How Isildur Ascends to the Throne- The Surprising Journey of a Legendary King
How does Isildur become king? This question, often overlooked in the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth mythology, is central to understanding the complex history of the region. Isildur, the son of Elendil, the last king of Arnor and Gondor, plays a pivotal role in the narrative, particularly in the events leading up to the fall of Númenor and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron. His journey to becoming king is fraught with trials, triumphs, and tragic consequences that shape the destiny of Middle-earth.
Isildur’s rise to power begins with the fall of his father, Elendil, and his brothers, Anárion and Isildur himself, in the battle against Sauron at the Gladden Fields. Despite the defeat, Isildur manages to escape with the One Ring, the most powerful artifact in Middle-earth. This act of survival and the acquisition of the Ring set in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to his ascension to the throne.
Following the battle, Isildur retreats to the southern lands of Gondor, where he is crowned as the first king of that realm. His reign is marked by a period of relative peace and stability, as he begins to rebuild the kingdom and consolidate his power. However, Isildur’s focus on the material wealth and power of Gondor distracts him from the true threat that looms over Middle-earth—the Dark Lord Sauron, who is slowly regaining his strength.
The turning point in Isildur’s life comes when he encounters the Ringwraiths, the horsemen of Sauron, in the mountains of Mordor. Driven by greed and the desire to possess the Ring’s power, Isildur seeks to destroy it by throwing it into the fires of Mount Doom. However, in a moment of weakness, he is tempted by the Ring’s allure and decides to keep it for himself. This decision leads to his downfall, as the Ring corrupts him and he is eventually killed by orcs.
Despite his tragic end, Isildur’s legacy lives on. His son, Aragorn, becomes the last king of Gondor and the heir to the thrones of Arnor and Gondor. Through Aragorn, Isildur’s bloodline continues to play a crucial role in the eventual defeat of Sauron and the restoration of peace to Middle-earth. Thus, Isildur’s journey from a defeated warrior to a king, albeit a flawed one, sets the stage for the epic tale that unfolds in Tolkien’s world.
In conclusion, Isildur’s rise to king is a story of survival, greed, and the consequences of one’s actions. His journey from a defeated warrior to a king who nearly destroyed the One Ring is a cautionary tale about the power of temptation and the importance of wisdom and courage. Through his story, Tolkien emphasizes the intricate web of fate and the interconnectedness of all events in Middle-earth, ultimately leading to the triumph of good over evil.
