Araval was the thirteenth King of Arthedain. He was born during a time of war and strife since Arthedain had by then been under threat of attack from Angmar for around 400 years.

There is no information about Araval's rule in The Lord of the Rings, but in Histories of Middle-earth - Volume 12, there are hints that during the wars with Angband, Araval may have been a diplomat and a warrior. If we believe this is true, then it appears that he fought and won at least one key battle against the Witch-king of Angmar. He also attempted to re-colonize Cardolan, but this was prevented by the spirits who occupied the mounds in Tyrn Gorthad.

Araval reigned from TA 1813 until TA 1891. He was succeeded by his son Araphant.
Encyclopedia entry originally written by Nienna-of-the-Valar