The Last Debate and the Council of the Númenóreans

[Alcuin]

As had the Kings of Númenor, the Kings of the Dúnedain in exile had councils, one in Arnor, the other in Gondor. The nobles of Arnor and Gondor, the councils of the two kingdoms, met together in the camp of the Dúnedain of the North, of Arnor, for the Last Debate.

It is true that Aragorn had not yet been crowned King of Gondor, but Faramir, as Steward the senior nobleman of Gondor, recognized Aragorn as King when he awoke in the Houses of Healing in the presence of his uncle, Imrahil, and of Éomer. Imrahil subsequently acknowledged him as king at the meeting in the camp. As King of the Rohirrim, Éomer was also ruler of Calenardhon, and included in the Council of Gondor as a nobleman of Gondor, recognized the overlordship of Aragorn, who in turn acknowledged the independence of Rohan in its own affairs. Saruman should have been included as keeper of Angrenost (Isengard), but his disbarment meant that Gandalf took his place as chief councilor of Gondor.

Aragorn was already de facto King of Arnor, as Elrond proclaimed to Boromir in Rivendell and made known publicly to the Dúnedain of Gondor by delivering to him the Sceptre of Annúminas and the hand of his daughter Arwen in marriage. With the death of Halbarad, Aragorn’s closest relative, the most senior nobleman of Arnor was dead: Elladan and Elrohir, foster-brothers of Aragorn, served as the Council of Arnor, and stood in for their father Elrond who, though not formally a member of the old Council (made up of Dúnedain), would surely have been welcomed for his wisdom and counsel, which Elrohir delivered. For Arnor as well as Gondor, Gandalf acted as chief councilor.

This was the first time the two Councils of Arnor and Gondor met as one since the days of Elendil.