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{{race
{{disambig-two|the inhabitants of Númenor|descendants they had on [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Third Age]]|[[Dúnedain]]}}
|image=[[Image:Ivan Ulicny - The Age of Numenor.jpg|300px]]
{{people infobox
|name=Númenóreans
| name=Númenóreans
|dominions=[[Númenor]], [[Eriador]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], [[Pelargir]], later [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]
| image=[[File:Steamey - Ar-Pharazôn.jpg|250px]]
|languages= [[Adûnaic]] (native tongue), [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]]  
| caption="Ar-Pharazôn" by [[:Category:Images by Steamey|Steamey]]
|height=Taller than other [[Men]]
| pronun={{respell|noo|meh|noh|reh-ans}}
|length=
| othernames=''Adûnâi'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]), ''Núnatani'' ([[Quenya|Q]]), ''[[Dúnedain]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Go-hilleg'' ([[Dunlendish|D]]), ''[[Tarkil|Tarkildi]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br>
|skincolor=
Kings of Men, Men of Númenor, Men of the Sea, Men of Westernesse, Mighty of the West, Sea-kings, Tall Men
|haircolor=
| origin=[[Edain]] of [[Beleriand]] granted a new homeland by the [[Valar]] after the [[War of Wrath]]
|feathers=
| location=[[Númenor]], [[Eriador]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], [[Pelargir]], later [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]
|distinctions=Alliance with the [[Elves]], advanced technology, longer lifespan
| affiliation=[[Faithful]], [[King's Men]], [[Realms in Exile]], [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]
|lifespan= Line of Elros, 400 years. Other lines, 200 years
| rivalry=[[Sauron]]
|members=[[Elros|Elros]], [[Aldarion]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]]   
| language=[[Adûnaic]], [[Númenórean Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]
|}}
| members=[[Elros]], [[Tar-Aldarion]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]]   
<center>{{quote|So great was the might and splendor of the Númenóreans that Sauron's own servants deserted him.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]}}</center>
| lifespan=Númenóreans - c. 200+ years<ref name=Line>{{UT|Kings}}</ref></br>[[Kings of Númenor]] - c. 400 years (later diminished)<ref name=Line/><br/>''[[#Characteristics|See below]]''
'''Númenóreans''' were the [[Men]] of [[Númenor]], descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who were granted the island of [[Elenna]] as a dwelling place. They turned against the [[Valar]], and their island home was destroyed in the last years of the [[Second Age]].
| distinctions=The mightiest of [[Men]] in both nobility and body
| height=Tall, typically 7 feet.<ref name=Dwarves>{{PM|X}}</ref>
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Bows<ref name=Description>{{UT|3}}, p. 170</ref>
}}
<center>{{quote|So great was the might and splendour of the Númenóreans that Sauron's own servants deserted him.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]}}</center>
'''Númenóreans''' or '''[[Dúnedain]]''' were the [[Men]] of [[Númenor]], descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who were granted the island of [[Elenna]] as a dwelling place. Eventually, they turned against the [[Valar]], and their island home was destroyed in the last years of the [[Second Age]].


==Prologue==
==Origins==
{{seealso|Edain}}
The Númenóreans were descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who proved themselves great allies of the [[Elves]], from whom they gathered knowledge of all things surrounding them. The two races fought together against [[Morgoth]].


When the [[Sun]] rose for the first time upon [[Middle-earth]], a new race began its existence in the land called [[Hildórien]]. They were the race of [[Men]], [[Secondborn]] from the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Those that marched West into [[Beleriand]] during the [[First Age]] were called the [[Edain]] and proved themselves to be allies of the [[Elves]], from whom they gathered knowledge of all things surrounding them. Three were the main Houses of the Edain: [[House of Bëor]], first to cross [[Ered Luin]], [[House of Haleth]] and [[House of Hador]], last to cross the mountains towards West, each having distinct features and different ways of life.
During that Age, unions of Elves and Men were made; [[Lúthien]] and [[Beren]] whose son, [[Dior|Dior Eluchíl]], married [[Nimloth of Doriath]] and [[Elwing]] was born. [[Idril]] and [[Tuor]], the second couple, were parents of [[Eärendil]]. Elwing and Eärendil met at the [[Havens of Sirion]] and from their union twins were born: [[Elros]] and [[Elrond]]. To the two [[Half-elven|half-elves]], the Valar gave a choice: Elros chose to join the race of men, whereas Elrond chose to join the elves.


