Who erected the grand statues known as the Argonath and why?

[Éomond]

If I think that's what they're called (the two status[sp.] of Isildur and Elendil that the Fellowship rides past to Amon Hen/Falls of Rauros)
So, my question is: Who made them and Why were they built? I'm not really sure why. And I think Men made them?

 

[Mithlond]

The Argonath; the pillars of the kings, are actually of Isildur and Anárion.
They were built by the Númenoreans and basically just stood as the northern boarder of Gondor.

 

[HLGStrider]

They were warning people not to go over the falls in a barrel.... basically.

 

[Éomond]

Ok, thanks guys. But why Isildur and not his farther and who was Anárion?

 

[HLGStrider]

Anarion was Isildur's brother.... Anarion was the King of Gondor. Isildur was the king of Anor.

 

[Húrin Thalion]

Pretty large warning signs huh? Don't think the Germans would collect them as they dio with moosewarning signs in Sweden though!

Húrin Thalion

 

[Rúmil]

I think they were just meant to look good and to tell anywone who wouldn't know yet 'Gondor is great! admire it!'

 

[lossenandunewen]

Originally posted by HLGStrider
They were warning people not to go over the falls in a barrel.... basically.

that's really funny to me because i live somewhat near niagra falls, and they actually have barrel ride simulators or something along those lines

 

[BlackCaptain]

they were made to warn people:

From the Encyclopedia of Arda:

Two mighty statues, carved in the likenesses of Isildur and Anárion, that guarded the passage of the Great River Anduin. They marked the ancient northern border of Gondor

and that makes sense, seeing as how Isildur and Anarion founded Gondor. It sais "Welcome to Gondor" basically

 

[Éomond]

Oh yes, Anarion, I remeber him now
I think the statues could have also show the power the Gondor.
Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[Goldberry]

From Appendix A, RoTK, part iv, Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion:

"Minalcar therefore in 1248 led out a great force, and between Rhovanion and the Inland Sea he defeated a large army of the Easterlings and destroyed all their camps and settlements east of the Sea. He then took the name of Romendacil.

On his return Romendacil fortified the west shore of Anduin as far as the inflow of the Limlight, and forbade any stranger to pass down the River beyond the Emyn Muil. He it was that built the pillars of the Argonath at the entrance to Nen Hithoel."