Amon Sûl

The tower of Amon Sûl, isolated and far from any dangerous frontier, became a haven for astrologers and other mystics. The Palantir that Elendil placed in the tower fulfilled the claim of the ancient migrants, because it was used to watch over the whole of the kingdom of Arnor and much of the world beyond. From the tower, the High King witnessed the arrival of Gil-galad's army in the time of the Last Alliance. Not incidentally, the mighty spire, whose light could be seen some hundred miles away on the Menatar Romen, also served to intimidate the Eriadorans who had so recently accepted Elendil's rule. Outer walls, gardens and orchards, and a dry moat were added to the complex, and a secret escape passage was built leading almost four miles northwest to a hidden cave at the foot of a lesser hill. From this vantage point, one had an excellent view of the Great East Road as it headed towards Rhudaur. For this reason, the hill served as a strategic focus for western Arthedain and Cardolan and had a long history of conflict surrounding it. No town ever sprang up around the barren base of Amon Sûl, although a village was established on the northwest approach to allow visitors and horses to rest and carts to be repaired for the long haul up to the fortress. Springs from Weathertop supplied water to the village and to the source-streams of the Nen-i-Sûl on the opposite side of the citadel. Even the skills of the Dúnedain could not make the Emyn Sûl flower. Since water was easily obtained around the hills and downs, the grassy pastures were given over to the grazing of sheep and cattle. In a few fertile valleys and basins—between and below the ridges—grain and vegetables were cultivated. Three noble families shared the governance of the Emyn Sûl; Amon Sûl itself always remained a personal fief of the King,

Government

When Arnor was divided in T.A. 861, Amlaith of Arthedain, the eldest heir of the House of Elendil, gained the possession of Amon Sûl. The nobles of the Emyn Sûl swore loyalty to his kingdom of Arthedain, while those of the Lone Lands to the east and south cast their lot with Rhudaur or Cardolan. Amon Sûl gained the year-round presence of a Warden of Arthedain. Formerly a retreat for seers, the tower now had to function as a fortress: located at the junction of the three sister realms, all three Kings desired it and the Palantír it guarded. Visible southeast of the hill, beyond where the Nen-i-Sûl passed under the Menatar Romen through a culvert, stood a pillar called the Seroneldeon Tarma (Q.: "Threefriends' Pillar") marking the junction of the divided Dúnadan kingdoms.

Founding Date

S.A. 3320

Type

Citadel

Location under

Amon Sûl

Included Locations