Banner of Elendil: The Starry Standard

The Banner of Elendil was first crafted in the closing days of Númenor, as Elendil the Tall and his followers prepared to flee the doomed island kingdom. This noble standard was created specifically for Elendil as he led the Faithful across the Great Sea in their nine ships, serving as a symbol of hope during their perilous journey to Middle-earth.

Upon reaching the shores of Middle-earth, the Banner became the supreme symbol of the newly established Realms in Exile: Arnor in the North and Gondor in the South. As the first High King of both realms, Elendil used this standard to unite his people and establish a new beginning for the Númenóreans in Middle-earth.

The Banner carried profound significance as it represented the unbroken lineage of the Kings from Númenor, stretching back to Elros Tar-Minyatur, first King of Númenor and brother of Elrond. This heritage was particularly important as it connected the Dúnedain to their noble ancestry and their special relationship with the Valar and the Elves.

The Banner's black field represented the vast night sky of Middle-earth, continuing a tradition from Númenor where astronomical symbols held great significance. This deep background served as a striking canvas that enhanced the visibility of the banner's other elements while symbolizing the depth of space and time.

At the center of the Banner stood the White Tree, a representation of Nimloth the Fair, which once grew in the King's Court in Númenor. This sacred tree traced its lineage to Telperion of Valinor through Galathilion of Tirion and the tree of Tol Eressëa, symbolizing the connection between the Dúnedain and the Blessed Realm.

Above the White Tree shone seven stars crafted of silver and gems, representing the seven ships of the Faithful that carried Elendil and his sons to Middle-earth. These stars were arranged in a significant pattern that recalled the constellation of Valacirca, the Sickle of the Valar.

Crowning the design was a high crown, symbolizing the supreme authority of the King of the Realms in Exile. This crown represented not only royal power but also the responsibility of stewardship over the peoples of Middle-earth, a duty passed down through generations of kings.

The Banner served as a powerful symbol of unity between the northern and southern kingdoms of the Dúnedain, reminding both realms of their common heritage and shared purpose. Even after the division of the kingdoms, the Banner remained a testament to their original unity and the hope of eventual reunion.

Throughout the Dark Years, the Banner represented steadfast resistance against Sauron's growing power. Its very existence challenged the Dark Lord's claim to dominion over Middle-earth, as it represented the legitimate authority of the Heirs of Elendil.

The Banner was carefully preserved through countless generations by the Heirs of Isildur, passing from father to son along with the shards of Narsil and other heirlooms of the House of Elendil. This preservation ensured that the symbol of Númenórean kingship would endure until the time of restoration.

The Banner was originally woven by the most skilled craftsmen of Númenor, who employed techniques that would later be lost with the island's destruction. Their masterful work created a standard of extraordinary beauty and durability, capable of withstanding the tests of time.

The materials used in the Banner's creation came from the royal treasuries of Númenor, including precious threads and gems that were saved from the drowning of the island kingdom. These materials carried with them the blessing and craft of Númenor at its height.

The Banner was specifically designed to endure through the ages of Middle-earth, incorporating both physical durability and magical preservation in its creation. The craftsmanship combined Númenórean technical skill with elven knowledge of preservation, ensuring the standard would remain untarnished by time.

In a moment of supreme significance, Aragorn unfurled the ancient Banner before the Battle of the Morannon at the Black Gate of Mordor. This act declared his kingship and challenged Sauron's power directly, showing that the line of the Kings had endured and returned to claim its rightful place.

During the final battle, the Banner served as a rallying point for the armies of the West, inspiring hope in the hearts of Men, Elves, and Dwarves who fought against the forces of Mordor. Its presence reminded all who fought that day of the nobility of their cause and the heritage they defended.

The display of the Banner at the Black Gate marked the formal return of the King to Gondor, fulfilling ancient prophecies and bringing hope to the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Its appearance heralded the end of the Third Age and the beginning of the restoration of the Realms in Exile.

For many generations, the Banner was kept safe in Rivendell under the protection of Elrond, along with the other heirlooms of the House of Elendil. In this refuge, it remained hidden from the Enemy while awaiting the time of its return to glory.

The Banner received regular care from the skilled craftsmen of Rivendell, who used their ancient knowledge to preserve its materials and maintain its splendor. Their efforts ensured that when the time came for its return, it would still shine as brightly as it did in the days of Elendil.

Throughout the Third Age, the Banner remained in Rivendell as a symbol of hope for the eventual restoration of the kingdom. Its presence served as a reminder of the ancient promise that the line of kings would one day return to reclaim their heritage.

After the War of the Ring, the Banner of Elendil became the Royal Standard of the Reunited Kingdom under King Elessar. It flew proudly over Minas Tirith and Annúminas, symbolizing the restoration of both Gondor and Arnor under a single crown.

The Banner held a place of honor at all important ceremonies throughout the Fourth Age, including coronations, festivals, and diplomatic meetings. Its presence added solemnity and historical weight to these occasions, connecting them to the grand heritage of Númenor.

The design of the Banner inspired numerous similar standards throughout the restored kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor. Noble houses and cities created their own banners incorporating elements of the royal standard, though none matched its antiquity or significance.