Kingship in the Westlands of Middle-EarthIntroductionThis study examines the power and role of kings in the realms of Gondor and Rohan, the regions for which there is the most detailed evidence. It should be noted therefore that royal traditions in the Dunedain realms grew out of Numenorean law, whereas Rohan’s kingship was most likely based on the customs of the Northmen.In Endor royal rule was the norm where peoples were strong enough. Thus there existed, at various times, crowns in Harad, Rhun, Rohan, Dale, Arnor and Gondor. In their absence, either because the kingship had failed or the people were...