Nobility of the West (Arnor-Gondor)
The nobility of the Reunited Kingdom is the elite of the society of the West. The Western society has a hierarchical structure and a centralized authority in accordance with absolutist concepts. The High King, divinely ordained by Eru, together with his family and court are at the tip of the social pinnacle. The local aristocracy, state functionaries, senior military officers, and large landowners are all members of the upper class. The middle class comprises the urban population of merchants, artisans and owners of medium-sized landed properties, while the populace, that is, the lower class, is made up of wage-earners and paupers. Even in the upper class most are of mixed origins. Real power is in the hands of a small landed Dúnadan aristocracy. Governance of the state is kept tightly controlled by a limited number of intermarrying aristocratic families.
To the Dúnadan worldview, the natural order binds all things together in an indestructible unity: the universe, the natural world, the state, and the individual were all seen as parts of the wider order generated by the divine justice.
Raud Agar
The concept of "Raud Agar", a Sindarin word for Nobility of blood, is a racist concept which plays an important role in the Dúnadan culture. In an extensive meaning, the concept of Raud Agar refers to those without recent non-Dúneadain ancestors; the bias against non-Dúneadain ancestors is directed exclusively against human ancestors, Elves being regarded as a kin more noble than all Men. The concept of Raud Agar, however, is closely related to adherence to justice and to dictates of Eru Iluvatar and of the Valar: the Númenorean colonial world view, according to which the supreme blood aristocracy of mankind must not save its inferiors, but continue to perfect itself, according to the purpose of Nature, was never really popular (save among most ardent Melkorists under Sauron) and was abandoned and explicitly repudiated by the Faithful well before the end of the Second Age.
Under the concept of Raud Agar, all other human races and peoples are still respected, but considered being somewhat inferior to Dúneadains: Northmen are considered as being the human race coming immediately after Dúneadain (in turn at least theoretically inferior to Númenóreans of old). In Fourth Age all Northmen are still deferential to Dúneadain, even after several centuries of mingling between the two races.
The concept of Raud Agar has been a significant barrier through both Númenórean and Dúneadain history, linking the preservation of racial purity to the excellence and nobility, and thus linking the heredity to authority. Nowadays, proofs of racial purity are required in a variety of circumstances: candidates for certain offices or titles and their spouses have to proof their Dúnadan ancestry. The High King is still required to be of pure Númenórean blood, and, despite their 969 years-long rule without a King, Stewards were unable to claim the Crown of Gondor due to their inferior blood purity and therefore lesser nobility.
The attention to pay to blood purity marked a turning point from the condition of being "Númenóreans of Gondor" to the definitive emergence of the distinct identity of "Dúnedain". In T.A. XV Century, Gondor fell to infighting and civil war because of the quarrel over the need for racial purity, especially concerning the ancestry of their King (the Kin-strife), and grew weaker as a result. The concept of absolute racial purity as separate from justice and abstinence from evil, already considerably weakened by the time of the civil war, was then definitively abandoned following the evil deeds of pure-blooded Númenórean Castamir the Usurper, while the half-Númenórean Eldacar was remembered for his justice. Furthermore, Black Númenóreans, descendants of surviving Númenórean King's followers, are considered to had been of the purest blood, but they were the most steadfast followers of the Enemy.
In general, the Dúnadan world view holds that no state and no society are maintained without an elite or aristocracy of families, inherited and selected in the main tasks of the command - elite that has its natural crowning in the legitimate monarchy, legitimate both in formal dynastic law, and in the material effective conformity of the monarch as a person with the traditional principles that define his dignity and his function.
Aristocratic spirit
In the Western and Dúnadan world-view, there exists an aristocratic spirit, which corresponds to a degree of reality and to a primordial function in the whole. It therefore has a metaphysical nature. The aristocratic ideal has in itself its own consecration and legitimisation. To think that the aristocracy is legitimised on the basis of contingent factors, or of utility, or of purely material domination, or of suggestion, is a symptom of decadence, of Darkness and of Evil.
The aristocracy (distinct from nobility), in the Western and Dúnadan world-view, is not a merely political class, more or less connected to the administrative or legislative body of the state; the aristocracy is above all a prestige and an example that, connected to a precise layer, must be able to crystallize a superior lifestyle, arouse special forms of sensibility, and thus set the tone for the whole society. The Western aristocracy, as such and not as a collection of noble titles, is in no way organized materially; the Nobility consists instead in the merely formal recognition of belonging to the aristocratic order.
