Minas Anor
Minas Anor (“City of the Sun”), also colloquially known as the “The White City”, serves as the royal seat and new capital of Gondor. Named after the fortification erected on the steep foothill of Amon Anor by Anárion, the younger brother of Isildur and the second son of High King Elendil, it was intended to safeguard the capital city of Osgiliath from attacks from the west. The Citadel Rock holds special religious significance for the Dúnedain due to the sacred White Tree Isildur planted there in memory of his slain brother.
The city was founded by King Ostoher in the year 420 to protect the sacred hallows where Dúnadan monarchs were interred. Ostoher’s design for the city loosely mirrored that of Gondolin, the secret elven city described in the Silmarillion. Rising from the great knee of rock at the base of Mount Mindolluin, the last and easternmost peak of the White Mountains, Minas Anor was constructed upon the lowest slopes of the granite massif, hewn from living rock. Initially serving as Ostoher’s summer residence, it was later fortified heavily and became the capital of Gondor in 1640 when King Tarondor relocated his seat from Osgiliath following the Great Plague.
Throughout the wars of the 18th and 19th centuries, Minas Anor and the surrounding Pelennor fields underwent extensive fortification. Consequently, the city acquired a new name for itself: Minas Tirith (“Guarded City”).
Geography
The city is structured into seven levels, each rising 100 feet (30 m) higher than the one below it, encircled by a white wall. The Outer Wall of Ostoher, the Othram, was crafted from seamless black stone (the same material used in Orthanc), rendering it susceptible only to earthquakes. However, the method of melting and hardening stone with alchemical substances has been lost since the Kin-Strife.
Facing east in the outer wall is the imposing Great Gate of Minas Anor, guarded by towering stone structures and fortified positions. The gates of the second through sixth levels were strategically positioned at different points along the wall, intensifying the difficulty of capturing the already heavily fortified city. Additionally, a rocky spur protrudes from the hill in an easterly direction, its summit aligning with the city’s uppermost tier and dividing all levels beyond the first into two sections. Nestled between the city and Mount Mindolluin lies Rath Dínen (“Silent Street”), where the tombs of the Kings of Gondor and other revered figures are interred.
Access to the gate of the seventh level is granted via a lit tunnel from the sixth. At the pinnacle of the city lies the Citadel, housing government offices, the Hall of Feasts (Merethrond), barracks for the Royal Guard, and accommodations for the King and his court. Within a concealed chamber atop the Lookout Tower rests the Seeing Stone of Minas Anor.
Map of the City
History
The actual founding date of Minas Anor is lost to history. We know from several sources, such as the Gondorian Chronicles, and a few extant works from the Second Age (Ohta Minyaheren, Mairon i aicassë, and Muindyr Agarrín), that Isildur and Anárion departed Pelargir a few years after the Downfall due to deteriorating relations between Númenorean exiles and earlier Faithful colonists. Their initial settlement, named Elostirion (later Osgiliath), was a constructed on an island in the Anduin River. Surrounding them were the native kingdoms of Arnen, Arnach, and Eilenach, who were intermittently allies and foes of the Dúnedain. To shield their burgeoning capital from attacks by the natives, Anárion erected a tower on a hill known as Amon Anor, possibly as early as 3340 S.A., on the opposite side of Anduin’s floodplain as a defense against the indigenous peoples. The tower also housed one of the palantíri, or Seeing-Stones, that the Faithful had brought with them from Númenor.
The threat of Sauron compelled the local kingdoms to align with the Faithful. This loose alliance, known as the First Council, eventually evolved into the kingdom of Gondor by the conclusion of the Second Age. High King Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree in the fortress of Minas Anor in memory of his younger brother Anárion, who had fallen during the War of the Last Alliance. Isildur departed Gondor in 2 T.A., intending to assume the High Kingship in the North, and entrusted the governance of Gondor to his nephew Meneldil, who acted as his viceroy. Upon learning of Isildur’s demise at the Battle of Gladden Fields, Meneldil declared himself the first King of Gondor.
With most of the natives subdued and assimilated into the Dúnedain, the fortress of Minas Anor gradually waned in significance. Ostoher, the seventh King of Gondor, took a liking to the site, dismantled Anárion’s old tower, and transformed the fort into his summer residence. He commissioned the construction of a magnificent city around the steep slopes of Amon Anor, complete with public edifices, baths, plazas, and vast cisterns capable of storing millions of cubic feet of water.