In the events that took place during the First Age, the two kindred races of [[Ilúvatar]], Men and Elves, fought together against the one common enemy, [[Morgoth]] and great were the casualties on either side. When the [[War of Wrath|last battle]] of the First Age was won by the forces of [[Valinor]], the Valar rewarded the Edain by giving them a place to dwell outside the troubled land of Middle-earth. It was called Elenna and later became known as the Island of Númenor. Set halfway between [[Endor]] and [[Aman]], it was there that the descendants from the three houses of Edain established the Kingdom of Númenor in [[Second Age 32|S.A. 32]], which would last and dominate all other mortal peoples throughout the entire Second Age.
The Edain fought with the [[Host of Valinor]] in the [[War of Wrath]] and were victorious, the Edain were honoured and blessed by [[Eönwë]] in body and mind for their part in the [[Wars of Beleriand|war]] and the [[Valar]] rewarded the Edain by giving them a place to dwell outside the troubled world of [[Middle-earth]]. [[Ulmo]] raised an island halfway between [[Endor]] and [[Aman]] which the Edain named [[Elenna]], later known as the island of [[Númenor]].<ref name=akallabeth>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>


==Line of Elros==  
The first ships of the Edain arrived to their new home in {{SA|32}} by following the [[Star of Eärendil]].<ref name=Line/> The fleet of Elros initially brought probably between 5,000 to 10,000 Edain to the island,<ref name=NM/> he established the Realm of Númenor and became the first [[King of Númenor]].<ref name=Line/> After a migration period that lasted at least 50 years, between 200,000 and 350,000 Men (the majority of the Edain in Middle-earth<ref>{{PM|V}}, §5</ref>) had gradually emigrated to Númenor.<ref name=NM>{{NM|P3xiii|}}, p. 339</ref>


[[Image:Hope Hoover - Elros sketch.jpg|thumb|''Elros sketch'' by [[Hope Hoover]].]]
==History==
Two couples formed between Men and Elves are of great importance for the history of Númenóreans. [[Lúthien Tinúviel|Lúthien]] and [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] was the first one. Their son, called [[Dior Eluchíl]], married [[Nimloth of Doriath]] and [[Elwing]] was born. [[Idril]] and [[Tuor]], the second of the two couples between Men and Elves, were parents of [[Eärendil the Mariner]]. Elwing and Eärendil met at the [[Havens of Sirion]] and from their union twins were born: [[Elros]] and [[Elrond]]. To the two [[Half-elven|half-elves]], the Valar gave a choice: to either live as Men or as Elves. While Elrond chose to live among the [[Firstborn]] of Ilúvatar, Elros joined the race of Men and he became the first [[King of Númenor]].
[[File:Turner Mohan - Númenórean Armor (early Second Age).jpg|thumb|''Númenórean Armor (early Second Age)'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]]
===Early history===
The Númenóreans built a mighty seafaring civilisation, their lore and craft were advanced and enriched by the knowledge of the [[Eldar]] and their body and mind grew in stature, gaining long life thrice more than the Men in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name=Line/> They excelled in 'ship-building and sea-craft' and became skilled mariners.<ref name=akallabeth/>


