Argonath

The Pillars of the Kings stand where the Anduin narrows into a gorge above the lake of Nen Hithoel, downstream from the Emyn Muil and upstream from Amon Hen and the falls of Rauros. On the map they mark the exact point where the river enters Gondor's old northern frontier.

Each figure is cut from the cliff itself, taller than any building in the story, with a crown and helm of stone. Each raises a left hand palm outward in a gesture of warning and holds an axe in the right. They are Isildur and Anarion, the sons of Elendil who founded Gondor, and they look north at anyone coming downriver.

Romendacil II set them up in the thirteenth century of the Third Age, after his eastern victories, as a boundary mark of the realm. By the time of the War of the Ring, Gondor's real border had shrunk far south, and the statues stood in country that no one patrolled.

Aragorn's reaction when the boats go through is the point of the scene. He sits up, no longer a weathered ranger, and greets the images of his own ancestors as one who has a right to pass. Frodo, crouching in the bottom of the boat, sees only the shadow of the cliffs closing over him.

Events at this place

1. TA 1340 · Appendices

   Romendacil II raises the Pillars

   The King set the carved figures of Isildur and Anarion above the Anduin to mark the northern limit of Gondor's realm.

2. TA 3019, February 25 · The Lord of the Rings

   The Fellowship passes the Argonath

   The Company's boats went between the statues into Nen Hithoel, and Aragorn named himself heir of Isildur as they passed.

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