Aranarth was the first Chieftain of Northern Dunedain. His father was Arvedui, the last king of Arnor. When the Witch-king attacked Arnor and captured the capital city of Fornost in TA 1974, Aranarth, like most of his people, escaped westwards across the River Lhûn into Lindon.

Hearing no news of their father, Círdan sent a ship to Forochel to save him, but it never returned. It was later learned that the ship had rescued Arvedui, but had been lost with him aboard in the northern seas.

Aranarth was then heir to the throne but he forsook the title of king as he had no people to rule anymore. Instead became the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain.

He gave his son Arahael to be fostered by Elrond in Rivendell, thus starting the tradition which also included Aragorn.
Encyclopedia entry originally written by Perathion