During the Golden Age of Gondor (1100–1432), the city of Minas Anor burgeoned to become the third-largest city in the kingdom, trailing only Osgiliath and Pelargir. Numerous grand structures were added, such as the Baths of Calmacil, the Theatre of Narmacil, the Rotunda of Elbereth, new Halls of the Faithful, and the Belguinarite monastery dedicated to the burial rites of the Dúnedain and the maintenance of the Hallows, where Dúnadan monarchs were interred.
In 1636, Gondor was ravaged by the Great Plague, leaving Osgiliath deserted and in ruins. Many citizens sought refuge in Minas Anor, believing that the purer air and more effective sanitation would safeguard their health. However, the Plague reached Minas Anor, claiming a third of its populace and causing the demise of the second White Tree. King Tarondor planted the third White Tree in 1640 when he permanently relocated the King’s House to Minas Anor.
Under Tarondor and his successors, the decline of Gondor was temporarily stemmed, albeit marred by nearly constant conflicts with rebellious principalities and various groups of Easterlings. As the new capital of Gondor, Minas Anor experienced a substantial influx of immigrants from Osgiliath and the provinces. The period between 1680 and 1810 is considered the zenith of Minas Anor, with the population peaking at 100,000. The last significant construction project in Minas Anor was the White Tower, erected by King Calimehtar in the year 1900, though the kingdom was already in steep decline.
Vigilance against Mordor had long since waned, Minas Ithil fell to the Nazgûl in 2002, and Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith, meaning “Guarded City.” The city reverted from a secure imperial center to a fortified capital on the border of Gondor. Shortly after Eärnur, the last King of Gondor, perished in the Morgul Vale, the lordship of the South-kingdom passed into the hands of the hereditary ruling Stewards.
Government
The City was granted self-rule by King Ostoher and is considered independent political entity directly under the king. The governing council for the city is known as the Conclave, overseen by the prince-president of Minas Anor. Conclave meets three times a month, or more often in times of emergency), in its own hall on the VI level. Sessions are closed to the public. Conclave deal with any matters relating to the lwas and governance of the cuty and the Pelennor fields. It formulates and passes any new legislation, such as the rules restricting immigration into the city, and considers the budget and expenditure from the city’s treasury.
Most citizens make a contribution to this through their guild Fellowships or licenses to conduct business. Council tax is quite high, comprising a tithe of assessed income plus additional taxes on property, water use, and work permits. A special levy known as Refuge Tax (1639–1658) was levied on all citizens to support refugees of war from Osgiliath living in shanty-towns of Pelennor.
The Conclave is made up of 40 voting deputies and up to ten advisers. Up to twelve deputies are appointed for life by the Prince-President of the City. They receive an annual pension and may also be granted an allowance from the service of clerks, scribes and lodgings they undertake at the Prince-President’s request. Advisors to the Conclave are sponsored by a prominent family or institution for an undisclosed annual sum to the Treasury, at the invitation of the Prince-President. Such invitations are rare and can be very expensive. Advisors have the right to attend and speak at the Conclave, but they are strictly non-voting members.
Twenty-eight deputies called Aldermen are elected for a term of six years to represent the twenty-eight Fellowships (also called guilds or livery companies). Each fellowship elects if own Alderman. Together, they form the Court of Aldermen, which meets seven times a year in it’s own court room at All Fellows Hall. Aldermen are classed as honorary positions, so they receive no stipend from the City. Most are supported by their Fellowships or powerful patrons instead. Duties of the Court of Aldermen include approving people and organisations for Freedom of the City, and approving the formation of new Fellowships (very rare).
In addition these deputies, the Warden of the Keys sits on Conclave. Warden of the Keys is the most senior official in the City, responsible for all security matters. He very rarely votes, although not disqualified from so doing. The Chair at meetings is taken by the Prince-President or, in his absence, by the Warden. If neither is available, eldest Alderman in Conclave takes precedence. The Prince-President has an ability to veto any legislation or verdict made by Conclave. Deputies may bring a secretary to Conclave, and may also call an outside speaker to offer expert opinion and evidence if needed. Conclave is also, when necessary, a High Court to decide matters pertaining to the city’s own legislation. The Deputy of Scrivener’s Fellowship is responsible for supplying a clerk to Conclave in order that a record of proceedings is made.