Númenóreans from the [[Line of Elros]] had right to inherit the [[Sceptre]] and thus become Rulers of Númenor. From the creation until the destruction of the Kingdom, twenty-five [[King of Númenor|Kings]] and [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Queens]] succeeded to the throne, all descendants of Elros. This blood line was also gifted with longer life than others. While the rest of the Númenóreans lived around 200 years, royal kindred had double life span, 400 years. In front of their names, the [[Quenya]] word ''[[Tar]]'' was added, which meant "royal" or "noble". The language of it was not random, for it shown once more their loyalty and alliance with the [[Eldar]]. When relations between the two races grew colder, the prefix was kept only for the sake of superstition, until finally it was dropped and in his place ''[[Ar]]'' was used, with the same meaning, only that the language was [[Adûnaic]].  
They held the Eldar in close friendship and the white ships from [[Tol Eressëa]] brought many gifts to Númenor such as birds, flowers, and healing herbs. One notable gift was a seedling of [[Celeborn, White Tree|Celeborn]], the White Tree of Tol Eressëa which grew at the courts of the King in [[Armenelos]] and it was named [[Nimloth (tree)|Nimloth]].<ref name=akallabeth/>


Númenóreans from the Line of Elros influenced their era in various ways:
===Return to Middle-earth===
Due to the fact that the [[Ban of the Valar]] restricted them from sailing [[Undying Lands|West]], the Númenóreans began to explore the eastern part of the [[Arda|world]], reaching the shores of Middle-earth in {{SA|600}}.<ref name=APSA>{{App|SA}}</ref> They sailed to [[Lindon]] and established a friendship with [[Gil-galad]] and the [[Elves of Lindon]].<ref name=UTAE3/>


*[[Tar-Aldarion]], a great mariner and Middle-earth explorer
The Men in [[Eriador]] were filled with wonder at their coming for the Men of Middle-earth had long lived under the [[Shadow]], a period known as the [[Dark Years]], and because of this they grew weak and fearful. The Númenóreans began to cultivate their new friends teaching them agriculture, stonemasonry and smithying.<ref name=akallabeth/> They also discovered that while their languages were different, they both had a common origin and were able to converse with each other over simple matters.<ref name=UTAE3>{{UT|4}}, note 3</ref> The Númenóreans never dwelt long in the shores of Middle-earth, but the [[Middle Men|Men]], who populated the western shores, were comforted. They revered the memory of the tall Sea-kings whom they remembered as gods hoping each time for their return.<ref name=akallabeth/>
*[[Tar-Ancalimë]], the first Ruling Queen of Númenor
[[Image:Eric Faure-Brac - Erendis.jpg|thumb|250px|left|''Erendis'' by Eric Faure-Brac]]
*[[Tar-Minastir]], defeated [[Sauron]] alongside [[Ereinion Gil-galad]]
In the following decades there was increased activity between Númenór and Middle-earth, mariners returning from their voyages brought with them ore and jewels. In {{SA|750}} the [[Guild of Venturers]] was founded by [[Aldarion]] and many young and eager men joined.<ref name>{{UT|4}}, Notes, Chronology</ref> Their vessels grew greater and larger and were now able to make far and long voyages.
*[[Ar-Belzagar]], first ruler to take an Adûnaic name
*[[Ar-Adûnakhôr]], banned the speaking of Quenya and severed relationships with the Eldar
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]], last in the line of rulers, whose kingship led directly to the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]]


==Lords of Andúnië==
Aldarion established [[Vinyalondë]] at the mouth of the [[Gwathló]], a haven for the purpose of repairs, ship building and collection of timber. The Númenóreans began to escalate their tree felling around the dense forests of [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]], but their enterprise created animosity between them and the [[Pre-Númenóreans|native men]] living there and the forest-dwellers attacked and ambushed the Númenóreans when they could until they were expelled from their forest homes. The Númenóreans wrecked the banks, the shorelines, great tracks and roads whom they drove into the forests northwards and southwards from the Gwathló and continued battling and destroying what lied ahead of them, pushing into Minhiriath and Enedwaith.<ref name=UTLD>{{UT|6d}}</ref>


