Who Planted the White Tree of Gondor?

The White Tree of Gondor, also known as the Tree of Kings, was asymbol that represented the lineage of the Kings of Gondor. The tree was said to have been created by Yavanna, the Valaof nature, and was first grown in the Undying Lands before being brought toMiddle-earth as a sapling by Isildur.

However, the tree that grew in Minas Tirith and was a symbol of the realm of Gondor was not the original White Tree. It is believed that the original tree died during the Kin-strife, a civil war in Gondor during the third millennium of the Third Age.

The tree was later replaced by a sapling that was planted by Mardil Voronw?, the first Ruling Steward of Gondor, who took over the rule of Gondor after the line of kings had ended. It is said that the sapling was a gift from Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood, who gave it to Mardil in recognition of his loyalty and service to Gondor.

The Significance of the White Tree

The White Tree of Gondor was a symbol of the hope and resilience of the people of Gondor. It represented the line of kings and their connection to the land, as well as the strength and nobility of the people of Gondor. The tree was also seen as a sign of the power and authority of the Ruling Steward, who was responsible for the protection of the realm in the absence of the king.

Throughout the history of Gondor, the tree was a symbol of hope during times of hardship and war. It stood at the center of the Citadel of Minas Tirith, and its branches spread out over the city, providing shade and shelter to the people.

The Fate of the White Tree

During the War of the Ring, the White Tree of Gondor was destroyed when Denethor II, the Ruling Steward at the time, set himself on fire and jumped from the battlements of Minas Tirith. However, the tree did not die completely, as a hidden sapling was found in the mountains of Gondor by Aragorn, the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor.

Aragorn took the sapling and planted it in the Court of the Fountain in Minas Tirith, and the tree once again began to grow and flourish. The return of the White Tree was seen as a sign that the line of kings had been restored and that the people of Gondor would once again live under the rule of a just and noble king.

Conclusion

The White Tree of Gondor is a symbol of hope and resilience that has been an essential part of the history and culture of Gondor for thousands of years. Its origins may be shrouded in mystery, but its significance and power are undeniable. Though the tree has been destroyed and replanted many times throughout history, it remains a potent symbol of the strength and nobility of the people of Gondor.