Númenor
History of Númenor
Númenor, also known as Westernesse, was a legendary island kingdom in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. It was located in the Great Sea, between Middle-earth and the Undying Lands. The island was gifted to the Edain, the Men who had aided the Elves in the wars against Morgoth during the First Age. Númenor's history is marked by its rise to power, its golden age, and its eventual downfall.
Foundation and Early Years
Númenor was established at the beginning of the Second Age, around the year SA 32. The island was a gift from the Valar, the god-like beings who governed the world, to the Edain. The first king of Númenor was Elros Tar-Minyatur, a half-Elven, half-human descendant of the House of Eärendil. Elros chose to live as a mortal and was granted an extended lifespan, ruling Númenor for over 400 years.
The early years of Númenor were characterized by rapid growth and development. The Númenóreans were skilled mariners and shipbuilders, and they quickly established trade routes and colonies in Middle-earth. They maintained close ties with the Elves of Tol Eressëa and received guidance and knowledge from them.
The Golden Age
The golden age of Númenor began around the year SA 600 and lasted for nearly 1500 years. During this period, Númenor reached the height of its power and influence. The Númenóreans became renowned for their advanced technology, architecture, and knowledge. They built magnificent cities, such as Armenelos, the capital, and Rómenna, a major port.
The Númenóreans also became great explorers, sailing far and wide across the seas. They established colonies and outposts in Middle-earth, bringing their culture and technology to the lands of Men. The kings of Númenor were wise and just, and the people lived in peace and prosperity.
However, as their power grew, so did their pride. The Númenóreans began to resent the Ban of the Valar, which forbade them from sailing west to the Undying Lands. This resentment would eventually lead to their downfall.
The Downfall
The downfall of Númenor began in the later years of the Second Age. The Númenóreans became increasingly obsessed with the idea of immortality and began to resent the Elves and the Valar for their eternal lives. This obsession was fueled by Sauron, the Dark Lord, who had been captured by the Númenóreans and brought to Númenor as a prisoner.
Sauron quickly gained influence over the king, Ar-Pharazôn, and corrupted him and his followers. He convinced them that they could achieve immortality by conquering the Undying Lands. In SA 3319, Ar-Pharazôn launched a massive fleet to invade the Undying Lands. This act of defiance led to the cataclysmic destruction of Númenor.
The island was swallowed by the sea, and most of its inhabitants perished. However, a small group of faithful Númenóreans, led by Elendil and his sons, escaped the destruction and sailed to Middle-earth. They founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, continuing the legacy of Númenor.
Geography and Architecture
Númenor was a large, star-shaped island with five peninsulas extending from a central region. The island was divided into several regions, each with its own unique geography and features.
Regions
- **Andustar**: The western region, known for its forests and fertile lands.
- **Hyarnustar**: The southwestern region, characterized by its rugged coastline and highlands.
- **Hyarrostar**: The southeastern region, known for its vineyards and orchards.
- **Orrostar**: The northeastern region, with its rolling hills and fertile plains.
- **Forostar**: The northern region, known for its mountains and rocky terrain.
The central region, Mittalmar, was the heart of Númenor and home to the capital city, Armenelos. The island's highest peak, Meneltarma, was located in Mittalmar and was considered a sacred place.
Architecture
Númenórean architecture was renowned for its grandeur and sophistication. The cities and buildings of Númenor were constructed using advanced techniques and materials, resulting in structures that were both beautiful and durable.
- **Armenelos**: The capital city, known for its grand palaces, temples, and public buildings. The city was a center of culture and learning.
- **Rómenna**: A major port city on the eastern coast, known for its shipyards and bustling trade.
- **Andúnië**: A city on the western coast, known for its close ties with the Elves and its beautiful architecture.
The Númenóreans also built impressive fortresses and watchtowers along their coasts and borders, ensuring the security of their island kingdom.
Society and Culture
Númenórean society was highly advanced and sophisticated, with a rich culture that blended elements of Elvish and human traditions.
Social Structure
Númenórean society was hierarchical, with the king at the top, followed by the nobility, and then the common people. The nobility was composed of powerful families who held large estates and wielded significant influence.
The Númenóreans were also divided into two main factions: the King's Men, who were loyal to the king and opposed the Ban of the Valar, and the Faithful, who remained loyal to the Valar and maintained close ties with the Elves.
Language
The primary language of Númenor was Adûnaic, a language developed by the Edain during the First Age. However, many Númenóreans also spoke Quenya and Sindarin, the languages of the Elves. Adûnaic was used for everyday communication, while Quenya and Sindarin were used for formal occasions and scholarly pursuits.
Religion
The Númenóreans worshipped Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme deity of Tolkien's legendarium, and revered the Valar as his servants. The most important religious site on the island was the Meneltarma, the sacred mountain where the Númenóreans would gather for important ceremonies and festivals.
However, in the later years of Númenor, the influence of Sauron led to the worship of Melkor, the fallen Vala, and the practice of dark rituals and sacrifices.
Arts and Sciences
Númenórean culture was rich in arts and sciences. The Númenóreans were skilled craftsmen, producing exquisite works of art, jewelry, and weapons. They were also accomplished musicians, poets, and scholars.
In the field of science, the Númenóreans made significant advancements in astronomy, medicine, and engineering. They built impressive ships and navigational instruments, allowing them to explore the far reaches of the world.
Legacy
The legacy of Númenor lived on through the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, founded by the survivors of the island's destruction. The Númenórean influence can be seen in the architecture, language, and culture of these kingdoms.
The downfall of Númenor also served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the pursuit of power. The story of Númenor is a central theme in Tolkien's legendarium, illustrating the complex relationship between Men, Elves, and the divine beings of Middle-earth.