Office of the Prince-President
Prince-President of Minas Anor is a special non-hereditary title given to a minor member of the royal family, to act as the King’s representative in the self-government of the City. In terms of power and influence he has more influence than a mayor but less autonomy than a prince of a city. The Prince-President is usually also appointed as the Warden of the province of Anórien, including the vale of Lossarnach.
Translation of the Royal Seat to Minas Anor in 1640 did much to undermine the formerly limitless independence of the Prince-Presidency. While many of the Fellowships looked forward to more regal patronage, the Prince-Presidency could see only demotion looming ahead. The position was finally terminated with the demise of the last king Eärnur, and consolidated in the office of the Steward of the Realm.
Customs, laws, and life in the City
There are numerous customs observed in Minas Anor which distinguish it from all other cities of Gondor. The singularity of its construction and preciousness of its real estate have led to many special arrangements. First of all, Anorians are a social bunch; more so than any other Gondorians. They live, work, eat, relax and even shit together. There are few private houses where just one family is found. Instead they group together in lodging houses and the buildings put up by Guild Fellowships which serve both as workshops and accommodation.
Following a profession is illegal in Minas Anor if you are not a sanctioned member of a Fellowship, and rogue craftsmen and traders are quickly ostracised, mauled, summarily fined and then thrown out of the City. The Fellowships of Minas Anor regulate all production, control prices, provide social benefits and lodging, provide communal workplaces and recreation, and burials for deceased members. Along with the twenty-eight recognized Fellowships which are represented in Conclave, there are a host of smaller, informal ones; these wield no political significance but still serve as focuses for the lives of their members. Everyone in Minas Anor belongs to a club; if not, he or she is an outcast, or worse still, a foreigner.
Crime is peculiarly low in Minas Anor. The tight living quarters, lamp-lit streets and well nigh absent of privacy all contribute to it, although the braggart but vigilant Watchmen who patrol the streets to keep them clear of drunks, peace-breakers and thieves are eager to take credit. They also “close” the Great Gate a half hour after sunset (it is actually left slightly open). No taverns or bawdy-houses – that is places open for the sale of drinks to be consumed on the premises – are permitted within the walls. Instead, city’s inns and guesthouses offer only full board. Street-traders, stallholders, and small shops also deal in beer, wine, and other spirits, but patrons cannot consume them on the premises.
In the crowded confines of the city’s streets and alleys, littering and the dumping of anything on the pavements is frowned upon. Traffic is restricted to hand barrows and palanquins. Heavy loads are lifted by ingenious system of giant winches, wheels and cranes. Wearing of arms and armour within the walls is both illegal and uncivil, as it implies that the defences of the city are inadequate. Only Watchmen and the military are allowed (and expected) to be seen armed. Any transgressors will be mauled, summarily fined, and thrown out of the City.
Water Supply
One of the greatest achievements of Númenórean engineering, the water supply, sewers and drains of Minas Anor includes the longest known channels and the most complex system of water storage and distribution within the city itself. On each level there are a number of underground holding tanks were, through settling, sewage is carried off directly to be dumped in the Anduin, while cleaner water is used for powering a number of water wheels and for other operations. This water descends in stages down the city before taken via a number of large underground conduits to streams leading to Anduin.
Water is brought to and from individual buildings in stone conduits and lead pipes. Most faucets and actually pumps which require manual operation, although some buildings are equipped with cisterns. There are more than 160 public water cisterns under the city, capable of holding millions of cubic feets of water. This complex system in maintained by the Worshipful Fellowship of Waterwrights, which is also the main employer of the City’s small Drúadan minority group.
Food and drink
Minas Anor is known for large and filling breakfasts. Ever since the time of Atanatar II Alcarin (who made a joke about it), the Anorians have referred to breaking fast as their ‘morsel’. The basis is a platter of cold meats, including smoked fish and patés. These are accompanied by raw vegetables dressed in honey and herbs, and unleavened bread, scones, or oatcakes. Watered beer or soured milk is drunk with this repast.
Lightest of the daily meals is the nuncheon (from noon). Freshly made filled pastries are the most common type of nuncheon in Minas Anor. Stuffed with bone marrow and soft cheese, meat, or vegetables, hearty Anorian pies are available everywhere. Visitors might be served small dainty cakes, crystallised fruits, delicate fritters, sugar-iced pastries or a simple board of cheese with bread, olive oil and greens together with a strong red wine. One local speciality is halva cakes made from seedgrain and crushed honeycombs, sandwiched between thin wafers, which are served during religious feast days.
