The Northern Kingdoms

[ArquenoSingollo72]

Thank You FlimFlamSam, I've Been Studying The Subject For 25 Years And Triplets Never Entered My (Empty) Head. It Really Would Explain It All, I Read D. Martinez's Essays On Arnor But His Theories (Although Very Good) Never Entirely Convinced Me. On A Similar Subject I Read Somewhere That Atanatar Alcarin's Sons And Successors Narmacil & Calmacil Were Twins And Ruled Jointly, Thank You Again FlimFlamSam.

[FlimFlamSam]

Hey, no problem. Glad it helped.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by FlimFlamSam

There are several instances given of twins being born in Middle-earth history.
Why not a case of triplets?

The only real information given about Amlaith is that he is credited as "eldest son".
You could theorize that triplets might all feel to have the same claim to the crown, and decided to split the kingdom 3-ways as an answer.

I suppose that's possible. If so, however, it must have been an unprecedented event in the history of the Dúnedain, else one would think there would have been guidelines in place to deal with it, such as the first one out of the womb being considered "eldest".

Originally Posted by ArquenoSingollo72

On A Similar Subject I Read Somewhere That Atanatar Alcarin's Sons And Successors Narmacil & Calmacil Were Twins And Ruled Jointly, Thank You Again FlimFlamSam.

That does not appear to be the case. Appendix A to ROTK states that Narmacil I succeeded Atanatar. Being childless, Narmacil was in turn succeeded by his younger brother Calmacil.

[Galadriel55]

Even without having twins and triplets there could be disputes over the throne. Let's say there are three brothers, or cousins, or whatever - and each thinks that they are meant to be the King, if not by bloodline, then by their abilities. They think they are best fit to be King, they deserve to be King. Who cares if the "rightful heir" is your older brother when you can be a much better King than him?

I always imagined this to be the likeliest scenario.