King of Cardolan
The King of Cardolan was the ruler of the southern realm of the North-kingdom of Arnor after its division following the death of Eärendur. Cardolan was known as the Land of Red Hills, a region of ruddy downs and ancient barrow-lands, and for much of its history it stood second only to Arthedain in wealth and population.
Although Cardolan was well placed for trade, commanding the great Road through Tharbad and maintaining strong ties with Gondor, its fortunes steadily declined. Centuries of warfare against Rhudaur and the rising power of Angmar, followed by plague, flood, and sorcery from the barrow-downs of Tyrn Gorthad, brought about the extinction of its royal line. Following the fall of its kings, Cardolan was governed by Prince Amondir, Lord of Tyrn Gorthad, who refused the crown and was lost to the Barrow-downs. In later years the realm was devastated by the Great Plague, flooding at Tharbad, and the awakening of the Barrow-wights, until little remained but scattered folk protected by the Rangers of the North.
List of kings
The title of King of Cardolan was borne by the following rulers, among many others:
- Tarondor II, the first King of Cardolan. The youngest son of Eärendur of Arnor, he received Cardolan when the North-kingdom was divided among him and his brothers, Amlaith and Eldamacil. Tarondor established his seat at Caranost, but was later slain by Eldamacil, King of Rhudaur, in a struggle for power between the successor realms.
- Artandil, the last King of Cardolan. Ruling some four centuries after Tarondor II, Artandil faced renewed aggression from Rhudaur under Malgun I. After the sack of Caranost and the slaughter of much of the royal house, Artandil pursued the invaders and met Malgun at Amon Firn, where both kings were slain in battle. With his death, the kingship of Cardolan came to an end.