The concept of aristocracy is a sort of order pervaded by a virile and ascetic meaning. Always keeping in mind the distinction from the nobility, the aristocratic order does not derive its authority from representing any tangible power, but nevertheless keeps its rank firmly and gives the tone to society by means of a direct influence emanating from its essence.
The aristocratic spirit is essentially anti-intellectual. Neither intelligence, nor courage, nor culture, nor dexterity alone suffice to define the essence of the aristocrat. In the aristocrat a divine quality is incorporated, therefore superior to the "human" domain. The idea that an élite of scholars, humanists and thinkers, who may also be, as a character, cowardly and fearful, must be at the top of a civilization, is experienced as repugnant. The learning and learned men are highly respected if they are framed in the society according one's own nature, but not for the mere fact of being "thinkers". On the other hand. there is no identity between the aristocratic spirit and a generically authoritarian idea. The true aristocratic spirit cannot have features in common with demagogic or intriguing forms of domination.
The basis of the aristocratic type is first of all spiritual: it connects to an innate sense of sovereignty, to a contempt for the profane, common, purchase, contempt that is characterised by a complete absence of pathos and resentment. In its most intimate principle, the substance of the aristocratic spirit is instead virile, calm, rational, orderly, and self-disciplined.
The essence of true aristocratic nature is a superiority over life which has become nature and race. This superiority dominates and permeates the lower human part in a calm way, it translates into imperious dignity, in intangible but present strength, in calm and controlled holding of the soul, of words, of gesture. The aristocrat prevails over earthly cunning and audacity, and is detached from earthly things.
Nobility of the West
Nobility is the formal political social class of the aristocracy, ranked under royalty, that possesses more acknowledged privileges and higher social status than other classes, with membership thereof mostly hereditary. Privileges carry a lifelong obligation of duty to uphold various social responsibilities of honorable behaviour, customary service, or leadership roles or positions, that lives on by a familial or kinship bond. Membership in the nobility and the prerogatives thereof are formed, acknowledged and regulated by the King and thereby distinguished from other sectors of a nation's upper class wherein wealth, lifestyle, or affiliation may be the salient markers of membership.
As the head of state, the High King is the sole "fount of honour". There is a variety of ranks within the noble class. The Reunited Kingdom maintains noble systems and titles used by all Edain west to the Misty Mountains. However, over the centuries and millenaries, several systems were devised by the different Mannish peoples. With the establishment of the Reunited Kingdom, Aragorn Tar Elessar also established an unified order of precedence among different titles of different systems.
There are three main sources of nobility: relatives of the royalty and their descendants, houses already noble in Númenor (both vassals of Lords of Andúnië and Rómenna and other noble houses) and those ennobled by Elendil, by a king of Arnor or of Gondor or by a High King of the Reunited Kingdom.
While noble titles are granted by the High King mostly to members of the aristocracy, there are also ennobled merchants or low-born individuals who are awarded a title for their own services or worthiness. While no formal distinction exists between nobles, an informal and unspoken of distinction does exist between aristocrats and other nobles.
Aristocracy and political power
The fundamental function of the true aristocracy is to give the "tone" to a civilization, less with a direct action than by means of an action exercised by mere presence. However, those who have political power should be exponents of the aristocracy, because the aristocratic spirit does have a political function. Where there are no principles, spiritual values, according the Dúnadan tradition, it is not possible speaking of a true ruling class, even in a strictly political sense.
The function of the aristocracy in the State (in particular of the High King, but also of all the lesser chiefs and leaders) is that of giving everyone the sense of a firm ground, of an immutable centre, superior to the changing events and contingencies: the aristocracy, to be a real political agent, must not be removed from contingencies but must assert itself over them, in order to bring times and events back with the most adequate means on the desired directions.
Because of the participation of the representatives of the true aristocratic spirit to the political ruling class, ethical and spiritual values are in a position of balance with material and social values. Therefore those ethical and spiritual values have to permeate the whole man, and the ruling political class must first give the example of these values. These values are loyalty, sincerity, honour, courage not only physical, but also intellectual and moral, the strength of decision. But, besides all this, there should be a tendency to an authentic style, a lack of vanity, a manly and dignified impersonality. The principle of honour and loyalty is the true cement of the political structure. The sense of honour and the pride of serving one's own monarch, above all advantages and personal interests, is the mark of the true aristocrat, which makes him suitable for covering the highest offices. Fidelity instead of mere obedience and personal devotion to a leader instead of passive subordination to faceless bodies or laws. Therefore the lower classes loyally provide the means for those above them to live comfortable lives, but the nobility takes care of those under them by providing shelter and sustainment.
