Elendil brought seven Palantiri, or the "Far-seeing" from Numenor to Middle-Earth. He kept three; Isildur had two; Anarion had two. They were placed in Elostirion in the Tower Hills, Annuminas, Amon Sul(Weathertop), Minas Anor, Minas Ithil, Osgiliath and Orthanc.

The palantiri placed in Annuminas and Amon Sul were taken by Arvedui, who died in the cold waters of Forochel, and the palantiri sank into the deep sea.

The palantir at Minas Anor remained there throughout the ages. Denethor, the last Steward, held it with him as he burned himself on a pyre. After that, the only thing seen through the palantir was a pair of old hands wreathed in fire.

When Minas Ithil was taken over by the Nazgul, the palantir was taken also. THis palantir Sauron kept, and used it often.

The palantir placed in Osgiliath fell into the deep waters of Anduin when the city was under attack from Mordor’s forces.

The palantir at Orthanc was used in after days by Saruman, who used it to see things far away.

The last palantir, the one in Elostirion, remained there throughout the long ages. At the last, Cirdan took it and put it in the ship in which he, Elrond and some others set sail to the West.

Eldarion