Cair Andros

Cair Andros (S. “Ship of the Long Foam”) is a large river-island and a small but densely populated feudal county in the Anduin River. Administratively, the island is part of Anórien. The island itself was long and narrow, like a ship, a little over ten miles in length. Its northern end of sharp rocks, like a “high prow” of a ship, splits the waters of the upstream Anduin in a bubbling foam, and this gave the island its name. Cair Andros is covered with orchards. Oysters and fresh fish are caught year-around. Because of its location it is of great strategic importance, and is the only place for an army to cross the river between the bridge of Osgiliath and the Undeeps. The island is connected to the mainland through ferries from Serembar-en-Anduin and Broseliand.

History

Historians in Gondor believe that the Drúedain were the first men who crossed the Anduin in the late First Age. It is assumed they came from lands south of Mordor, turned north into Ithilien and probably crossed the Anduin near Cair Andros before settling in the vales of the White Mountains and the wooded lands at their northern feet. Upon the establishment of the realm of Gondor, the island grew in strategic importance. When Minalcar, regent to King Narmacil I, defeated the Easterlings in 1248, he fortified the west bank of the Anduin up to the Limlight. This included the great castle of Barad Andros, along with several lesser fortifications on the island.

Parishes

Cair Andros (“Ship of the Long Foam”) is the eponymous citadel and small town situated in the north end of the island, where the river is narrowest. After 1432, the citadel was used as a prison.

Barestel (“House of Hope/Faith”) is an estate owned by the former court herald, Lord Romer Targilion. It boasts extensive vineyards and orchards that yield various grapes, fruits, asparagus, and herbs.

Faendal (“Radiant End”) is an estate and a thriving village nestled on the southern coast of Cair Andros, flanked by beaches and small cliffs. The estate focuses on fishing, grape cultivation, and brandy production. Additionally, garden plots are dedicated to growing asparagus and potatoes. The parish chapel of Faendal is devoted to the Lady of Mercy, Nienna.

Serembar-en-Anduin (“Peaceful Dwelling on the Anduin”) is a substantial estate and village situated on the mainland, serving as a hub for ferries and barges to and from Cair Andros.

County of Cair Andros in 1685

	Type	Lord	Citizens*	Subjects**
Cair Andros	Copyhold estate	Arodion Aranelaith	5,000	22,400
Barestel	Leasehold estate	Romer Targilion	630	2,900
Faendal	Leasehold estate	Fondir Aranelaith	650	3,800
Serembar-en-Anduin	Leasehold estate	Coravar Aranelaith	750	4,400

County of Cair Andros

Capital	Cair Andros
Type	Feudal county
Population	48 383 (1685)
Languages	Westron, Sindarin
Rulers	Count Arodion Aranelaith