Attitudes towards political power
Who really has power and is aware of being worthy of it, who really feels superior, also realises that every form of vanity and personalism lowers him. The aristocratic ruling group is therefore anti-intellectual, ascetic and heroic, silent, tight and impersonal as an Order, but, precisely for this, it realises a superior form of personality, justified by the "Tradition of the West" lived in its most profound and transcendent values.
This elite must not lose contact with the various plans of the life of its people. Its task is that, in the framing of the various problems, the realisation of temporal affairs goes hand in hand with adherence to the fundamental ideas of the Tradition and with respect for those essential values, on which human dignity and the notion itself are founded.
Leaders must provide evidence, should show a way, must instill, in every form of life and action of man, a superior meaning transfiguring, by means of the word, by example, by action, in every way. An ancient saying is "Who leads bust be a bridge", a connection between two worlds, to understand the nature of both in itself. This is an ethical function: asceticism of power, testimony of a superior human type. This is also a political function, because it is up to the leaders to indicate the ways.
Hereditary nobility
The Western nobility is, in its general tendency, a closed order based on the family. The family not only has the commonality of blood, but also as a perpetual body and a perpetual soul. The body consists of the family wealth that each generation receives from the ancestors as a sacred deposit, to be preserved religiously, to be increased and faithfully transmitted to future generations. The soul consists of traditions, that is, in the ideas of the ancestors, in their feelings and their customs. The inheritance, due to the continuity it assures the social body, is a minor imitation of divine perenniality.
In normal times, work and austerity, preserved and increased property, enter the merchant class: nobility requires other virtues, of a higher order. The political power that tends to ensure also a true spiritual authority, asserts itself in complete independence from all power that is linked to wealth. Not the power of the wealth, but power over the wealth. Those who cover the highest offices of the state should be those who do not know what it means to earn money, and who are quite capable of feeling the joy and the pride of being admitted to serving the King.
The differentiation of men on the basis of money is the most insolent of differentiations, and can not create hierarchy other than a hierarchy of resentments and hatreds.
Dúnadan and Northmen noble titles
There are many lords and ladies, potentates, magnates, and patricians in the Reunited Kingdom who trace their lineage through thousands of years of history, claiming descent from some ancient king, or relation to some obscure prince. Dúnedain use an articulated titles and ranks system with Sindarin names.
Dúnadan nobility can be found wherever there is a significant Dúnadan population. In particular, the Dúnadan nobility is obviously present all across Gondor and especially concentrated in Gondorian cities, as well as in Ithilien, Anfalas, Belfalas, Lamedon, and Blackroot Vale. Other regions of Gondor do have Dúnadan nobility, but in a minor proportion on the overall population. However, Dúnadan nobility is found also in notable cities of Eriador, such as Tharbad and Lond Daer, as well as north of Brandywine, and especially in the Angle, Rhudaur, and next to the Evendim Hills, Arthedain.
Northmen have a reduced variety of noble titles, their kingdoms and realms being quite flattened. Whenever Northmen live in the Reunited Kingdom, they keep their own titles and ranks.
Ernil
The title of Ernil (Sindarin for "Prince") is a noble title granted to suzerain rulers who acknowledge the supremacy of the High King and sworn to him by an oath of fealty, but still undisputed in authority within his local bounds. The granting of the dignity of Ernil entitles the holder to sit by his (or her) own right in the Council of the Sceptre. There are two Ernil within the Kingdom of Gondor: Ernil of Dol Amroth (who rules Dor-en-Ernil) and Ernil of Ithilien.
In the Reunited Kingdom there are also some Ernil who are granted the title of Ernil: these tribal lords and chiefs rule autonomously over their people, but are not kings in the perfect right. They are known as Nostûr (the Sindarin form for "Chief of a People") and are acknowledged political leadership over a common ethnic group but without full royal rank. Of these, the most famous examples of Ernil Nostûr are the four Hobbit leaders, who are customarily granted the title of Ernil-i-Periannath (Prince of the Halflings) and thus summoned to Councils both of Arnor and of the Sceptre.
