The Three towers had been built by Gil-galad in the early Second Age to survey the heights, warn of enemies and overlook the distant bay, though the Elves did found more pleasing accomodations in the scattered forests of the hills. After the return of the Numenorean mariners to Middle-earth, they were permitted to use the towers for astronomical observation. This license was extended and a permanent settlement of the Faithful lived at the Towers between the dissolution of the Venturers and the Downfall. When Elendil decided on the placement of the palantiri, it was found that the orb viewed from Elostirion, the tallest of the three towers, could pierce the shroud that shielded Eldamar from mortal eyes, and look upon the peak of Andoróthe tip of Meneltarma, now a mere basalt islet or sea-mo