The realm was established early in the Second Age, and Elros Half-elven, son of Eärendil, and brother of Elrond and descendant of all the royal houses of Elves and Edain, became the first King of Númenor, an absolute monarch. Under his rule, and those of his descendants, the Númenóreans rose to become a powerful people, friendly with Elves, both of Eressëa and of Middle-earth. The Elves of Eressëa brought gifts including skills and plants. Among these gifts were seven palantíri, magical orbs that could foresee the future, for the Lords of Andúnië.