In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Denethor rules the kingdom of Gondor as its Steward.
Gondor is one of the major realms of Men in Middle-earth. It is founded in the Second Age by Elendil’s sons, Isildur and Anárion, after the survivors of Númenor reach Middle-earth. The kingdom’s chief city is Minas Tirith, which becomes the center of resistance against Sauron.
Denethor II is the twenty-sixth and last ruling Steward of Gondor. Stewards govern in the absence of a king, and Denethor’s family has held that office for generations. He is a capable but increasingly despairing leader during the War of the Ring, especially after using the palantír and seeing Sauron’s strength.
Gondor is distinct from Rohan, the neighboring horse-lords’ kingdom. Arnor is the northern kingdom founded by Elendil, while Mordor is Sauron’s realm. Aragorn’s return eventually restores Gondor’s kingship.