Araval was the thirteenth King of Arthedain and the son of Arveleg II. He was born into a time of war and strife, for at the time of his birth his father's realm of Arthedain had been under threat from the land of Angmar for more than 400 years.
Araval followed in the footsteps of past kings and played his part in the war with Angmar. The Lord of the Rings tells us nothing of his roles, but The History of Middle-earth hints that he was a diplomat and a warrior. In alliance with the Elves of Lindon and Imladris, he won at least one important battle against the Witch-king of Angmar.
In the end Araval's bravery counted for little historically. His grandson Arvedui, who was born in Araval's lifetime and just 13 years after his great victory, was alive to see the final destruction of the kingdom of Arthedain.
Araval ruled Arthedain for seventy-eight years, and was succeeded by his son Araphant.