A controversial character within the Lord of the Rings mythos, Isildur elicits mixed feelings amongst fans. From being a promising young sea cadet of the Numenorean Sea Guard to a tragic hero consumed by the power of the One Ring, Isildur has certainly strayed on both the right and bad side of Middle-earth’s history.
Despite allowing Sauron to persevere into the Third Age, there is much that is not portrayed or has yet to be seen in the adaptations. History may not be kind to Isildur’s legacy, but his ideals and actions have also allowed Middle-earth to hope and endure.
4 Isildur Preserved Nimloth
Isildur was a grandson to the leader of the Faithful, a small cadre of Numenoreans who remained faithful and friendly to the Valar and elves. Born on Numenor, Isildur witnessed Sauron slowly corrupt the elite and royalty of the Numenoreans into worshipping Morgoth and rebelling against the Valar who had once helped them. Concerned about the future of his clan, Elendil (Isildur’s father) prepared to sail away from Numenor before they were forced into a war against the Valar.
Before leaving, Isildur had learned that Sauron wished for Ar-Pharazôn, the last king of Numenor, to cut down Nimloth, the White Tree that had come from the Undying Lands and held great symbolism for the Numenoreans. To prevent this, Isildur disguised himself and infiltrated the royal grounds, and took a sampling of Nimloth. However, he was discovered and grievously wounded by the guards in his attempt. Surviving the ordeal and being near death for multiple days, Isildur finally recovered when the White Tree began to sprout. This White Tree sapling would eventually make its way to Minas Ithil before finally ending up in Minas Tirith, as the Tree of Kings.
3 Isildur Set Up Camp In Minas Ithil
Although introduced to most Lord of the Rings fans as Minas Morgul, Minas Ithil was originally established and settled by Isildur and his heirs. Back then it was known as a beautiful city that also doubled up as a fortress against the evil that may still have resided in Mordor. It was not known at the time that Sauron had made his way back into Mordor and was building up his strength.
Isildur’s brother established the city of Minas Anor (later known as Minas Tirith) and both brothers ruled jointly at the capital of Osgiliath. Their father, Elendil was ruling the northern kingdom of Arnor. It was said that Isildur used the Ithil-stone (Palantir) to communicate with his father and brother. This was the very same Palantir that was used by Sauron to ensnare both Saruman and Denethor.
2 He Started The Tradition Of Isildur
The tradition of Isildur was a secret tradition practiced by both the kings and later stewards of Gondor. Essentially a coming of age ceremony, a potential heir would visit the Tomb of Elendil with their father to pay respects.
Another important aspect of the rite was the passing of the kingdom's secrets from father to son. Although this began as an oral formality, the secrets were eventually written down on scrolls to make it easier. The scroll was symbolically handed over to the heir upon their ascension as king. This ritual continued even after the line of Anarion ended as the stewards took power. Aragorn II Elessar was said to have continued the ritual as well.
1 Isildur Lost 3 Sons In One Disastrous Battle
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After Sauron’s defeat, Isildur remained in Gondor for over 2 years as he reorganized the realm and recaptured former territories. Most of the surviving soldiers were sent back to Arnor and many others were committed to Gondor’s defense. Leaving his deceased brother’s only heir, Meneldil, in charge, Isildur led a token force of 200 men back towards Rivendell as his wife and youngest son resided there. Isildur also greatly desired Elrond’s counsel regarding the One Ring.
The march home was a disaster. Known as the Disaster at the Gladden Fields, all of the Dunedain under Isildur’s command (apart from 3 who survived) were slain by orcs. Though the Dunedain were outnumbered 10 to 1 and fought valiantly, the orcs were equally cunning and exploited the terrain to their advantage. Sensing that the battle was lost, Isildur’s eldest and only surviving son, Elendur forced Isildur to flee across the Anduin river.
It was here that the ring ‘betrayed’ Isildur, slipping off his finger and revealing him to orc archers who shot the king. Though a relieving force of Woodman did appear and scattered the remaining orcs, the damage was done. In the battle’s aftermath, Ohtar, an esquire of the King, recovered the shards of Narsil and returned them to Elrond.