Dates

Originally came into existence with the founding of Númenor in II 32; founded the Realms in Exile c. II 3320; survived into the Fourth Age

Location

The Great People dwelt in Númenor during most of the Second Age, but the form 'Great People of the West' is recorded as being used of the Dúnedain of Gondor as descendants of the Númenóreans

Origins

Race

Division

Cultures

Various, but this form of address was particularly applied to the Gondorians

Family

The Kings of Gondor descended from the House of Anárion, and their successors the Ruling Stewards belonged to the House of Húrin

Settlements

Numerous; the most important cities of the Gondorians were Osgiliath, Minas Anor (later renamed Minas Tirith) and Minas Ithil (later captured and renamed Minas Morgul)

Meaning

'West' here is a reference to the origins of the Dúnedain on the lost isle of Númenor across the Western Sea

Other names

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Great People of the West

A term for the Dúnedain in Middle-earth

An occasional formal name or title used for the Dúnedain in Middle-earth. It references their origin as Exiles of Númenor, the great Downfallen island kingdom westward from Middle-earth in the midst of the Great Sea. Indeed, the title might plausibly have been used of the Númenóreans themselves at their height in the Second Age, but our only record of its use is as part of the Oath of Eorl, long after Númenor's Downfall. In that Oath, Eorl pledged unending loyalty and allegiance to the Great People of the West (that is, the Gondorians), while Steward Cirion of Gondor granted Eorl and his people the land of Calenardhon, afterward known as Rohan.

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