The Last Kings of Middle-earth Before Aragorn's Reign

During the tumultuous times of Middle-earth, the concept of a single, unified kingdom spanning the entire continent was often elusive. The timeframe of Aragorn's reign (Third Age 3018-3039) marked the revival of two long-defunct kingdoms, Gondor and Arnor. But it was not the first or the last time that Middle-earth saw itself under the rule of kings. This article delves into the last kings before Aragorn's crowning and the monarchs who ruled various regions during and after that period.

Denethor II and the Stewardship

The last king of Gondor, Denethor II, never truly came to the throne. Instead, he served as the Steward of Gondor, upholding the laws and traditions of the previous dynasties. Denethor II's son, Faramir, too, inherited the role of Steward after his father's death, marking a long gap in the line of kings. It was not until Third Age 3019 that Aragorn was crowned, thereby ending this rift in the line of kingship.

Other Monarchs of Middle-earth

The land of Middle-earth was not devoid of kings and rulers during this era. There were countless kings and chieftains across numerous territories, often vassals of more powerful entities such as Sauron, or merely independent rulers over disjointed realms.

Theoden of Rohan and Haradrim Chiefs

King Théoden of Rohan, a close ally of Aragorn, held sway over the Riders of Rohan until his untimely demise in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Though Theoden faced a challenge in battle, he did not rule as the undisputed king of Harad, which was inhabited by various tribes and chieftains, such as the Haradrim. The "chieftain" defeated by Theoden could indeed be considered a regional leader, but not a governor in the same sense as a king.

Dwarven Kings and Ethic Leadership

Dain II Ironfoot was the king of Erebor, and also the ethnic king of all the Dwarves of Durin's Folk, the Longbeards. His death at the Battle of Dale paved the way for his son, Thorin III Stonehelm, to claim the crown. Other Dwarven races, such as the Firebeards, Broadbeams, and others, would likely have their own kings and leaders. These ethnic kings maintained their lineage and culture within their separate cities underground.

Kingdoms in the Far East

The lands beyond the Western boundaries of Middle-earth, such as Rhun, were vast and diverse. These territories, including lands like Harad, could have numerous kingdoms, perhaps even empires, sharing their allegiance to Sauron or his disciples. Similarly, Gondor's king, Ciryaher, faced challenges from the men of Harad in TA 1050, almost 2000 years before Aragorn's reign. This illustrates the persistence of regional rulership even after long spans of time.

Thranduil and the Elven Realms

King Thranduil of the Elves of northern Mirkwood held power for seven centuries, having inherited the kingship from his father after the Battle of Dagorlad in the late Second Age. Thranduil's reign continued even after the War of the Ring, and he maintained his authority over his people and territories in the Fourth Age. His reign testifies to the enduring nature of royal lineage in the woodlands and mountains of Middle-earth.

In conclusion, while Aragorn’s crowning marked a significant return to the glory of the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor, it did not end the line of kingship in Middle-earth. There were numerous regional kings, chieftains, and Dwarven leaders maintaining their rule over various territories, many of whom were vassals to more powerful forces. The landscape of Middle-earth was, therefore, far more complex than a simple narrative of a single king presiding over the entire continent.