All Ernil are granted the dignity of Prime Swordsman (Sindarin: Mainmagor).
Lords
Lord is a dignity and a title given to a person who controls authority. It is most commonly referred to as a title of nobility, but may also be given as a courtesy those in a position of power or influence, an honorific usage distinct from the grant of the actual rank of lordship, which is typically assumed to be accompanied by a grant of lands or a castle. The title of lord is generally considered to be more prestigious than the title of knight. Lords hold certain legal rights directly from the High King, such as the right of pit and gallows and the right (which is also a duty) to deliver small justice in lands attributed to their jurisdiction, which knights do not have, and certain legal duties, such as raise troops in service to the High King.
The title of lord in conjunction with the House name is properly reserved for the legal head of the House. The use of the title as a courtesy sometimes applies to those wishing to show courtesy to a junior member of a noble House during conversation, by addressing them with the title of Lord in conjunction with their personal name.
The average nobleman is a country lordling, whose lands expand for a few kilometers, and who dominates over a few hundred people in the name of the High King. He has the task of collecting tributes from peasants and villages (rarely more than one), and is richer than anyone else, except perhaps the successful traders of his lands.
His wealth and power at his disposal, however, bring him many responsibilities. He must respond to the King (and his officials) for the maintenance of the Low Justice and of the order on his lands, defending his subjects against the assaults of evil creatures and bandits. To this end, many nobles negotiate with various mercenary companies, who provide their services in order to eliminate dangerous monsters or to hunt outlaws outside the reach of the lord's lawmen. Finally, if requested, he must be able to supply soldiers and weapons for the cause of his lord.
High nobility
The high nobility consists of most noble houses of preserved intact Dúnadan ancestry and heritage. That of Herenya (Quenya for Fortunate, blessed) is a style used by descendants of one of the 30 surviving Númenorean patrician families who came to the West with Elendil or even before. From a Númenorean point of view, they were close in rank with the House of Valandil, but as members of the Faithful faction all these families accepted the leadership of the Lords of Andúnië well before the final Downfall of Númenor. More than three thousand years after, surviving families maintain their prominent status, often serving as marrying pool for the Kings.
A Hîratar (loosely translated as Count) is a major landholder who has received a perpetual right of jurisdiction over his lands in lieu of services rendered to the Winged Crown.[1] There are very few Hîratarin the Reunited Kingdom: the most known is the Prince of Dol Amroth, but also the Prince of Ithilien (in his capacity as Lord of Emyn Arnen). All Hîratarin are also part of the Herenya. Currently, all Hîratarin also sit in the Council of the Sceptre, as well as in the council of the relevant realm.
Dúnadan Nobility
Dúnadan nobility which has preserved its own Númenorean heritage is divided into three classes: Hiraglân (Border Lord), Arthîr (High Lord) and Hîr (Lord). Also non-Dúnedain other than Northmen may be granted these titles.
Hiraglân (pl. Hiraglannin), in the Reunited Kingdom, is the highest-ranking hereditary title in the Dúnadan nobility outside the High Nobility. In early Third Age, both in Arnor (until T.A. III Century) and in Gondor (until T.A. IX Century), Hiraglannin were in charge of large swaths of territory as King's officials and commanders. Nowadays, only the concept of being the local deputy if the King remains. A Hiraglân thus outranks all other holders of titles of nobility. All Hiraglânnin are by right members of the council of their own realm, of their own province and of their own Drann. If the province has not a dedicated council, they have the right to be heard about matters pertaining their own domains. Non-royal Hiraglânnin without state offices or positions generally take precedence before all other nobility, in order of date of creation, but after royalty and certain officers of state. All Hiraglannin are granted the dignity of Prime Swordsman (Sindarin: Mainmagor).
Arthîr (pl. Arthirin) is the second noble title of the Dúnadan nobility, below the Hîraglân and above the Hîr. Traditionally, every Arthîr is associated with a Drann, even if the governing authority lies with the Condir i Drann (a royal official). Thus every Arthîr has an association with some Drann, and very often a new creation of a title of Arthîr would take place in favour of the Drann where the new Arthîr already has large estates and local influence. No confusion could arise by calling someone Arthîr of a Drann, Arthîr of the chief town of the Drann, or Arthîr of some other prominent place in the Drann; these all imply the same. Every Arthîr has the right to sit in the council of his own Province and of his own Drann. If the province has not a dedicated council, they have the right to be heard about matters pertaining their own domains.