After the Line of Elros those who held the most power in Númenor were the [[Lords of Andúnië|Lords of Andúnië]]. The eldest descendant of the fourth king [[Tar-Elendil]] was a woman, [[Silmariën]]. Due to the fact that during her time the law of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnatic_primogeniture agnatic primogeniture] existed, she could not succeed her father and instead her brother took up the [[Sceptre]] as [[Tar-Meneldur]]. In her honor was created the title "Lord of Andúnië", which was set upon her descendants. [[Valandil (Lord of Andúnië)|Valandil]] was her first son and the first to bear that title. Eighteen Lords of Andúnië there were in total, the last one being [[Amandil (Lord of Andúnië)|Amandil]], father of [[Elendil]]. Renowned for their friendship with the Eldar, they were considered leaders of the political party named [[Elendili]].
In {{SA|882}} Gil-galad warned [[Tar-Meneldur]] that a new shadow is rising in the East, instigated by a [[Sauron|servant]] of [[Morgoth]], and asked for aid when the time comes to help defend Eriador against this new threat.<ref name=Aldarion>{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref>{{rp|199-200}} The Númenóreans began the preparation of force and supplies for war.<ref name=CGC>{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>


==Law==
A millennium after the foundation of the Realm, the population seemed to have slightly exceeded 2 million Númenóreans.<ref name=NM/>


Of great importance was the [[Law of Succession in Númenor]], a set of rules meant to legally establish who would be the heir to the throne. It started out as an inherited custom, which gave exclusive rights to the male descendants of Elros. Tar-Aldarion, the sixth ruler of Númenor, due to the fact that he only had one daughter, replaced the principle of exclusive male heir with that of eldest progeny, of any gender and in [[Second Age 1075|S.A. 1075]] Tar-Ancalimë became the first ruling queen in the history of Númenor.  
In the early [[Second Age 1200|thirteenth century]] of the Second Age, the Númenóreans began establishing permanent settlements in Middle-earth.<ref name=APSA/> Later these settlements were under increased pressure from raiders as [[Sauron]] drew closer to the Númenórean sphere of influence. He recruited the [[Pre-Númenóreans|natives]] that had a hatred of Númenór and used them as spies and guides. Though Sauron had not enough force to assault the forts at the Haven or along the banks of the Gwathló his raiders wreaked havoc on the fringes of the forests, burning trees and wood-stores of the Númenóreans.<ref name=UTLD/>


Not an actual law, but respected as one was the [[Ban of the Valar]], which stated that Númenóreans should never sail West more than the limit of their sight when looking after the shores of Elenna. As the Second Age drew towards its end and the fear of death filled more and more the hearts of the Númenóreans, they sailed further away from the island, until finally the last king, Ar-Pharazôn, broke the Ban of the Valar in his attempt to reach [[Tol Eressëa]] out of the false belief that dwelling in that place granted immortality.
The Númenóreans participated in the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], though they arrived late to the conflict in {{SA|1700}}<ref name=APSA/> due to delays<ref name=CGC/> and when most of Eriador was already ruined. [[Tar-Minastir]]'s fleet turned the tide of the war and Sauron was decisively defeated in the [[Battle of the Gwathló]]. Sauron was forced to retreat to [[Mordor]] and vowed vengeance upon the Númenóreans and there was peace in the [[Westlands]].<ref name=CGC/>


==Politics==
===Shadow falls===
[[File:Turner Mohan - Númenórean Armor (late Second Age).jpg|thumb|''Númenórean Armor (late Second Age)'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]]
The first sign of the Shadow falling upon Númenór was said to have begun in the reign of Tar-Minastir, he loved the Eldar - and aided them in their most desperate hour against Sauron - but he also envied them.<ref name=Line/> Over time, the Númenóreans began questioning the [[Ban of the Valar]] and the [[Gift of Men]], and the fear of death crept into their hearts, so the [[Firstborn]] became envied for their immortality.<ref name=akallabeth/>


