Argonath
The Argonath, also known as the Pillars of the Kings, or the Gate of Kings was a landmark on the northern edge of Gondor.
Description
The Argonath consisted of two enormous rock pillars, carved in the likenesses of Isildur and Anárion facing to the north. Placed upon huge pedestals, each of the two figures held an axe in its right hand and its left hand rose in a gesture of defiance to the enemies of Gondor. The two statues stood upon either side of the River Anduin. A narrow gap between them led to a long dark chasm with high sheer cliffs which led to the lake Nen Hithoel.
When the Easterlings attacked Northmen that settled south of Greenwood the Great, Minalcar, the nephew of King Narmacil I and Regent of Gondor, led a great army that defeated the Easterlings between Rhovanion and the Sea of Rhûn in T.A. 1248. When he returned he fortified the eastern banks of the Anduin and built the pillars of the Argonath.
At the time of the War of the Ring the Argonath and the Emyn Muil with Amon Hen with its Seat of Seeing and Amon Lhaw, the Hill of Hearing were still a part of Gondor, but the area was deserted.
On 25 February T.A. 3019, the Fellowship of the Ring rowed down the river Anduin between the Pillars of the Kings on their journey south. Time had blurred their eyes and crannied their brows but the two figures still exuded power and majesty.
Artwork
Argonath
Donato Giancola
The Argonath
John Howe
The Argonath
Ted Nasmith
The Pillars of the Kings
Ted Nasmith