Pelennor

“…For ten leagues or more it ran from the mountains’ feet and so back again, enclosing in its fence the fields of Pelennor; fair and fertile townlands on the long slopes and terraces falling to the deep levels of the Anduin.” 
– Red Book of Westmarch

The Pelennor Fields (S. “Fenced land”) are the townlands and fields of Minas Anor, the capital of Gondor. They stretch between Minas Anor and Osgiliath, located on the west bank of the Anduin river bend. The City of Minas Anor rests on the southwest corner of Pelennor, nestled at the base of Mindolluin. The terrain slopes gently towards the river, bordered by an encircling dike called Noeg Echor. Within the Pelennor Fields thrive numerous farms, equipped with barns, pens, livestock, granaries, and kilns for drying hops and malt. The landscape is predominantly fertile farmland, adorned with cultivated fields, orchards, and babbling brooks that meander down to the Anduin.

Parishes

Since 1640, Minas Anor (S. “City of the Sun”) has served as the capital city of Gondor and stands as the second most populous town in the realm. Renowned as a hub of governance, education, arts, and industry, it has drawn in waves of immigrants from the former capital of Osgiliath, surpassing it in grandeur and influence.

Harlond (S. “Southern Harbor”) emerges as a bustling port town situated four miles south of Minas Anor. With the devastation and subsequent decline of Osgiliath, Harlond ascended as the primary river port, receiving cargo shipments from Pelargir. Its population now fluctuates around 7,000, cementing its status as a significant urban center.

Bar Aranelaith (S. “Aranelaith Manor”) is large and sumptuous noble estate constructed in the late 1500s just outside the city gate. Adorned with geometric gardens, a theatre, and a horse racing course, it belonged to House Aranelaith, a junior branch of the Royal House. Initially enfeoffed to Queen Mother Melabrían (1561–1677), its tenure passed briefly to Prince Vinyaran before his exile to Tolfalas, and subsequently to Steward Daldor until his dismissal in 1685. Despite its grandeur, the estate acquired a somewhat ill-fated reputation, with Lord Baragund Aranelaith opting to lease it to a succession of courtiers seeking a prestigious venue for entertaining esteemed guests.

Forannest (S. “North Gate”) serves as both a crown estate and a market town nestled along the Kingsroad halfway to Thinbar. An ancient wagonway or railway leading to the quarries and mines of Imrath Gondraich (Stonewain Valley) originates here, still utilized for horse-drawn wagons. Local folklore recounts tales of Númenorean wains constructed entirely from steel and emitting black smoke, once employed on the wagonway in ancient times. These engines were purportedly destroyed by King Cemendur the Righteous in his bid to rid the land of Sauron’s influence.

Andurien (S. “Queen of the West”) is a noble estate and local market situated midway between Osgiliath and Minas Anor. Aside from the stately home of House Andurin, notable features include the Chapel of Palúrien (the Bosom of the Earth), housing an ancient wooden statue of Yavanna Cementári carved from black ebony sourced from distant Far Harad. Additionally, a magnificent marble statue of King Romendacil I overlooks the market square, serving as a focal point for oath-taking, business transactions, and town crier announcements.

Pen-Luinen (S. “Blue River Slope”) is a noble estate and local market on the Anduin river bend, ten miles east of Minas Anor.

County of Pelennor in 1685

	Type	Lord	Citizens*	Subjects**
Minas Anor	Crown city	Prince Mindacil	54,000	72,000
Harlond	Municipality	Ohtar Calardan	4,000	26,471
Bar Aranelaith	Crown estate	–	400	500
Forannest	Crown estate	–	400	500
Andurien	Leasehold estate	Estel Andurin	500	500
Pen-Luinen	Leasehold estate	Ciril Laurendon	500	800