The Return of the King



Aragorn came to the gates of Minas Tirith on May 1 and was crowned King. The banner of the Stewards was taken down from the Tower of Ecthelion and the standard of the King was raised in its place. On June 25, Aragorn found a sapling of the White Tree on Mount Mindolluin and it was planted in the Court of the Fountain and soon it blossomed with white flowers. Arwen came to Minas Tirith and she married Aragorn on Midyear's Day.

Faramir brought out the ancient Crown of Gondor, and Aragorn took it saying the words that Elendil spoke when he came to Middle-earth: "Et Eërello Endorenna utulien Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta! - Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world". Aragorn asked Frodo to bring the crown to him and had Gandalf set the crown on his head, and then he entered the city as King.

The reign of King Elessar lasted 120 years. He sent his messengers throughout the land and drove out the evil-doers that remained and brought peace to the peoples of Middle-earth. The Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor were reunited once more, and the northern capital of Annuminas was rebuilt. King Elessar gave the Druadan Forest to Ghan-buri-ghan's people and forbade Men from entering it. The realms of Dale and the Lonely Mountain were under the protection of the Crown. The King made Faramir the Prince of Ithilien and he reestablished the Great Council of Elrond with Faramir, Prince Imrahil, and the other Lords of the Fiefs and Captains of the Forces.