The Stewards of Gondor were firstly the chief high councillors to the Kings of Gondor and then the rulers of Gondor, until the return of the rightful king (Aragorn Elessar). First created by the powerful King Rómendacil I, Steward was the traditional title of a chief counsellor to the Kings of Gondor. He was usually an elderly man not from the Royal House chosen for his wisdom and integrity, and was never permitted to go to war nor to go abroad. During the time of the Steward Pelendur, from the famous House of Húrin, the title became hereditary, passing the station of counsellor from father to son, much like the Kingship.