Born in TA 2600, Ecthelion was the son of Orodreth. Ecthelion succeeded his father as Steward in TA 2685. Although, the Corsairs of Umbar were the major threat to Gondor at the time, the most notable event during his reign was the rebuilding of the White Tower in Minas Tirith. In his honour it later became known as the White Tower of Ecthelion. Ecthelion I died childless in TA 2698 at the age of ninety-eight. Since, Ecthelion I had no children at the time of his death, after his death the Stewardship of Gondor passed to Egalmoth, Ecthelion's nephew.