The green space before the doors to the hall of the Stewards of Gondor, the Court stood in the highest part of Minas Tirith, and was patrolled by the Guards of the Citadel. In its centre was a fountain and pool, and over the pool, thoughout most of Minas Tirith's history, spread the branches of a White Tree. When the White Tree died at the end of Belecthor II's rule and no seedling could be found, the Dead Tree was left standing in the Court for one hundred and forty-seven years. After the War of the Ring, Gandalf guided Aragorn to find a sapling among the snows of Mindolluin. The Dead Tree was removed to the Hallows, and a new White Tree took its place by the fountain in the Court.
Notes
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The White Tree of Minas Anor was planted in its courts by Isildur, in memory of his fallen brother Anárion (who had originally held the city of Minas Anor). So, we can be sure that there was some kind of High Court in the city dating back to the beginning of the Third Age and perhaps earlier. It is less clear, however, whether this original court would have been the same Court of the Fountain seen at the end of that Age.
Minas Anor (or Minas Tirith as it was known in later years) underwent various changes over its long history. It was rebuilt by King Ostoher in III 420, and later the White Tower was raised by Calimehtar in III 1900 (and that Tower was in turn rebuilt by Steward Ecthelion I in III 2698). Any or all of these projects would have made changes to the upper tier of the city. So, in principle, the later Court of the Fountain may not have existed within the original structure of Minas Anor, instead being introduced in one of these later phases of construction.
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See also...
Guards of Minas Tirith, Guards of the Citadel, Minas Anor, Minas Tirith, Mundburg, Place of the Fountain, Stone-city, Tower of Anor, Tower of Guard, Tower of the Setting Sun, Tower of the Sun, White Tree of Minas Anor, White Tree of Minas Tirith
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About this entry:
- Updated 17 August 2024
- This entry is complete
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