First, on the subject of homelands;
I have a hard time accepting the statement from Tolkien that the Dúnedain lived in En Egladil after the fall of Arthedain.
Supporting factors, it is some of the most fertile lands of Eriador (if I remember correctly), it is near to Imladris, it is close to the area of most imminent danger and incursions (consequently giving short supply lines) and it is in an area that The Dark Lord would not really believe that they would live in, not be much focused on and they would thus easier be able to pass themselves off as just another mannish tribe.
Opposing factors, it is close to the area of imminent danger and incursions and the entire nation/race could be annihilated in one single successful invasion. It is far from the traditional homelands of the Faithful and far from the areas that needs guarding the most (Bree and the Shire) and far from the Elves of Lindon and their support (I believe they are more numerous than those of Rivendell??).
Now those factors more or less outweighs eachother (IMNSHO), but, as stated belopw, Aragorn "The Ranger" does not seem to know the lands around the Great East Road very well, however much he has bimpled around outside Eriador, I do not think that he would have forgotten the well-trodden paths of his childhood and youth (I know I have not, though many would claim that I am still young at 29). Further, where are the Rangers patrolling and guarding the road? Their logistics bases? and even the tracks of them (Aragorn would probably have been able to track even his skilled compatriots)? And why is Glorfindel not accompanied by a small patrol of them?
Anyway, where else could they possibly live?
I believe En Egladil likely enough, but I believe that the Hills around Lake Nenuial are even more likely. A central base in the traditional heartlands of the Faithful, close to their zone of operations and close to logistic support from the Shire and Bree, as well as close enough to the Elves of Lindon to be able to gain support from these, and far enough away from the Misty Mountains that the Orks would have a hard time mounting a campaign (Golfimbul- or whatever his name was learned the hard way).
Another possibility is the lands adjacent to Lindon where they could dwell in the peace and "healthy elven spirit" of that realm.
Tolien's express statement can concievably have been made without consideration, and he would have been later forced to much pondering on the matter and to make repancy in his statements, the impressions of LotR, and the genral history of Eriador. This has happened before (Glorfindel and, IMO, Númenorans/Egyptians and probably many others)
Comments and thoughts???
NT
Any comments and thoughts are welcome.