Religion
Great majority of the citizens are devout Orthodox Faithful. Some third of the population follow Pietism, a puritanical sect with emphasis on individual piety and living an irreproachable life. Pietists teach that every soul can have a direct communion with God (Eru), without the need of priests or other mediators. All other religions are illegal and exist only as secret societies. Drúedain maintain their own pagan cult in utmost secrecy, while immigrant Haradrim and Northmen have semi-clandestine congregations. There are handful of followers of the Prophet Izindubêth from Harad, and some Fellowships devoted to reverence of certain Valar.
Most important religious institution in the City is the Belguinarite Order, Keepers of the Dead, embalmers and caretakers. They are responsible for the Hallows, where members of the royal family and other notables are laid in rest, but their services are available to all citizens. Belguinarite Order has their own monastery on the third level, near the entrance to the Catacombs, where ordinary people are buried. The Catacombs are a vast labyrinth of underground passages and ossuaries, which hold the remains of more than a million people.
Two other monastic orders have convents in the City. The Ivonwin, Maidens of Ivon, partake in yearly havest rites and guard the sacred flame in the shrine of Yavanna Kementári. Convent of Our Lady of Mercy belong to the Sisters of Nienna, who take care of orphans, charity kitchens and lepers.
Architecture
Most of the city is built from white limestone, with black and white marble used for ornamentation. The basic features of a typical building are rounded arches, stone colonnades and vaulting, tiled roofs with flat slopes, and overhanging upper stories.
Locations of Note
Fellowships
Baths and cisterns
Inns and restaurants
Noble palaces
Public buildings
First Level
- The Great Gate
- Cistern of Ostoher
- Public Baths
- Calardan House
- Lampwrights’ Hall
- Costermongers’ Fellowship
- The Old Guesthouse
- Hostelers’ Hall
- Porters’ Square
- Statue of Romendacil II
- Lamplighters’ Fellowship
- Honourable Society of Nightmen
- The Keylodge
- Basketmakers & Arkwrights
- Butchers’ Hall
- Meat Market
- Chandlers’ Fellowship
- Leatherwrights’ Hall
- Curriers’ Fellowship
- Cutlers’ Fellowship
- Company of Founders
- Convent of Our Lady of Mercy
- Rotunda of Nienna
- Foenin (Debtor’s Prison)
- Halls of Nienna (City Orphanage)
- House of Estë (Mental asylum)
Second Level
- Gate of Tulkas Astaldo
- Plumbers’ Hall
- Arnorian Embassy
- Office of the Grain Supply
- The Great Bakery
- Confectioners’ Fellowship
- Fruiterers’ Fellowship
- Shrine of Yavanna Cementári
- Ivannendil Square
- Ivonwin Convent
- Bellakarian Embassy
- Caranloth Dining Room
- Curedain House
- Curedain Baths
- Girdlers’ Fellowship
- Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths
- Eldacar’s
- Municipal Courthouse
- Lottery Plaza
- Turners’ Fellowship
- Stonewrights’ Hall
- Woodwrights’ Hall
- Public Cistern
- Mortuary
Third Level
- Gate of Oromë
- Laundry
- Honourable Society of Dyers
- Brewers’ Hall
- Sundial Court
- Garden Palace of Minardil
- Lasgalen Balcony
- Honourable Fellowship of Cooks
- City Watch
- Baths of Almarian
- Fellowship of Barber-Surgeons
- Master of Ordnance
- Royal Artillery School
- Worshipful Company of Vintners
- Fellowship of Ironmongers
- The Chimneys
- Embassy of Dorwinion
- Embassy of Rhovanion
- House of Gold and Silver
- Halls of the Faithful
- Potters’ Fellowship
- House of Memorials
- Pavior Hall
- Belguinarite Monastery
Fourth Level
- Gate of Ulmo
- Theatre of Narmacil
- Musicians’ Fellowship
- Baths of Ostoher
- Chamber of Curiosities
- Leadenhouse (Waterwrights’ Hall)
- The Pheasantry
- Telumendil House
- Cistern of Ossë
- Glasscutters’ Hall
- Hall of Tilers, Bricklayers and Mosaic-makers
- Alagdor House
- Fuellers’ Hall
- Honourable Greater Gondor Company