Hîr (Lord) or Hiril (Lady) are both styles and titles. As a style, it is used in formal speech of all holders of a dignity, wardship of a royal domain, and in colloquial speech, of all landed gentry. The Laws of the West states that no commoner can ever be a Hîr, unless in the occasion that he is appointed to such position. A Bŷr (Vassal) is a Hîr who owes his feudal loyalty to the High King as his own liege-lord from immemorial times (and as such are found mostly in Anorien). A Hîr has the right to be heard by the relevant Condir-i-Drann.
Northmen nobility
Northmen titles are used to reward those who have distinct Northmen's heritage, deemed worth of a distinction from lesser men. There are three classes: Eorl, Thain and Brego. An Eorl is a high-ranking royal official in Northmen's kingdoms, and, in the Reunited Kingdom, is an aristocratic title and holds command of the army of the lands under his control on behalf of his overlord. Eorls are found mostly in Minhriath and Arthedain, because only prominent Northmen lords attain this rank and only in these regions Northmen still live in concentrated areas. All Eorls are by right members of the council of their own realm and of their own province. If the province has not a dedicated council, they have the right to be heard about matters pertaining their own domains. Eorls without state offices or positions generally take precedence before all other nobility, in order of date of creation, but after royalty, certain officers of state, and Hiraglânnin.
A Thain is an aristocratic retainer of a king or lord. They are the majority of the aristocracy below the rank of Eorl. In the Reunited Kingdom, Thains are quite widespread from Enedwaith and upwards and in northern marches of Rhovanion subject ot the Reunited Kingdom (where they are in close relation with other Northmen). The title of the Hobbit Thain is the very same title, although the latter's status have increased over last centuries. Every Thain has the right to sit in the council of his own Province and of his own Drann. If the province has not a dedicated council, they have the right to be heard about matters pertaining their own domains. Thains come after Arthirin.
A Brego is a local lord like the Hîr. A particular group of Brego exists in Rhovanion. In this region, most Brego are warrior-princes: they rule small fiefdoms and are also like clan leaders.
Knights
A knight is a sworn cavalryman, who accepts to dedicate his own life to martial service; the fact that a knight dedicates his whole life to martial service, earns him the seniority over the basic soldier. The knight is member of a warrior tradition that is heavily interwoven in the culture of the West, especially in Arno and its successor kingdoms. Knights occupy a social standing between that of lords and commoners. Any man can be knighted, no matter their birth. Social pressure keeps knighthood from being exploited by unscrupulous knights who might give the accolade for money. Knighthood is seen as a martial position, so even the sons of powerful lords are not necessarily knighted if they are incapable of fulfilling the requirements. Further, a young knight's repute partially derives from the honor of the man who conferred knighthood on him. Receiving your knighthood from a High King, prince, prominent noble, or legendary hero holds great prestige.
Although inferior to the lord, the title of a knight has its own prestige. A landed knight is a knight that takes residence in a keep with accompanying land. They have their own peasants and men-at-arms and may take sworn swords. However, landed knights are sworn to fight for the High King and for the lord who holds dominion over their land.
Although knights are often ranked below lords, certain landed knights might actually be more powerful or wealthier than lesser lords. Especially landed knights who come from ancient houses, and who have extensive lands and a large, strong castle may actually be more powerful than many smaller lordlings. Lordly houses can be reduced to landed knights as punishment from the High King.
In the High King's Army, Rochbin Companies are actually military Orders (Quenya: Heren) which are given a predefinite form in order to be deployed alongside other regular troops. These knightly Orders are brotherhoods of armoured warriors who ride into battle atop barded warhorses into battle. To be or become a Knight is also to be or become one of the most elite warriors the Empire has to offer.
A Rochben (pl. Rochbin, literally horse-rider) in the Reunited Kingdom is a knight. Rochbin have right to sit in the local councils of their own districts of residence and to serve in the cavalry forces of the High King. Membership among the Rochbin is hereditary, provided that the blood qualifications are met. A body of privileges belong to the Order, their wives and their unremarried widows, including the right to be tried by fellow peers, the right to carry a long sword in public and the right to be exempt from civil arrest. A Dúnadan commoner may be knighted and raised to the Equestrian Order for his merits, if he meets property qualification and testify that at least three of his four grandparents are of Dúnadan blood. The new Rochben is given a small keep somewhere in the Reunited Kingdom (usually in Arnor, where manpower and loyal tenants are most needed), and possibly a small garrison of soldiers under his own command.
