Tar-Elendil

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Tar-Elendil (350 - 751 S.A., r 590 - 740 S.A.) is a fictional character of Middle-earth, the fictional universe created by J. R. R. Tolkien. He was the fourth King of Númenor, succeeding his father Tar-Amandil. He was considered to be a master of lore and a notable scholar. His name in Quenya can mean either 'Elf-Friend' or 'Star-Lover': but it is unlikely that the former would be given as a name when all of the Númenóreans were Elf-friends. The name 'Star-Lover' is in Adûnaic 'Gimilzîr'.

His oldest child was Silmariën, a daughter, and his second child was Isilmë, yet another daughter. Silmariën would have become Queen according to the principle of full cognatic primogeniture. However, the laws dictating succession at the time followed the principle of agnatic primogeniture, preventing women from ruling. Consequently, he was succeeded by his third child and oldest son Tar-Meneldur.

He is the direct ancestor of all subsequent Kings of Númenor through his son. Through his daughter, Tar-Elendil is direct ancestor to:

• The Lords of Andúnië.
  • Kings of Gondor
  • Kings of Arnor
    • Kings of Rhudaur.
    • Kings of Cardolan.
    • Kings of Arthedain.
      • Chieftains of the Dúnedain.
        • Kings of the Reunited Kingdom.

From the time of the reign of Tar-Elendil, Númenóreans began to contact with the Middle-earth more actively. It was in 600 S.A. that Vëantur, the Captain of King's Ships, sailed from Númenor to the Middle-earth for the first time. He died in year 751 of the Second Age, at the age of 401 years.