Denethor I
The tenth ruling-Steward of Gondor, Denethor I was born in the year 2375 of the Third Age. He was the son of Rian, the sister of the ninth steward Dior. In 2437, Denethor's uncle died and he was given the stewardship.
In 2460, the Watchful Peace ended with Sauron returning to his stronghold of Dol Guldur in Mirkwood. In Minas Morgul, a force of dark and terrifying orcs known as the Uruk-Hai were bred. In 2475, these creatures attacked and won Ithilien, which was defended by Denethor's son Boromir. Though ultimately Boromir was able to drive the attacking force away, he suffered a great wound that would shorten his life. Also, Ithilien had been so devastated that the people of Gondor did not continue to live there.
Denethor I died in 2477 after ruling for forty-two years, aged one-hundred two. He was succeeded by his son Boromir as Steward.
In 2460, the Watchful Peace ended with Sauron returning to his stronghold of Dol Guldur in Mirkwood. In Minas Morgul, a force of dark and terrifying orcs known as the Uruk-Hai were bred. In 2475, these creatures attacked and won Ithilien, which was defended by Denethor's son Boromir. Though ultimately Boromir was able to drive the attacking force away, he suffered a great wound that would shorten his life. Also, Ithilien had been so devastated that the people of Gondor did not continue to live there.
Denethor I died in 2477 after ruling for forty-two years, aged one-hundred two. He was succeeded by his son Boromir as Steward.
Names & Meanings
Denethor translates as "lithe and lank." It comes from dene, meaning "strong" or "lithe," and thara, meaning "tall." There was a later Steward named Denethor II and a legendary Elf named Denethor in the First Age.
References
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The Realms in Exile," page 319
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XI, The War of the Jewels: "Quendi and Eldar," page 412
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil," pages 204-205
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XI, The War of the Jewels: "Quendi and Eldar," page 412
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil," pages 204-205
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