring assault on Umbar in T.A. 2980, crippling the Corsairs' fleet. Though great honor awaited him in Minas Tirith, Thorongil did not return. He sent a final message to Ecthelion saying that other duties called him and he did not know whether fate would bring him back to Gondor. It was later revealed that Thorongil was Aragorn Elessar.

Ecthelion died in 2984 and was succeeded by his son Denethor II.