Aldarion of Númenor was a great mariner and ship-builder, and also a great forester who grew many trees for their timber. This indeed is the source of the name Aldarion, '(master) of trees', by which he was known to history. As well as cultivating forests at home in Númenor, Aldarion made many journeys to Middle-earth, where he cut wood for his ships from the thick forests that covered the western lands.
Aldarion was heir to King Tar-Meneldur of Númenor, and as time passed, the King began to demand that his heir spend more time in his homeland rather than adventuring across the Sea. Aldarion disregarded his father's wishes, leading a fleet of seven vessels away from Númenor against the King's explicit orders. That voyage lasted fourteen years, but when Aldarion at last returned he was reconciled with his father, who restored the titles he had withdrawn when Aldarion set out. The King went further, granting Aldarion a new title, 'Master of the Forests', which not only recognised his achievements, but also echoed the meaning of his name.1
Notes
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It is possible that the point where Aldarion received the title 'Master of the Forests' was actually the time when he started to become known as Aldarion, a name with essentially the same meaning. The histories of the Second Age barely mention his true original name Anardil, instead referring to him as Aldarion throughout, so it is difficult to say when he acquired that more famous name. The point where Tar-Meneldur granted him the official title of 'Master of the Forests' is at least a candidate for the moment when the name Aldarion actually originated.
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- Updated 7 January 2020
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