Born in TA 2886, Ecthelion was the son of Turgon. Ecthelion succeeded his father when he died in TA 2953 at the age of ninety-eight years. When news of Turgon's death reached Saruman he declared himself Lord of Isengard and took possession of Orthanc which he then fortified. Ecthelion was a Steward of great wisdom but was powerless to prevent the appropriation of Isengard and Orthanc, so he did what he could to strengthen Gondor's defences with what limited resources he possessed, and supplemented Gondor's diminished forces by encouraging outsiders and foreigners that possessed a good character to enter into the service of Gondor and Ecthelion rewarded those individuals that proved their worth.