Eldacar

(Q. 'elf-?') (G. 'warrior of wends')

(III 1255 – III 1490; ruled since III 1432 – III 1437 and since III 1447)

Dúnadan, son of Valacar and Vidumavi. Because of his mixed heritage his right to rule Gondor was doubted, mainly by the royal families, and this led to rebellion in Harondor. When he succeeded his father as the 21st King of Gondor, this resulted to extended warfare and the civil war. Finally in III 1437 he was besieged in Osgiliath by the rebels led by Castamir, the Captain of Ships. This resulted to the destruction of the city and the loss of the Palantír. Eldacar was forced to leave with his family to Rhovanion but his eldest son, Ornendil was slain by Castamir who usurped the throne. Castamir was a cruel ruler and after 10 years, Eldacar having raised an army, returned to reclaim his throne, supported by Gondorians who suffered under Castamir's rule. In the great battle at the Crossings of Erui, Castamir was defeated and the remnant of his forces fled into the south, to Umbar. Eldacar ruled for another 43 years and was succeeded by his second son, Aldamir