It is to note that, similarly to the word Rohan, Gondorian Sindarin drops the "c" in Rochben and Rochbin, resulting therefore in a pronunciation more similar to Rohben and Rohbin, respectively.
A Rídend is the basic member of the war professionals class, on an equal level (at least in name) to the Dúnadan title of Rochben. A commoner may be raised to Rídend status for his merits. The new Rídend is given a small keep somewhere in the Reunited Kingdom (usually in Arnor, where manopwer and loyal tenants are most needed), and maybe a small garrison of soldiers under his own command.
A dialectic between centre and periphery
The aristocracy of the Reunited Kingdom is of various origins. Basically, two general groups can be distinguished: the aristocracy of the court, first of the KIngs of Gondor, then of the Steward of Gondor and finally of the High King, and aristocracy hailing from provinces.
In the first group, the Gondorian nobility represents the great majority, also given the condition of depopulation of the other lands until the end of the Third Age. Traditionally, the aristocracy of the Shire is also included in the Court nobility, due to the traditional appointment of the Took and Brandybuck families as royal councillors. Court nobility is traditionally connected to dominance in high administrative positions. The provincial aristocracy, of a military tendency, is instead more varied within it. The southern houses represent its central nucleus, but Arnorian and Enedwaith aristocracy has experienced considerable growth and roots in the last century. Arnorian nobility is of two origins: descendants of the Rangers of the North, the so-called Grey Nobility, and members of surviving communities, or new rising families.
The relations between the two main groups are characterized by an awareness of mutual differences, however attenuated by other lines of distinction within the nobility: Gondor and Arnor, older and recent nobility, and so on. Furthermore, the separation between the two groups is relatively evident, due to some reasons. On the one hand, there is the inclination of the court nobility to build autonomous centres of power separate from the capital and, at the same time, a part of the provincial aristocracy resides permanently or frequently in the two capitals. On the other hand, some groups of the provincial aristocracy (for example in Anórien or on the Evendim Hills) have or have developed a profound familiarity with central power. However, far from being characterised by lack of mutual understanding, the relations between the two groups of the aristocracy are instead very fluid, open to multiple solutions and often marked by refined marriage strategies.
Patronage
Client houses are noble families and landed knights that have sworn vows of service and loyalty to another house far more prominent in exchange for the latter’s protection, support, and aid in times of trouble. While promises bind the client house to the patron house, such vows can be tested when personal ambitions get in the way of honour and duty. Betrayals, while uncommon since the consequences can be severe, can and do occur. The relationship between a prominent noble house (usually part of the Herenya) and his vassal is somewhat similar to the relationship that the head of the house has with his retainer. Client houses are sworn to provide support to their overlord; the benefit of the client house is that it has to be supported when in need. However, they are not blindly obedient, and though client houses are sworn to their patron house, their interests usually come first.
Patronage relationships between noble houses are not very common, because each lord is firstly sworn directly to the High King and knights are mainly military appointments. However, especially in Gondor where nobility is very stratified, power relationships between different houses are almost inevitable.
Insignia of rank and status
The Western society is highly stratified and social hierarchy has an important place. Some insignia, such as crowns and coronets, berets and other ornaments are officially reserved, by law and by custom, to certain categories.
| Headgear rank insignia | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monarchy |  High King Crown of Gondor |
 High King Elendilmir of Arnor | ||||
 Crown Pince | ||||||
| High Nobility |  Hîratar |
 Herenya | ||||
| Nobility |  Hiraglân/Eorl |
 Arthîr/Thain |
 Hîr/Brego | |||
| Knight | ||||||
Dignities of the King
Connected to services provided or to positions held, there is a number of Royal Dignities bestowed individually. These dignities are granted both in order to recognise services and to dispense favours and allotments.
- Prime Swordsman (Mainmagor): granted to the Steward of the West and to the Great Officers of the Realm;
- Master (Heron): usually granted to members of the Council of the Sceptre;
- Father (Adar): usually granted to members of the Council of Arnor and of the Council of Gondor;
- Prime Companion (Maingovod): usually granted to senior officials, provincial heads and senior military leaders;
- Swordsman (Magor);
- Companion (Govod);
- Cup-bearer (Yulma Colindo);
- Follower (Aphadon).