- The Herb Garden
- The Red Rooster
- Coopers’ Hall
- Honourable Society of Mercers
- Honourable Society of Grocers
- Lower Fountain Court
- Haberdashers, tailors, dressmakers and jewelers
- Corporation of Painter-stainers
- Honourable Society of Upholders
- Baths of Calmacil
- Cordwainer Hall
- The White House (Embassy of Khand)
- Company of Oculists
- Glassworks
- Rynd Thannath (Halls of Shields), One of the three Collegia belonging to the University of Minas Anor
- Quill & Inkpot
- Muniment Chamber
Fifth Level
- Gate of Aulë
- Rynd Permaith Iaur (Old Archives), one of the three collegia belonging to the University of Minas Anor
- Law-stationers
- Scriveners’ Hall
- Chancery
- Thirsty Scholar
- Lintoron House
- Alwed House
- Arandal House
- House of the Red Hand
- Elenion House
- Mortar & Pestle
- Curimardin House
- Embroiders’ Hall
- House of Tapestries
- Bezel Court
- Cistern of Calmacil
- Bank of Caranthan
- Bank of Malredh
- Pewterers’ Fellowship
- Engravers’ Hall
- Aulendil Square
- Moneylenders and Die-makers
- Victuallers
- Spice Exchange
- Rose House
- Peppermerchants’ Portico
- All Fellows’ Hall
- Grey Pilgrim Club
- Beleganor House
- Harnastin House
- Caron House
- Glaziers and Tapisers
- Bookbinders
- Agarinna Hall
Sixth Level
- Gate of Manwë
- Fen Hollen
- Houses of Healing, one of the three collegia beloning to the University of Minas Anor: The Infirmary, Office of Master Embalmer, Office of Master Herbalist, Dormitory and Baths
- Haste Post
- Couriers’ Hall
- Armourers’ Fellowship
- Lower Barracks
- Belegrond Tirith (The Great Barracks)
- Statue of King Turambar
- The Residence
- Hall of the Conclave
- Portico of Mindacil
- Astorion House
- Dúnamar House
- Belguinar House
- Rotunda of Elbereth
Seventh Level
- Upper Fountain Court
- Upper Barracks
- King’s House
- Merethrond (Royal Banqueting Hall)
- Royal Offices
- Royal Mint
- Palantír Tower
Minas Anor
Type | Self-governing Crown City of Gondor |
Government | The Conclave – 28 elected Aldermen –12 appointed delegates – Up to 10 advisors |
Population | 25,000 (800) 35,000 (1000) 60,000 (1500) 45,000 (1650) 52,000 (1675) 79,000 (1700) 100,000 (1800) 68,000 (2000) |
Languages | Westron Sindarin Pûkael Eriedaik |
Head of government | Prince-President Mindacil Prince-President Minadir |
Military units in the City
Company of the White Tree
- Headquarters: Upper Barracks
- Colours: Black, white, gold
- Symbol: Crown & seven stars
- 120 heavy cavalry
- 120 heavy infantry
Citadel Guard
- Headquarters: The Citadel
- Colours: Black
- Symbol: White Tree & seven stars
- 240 mounted heavy infantry
Guards Regiment of Foot (1st Anórien)
- Headquarters: Belegrond Tirith (Great Barrack Halls)
- Colours: White, red
- Symbol: Sun in splendor
- 1st Company: 360 mounted infantry
- 2nd Company: 160 line infantry, 160 archers
- 3rd Company: 160 line infantry, 160 archers
- 4th Company: 320 siege engineers and artillerists
Guild Fellowships
Twenty-eight of the formal Fellowships, or Livery Companies, are arranged in order of precedence.
- Porters and Doorwardens
- Mercers (general merchants)
- Grocers (spice merchants)
- Goldsmiths (bullion dealers)
- Merchant Tailors
- Healers and Apothecariers
- Bakers
- Haberdashers
- Ironmongers
- Vintners (wine merchants)
- Armourers and Brasiers
- Masons and stonewrights
- Waterwrights (plumbers)
- Woodwrights
- Butchers
- Glassblowers and Lampwrights
- Tallow Chandlers
- Tilers and Mosaic Makers
- Cordwainers
- Cooks
- Scriveners
- Sages
- Hostelers
- Weavers and Embroiders
- Cutlers
- Potters
- Brewers
- Musicians and Free Artists
A few dozen Fellowships without representation in the Conclave exists, including Coopers, Curriers, Locksmiths, Fletchers, Fruiterers, Barber-Surgeons, Law-stationers, Oculists – and Painter-stainers. Fellowship of Coopers have petinioned the Court of Aldermen for several centuries without any success of getting into the Conclave.