Númenor was a monarchy, which meant that the head of the state was the King or Queen. It was he who held the power of decision over the affairs of the state. However, there was also the executive branch, called the [[Council of the Sceptre]], composed from the Heir of the King and the lords from the six regions of Númenor: [[Forostar]] (''Northlands''), [[Andustar]] (''Westlands''), [[Hyarnustar]] (''Southwestlands''), [[Hyarrostar]] (''Southeastlands''), [[Orrostar]] (''Eastlands'') and [[Mittalmar]] (''Inlands'').
About {{SA|1800}}, the Númenóreans began establishing dominions on the coasts of Middle-earth and their attitude towards the Men of Middle-earth changed, where once they were teachers and friends they now subjugated them and levied heavy tribute to the the native populace, desiring wealth and power. This occurred during the reigns of [[Tar-Ciryatan]] and his son [[Tar-Atanamir]].<ref name=APSA/> It was during the reign of Tar-Atanamir that the Shadow upon Númenór was on its noontide. The Númenóreans that followed his lore spoke openly against the [[Valar]] and Eldar<ref name=Line/> though they still feared retaliation from the Valar if they broke the ban.<ref name=akallabeth/>


There were two main political parties: Elendili was the first one, the [[Faithful]] they were also called. Led by the Lords of Andúnië, they were loyal to the Elves. Towards the end of Númenor they became a small group, subject to oppression by the opposing party: the [[King's Men]]. They were the ones to rebel against the Valar and their ban. To compensate for these restrictions, they set dominions among the Men of Middle-earth and laid heavy tribute upon them. As the number and the power of the King's Men increased, they forced the Elendili to move from [[Andúnië]], where they lived until then, to the eastern side of the island, at [[Rómenna]]. [[Pelargir]] was a harbor built where the river [[Sirith]] met [[Anduin]] and it was founded by the Faithful in [[Second Age 2350|S.A. 2350]].
During the reign of [[Tar-Ancalimon]], the Númenóreans became divided into two parties; the [[Faithful]] or [[Elf-friends]] and the [[King's Men]].<ref name=Line/> Those that followed the King abandoned the use of the [[Eldarin]] tongues and were estranged from the Eldar and Valar while the Faithful were still friends with the Eldar.<ref name=APNK>{{App|A1i}}</ref> The King's Men explored the coasts of Middle-earth far southward, establishing landing and trading posts that grew into cruel vice-kingdoms which left many rumours in the legends of Men, although the Eldar did not know about them,<ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}, §28</ref> such as [[Umbar]].<ref group=note>It is unclear when Umbar was founded, in [[Appendix B]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' it is mentioned that it was fortified in {{SA|2280}} which means that it had existed in some form prior to that date.</ref> The Faithful Númenóreans played no part in this and in {{SA|2350}} [[Pelargir]] was built by them and it became their chief haven.<ref name=APSA/>


==Religion and Tradition==
When [[Ar-Adûnakhôr]] ascended to the throne in {{SA|2899}},<ref name=APSA/> he was the first king to choose an [[Adûnaic]] name and began to persecute the Faithful, punishing all those who would speak the Elven tongues openly. In the end, the Eldar came no more to the land of Númenor.<ref name=APNK/> However there was some respite for the Faithful under the rule of [[Tar-Palantir]] who sought to repent the actions of his predecessors and gain back the favour of the Valar.<ref name=Line/>


[[Image:Jan Pospisil - Dunedain at War concept.jpg|thumb|''Dúnedain at War'' by [[Jan Pospisil]].]]
[[Tar-Palantir]]'s policies were met with opposition by his brother [[Gimilkhâd]] who led the King's party, when he died his son [[Pharazôn]] returned to Númenór and led a rebellion against the king. When Tar-Palantir died his daughter [[Tar-Míriel|Míriel]], according to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|New Law]], had the right to inherit the throne, but Pharazôn forced her into marriage, and usurped the [[Sceptre of Númenor|Sceptre]] for himself, becoming known as Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name=akallabeth/>
Towards the middle of Mittalmar stood the Holy Mountain [[Meneltarma]], the sacred place on which [[Eru]] was worshiped. Its flattened top was wide enough to contain a great crowd during the ceremonies. These took place three times per year, in an absolute silence while climbing its slopes. Prayers were uttered during the feasts of [[Erukyermë]], [[Erulaitalë]] and [[Eruhantalë]]. Soon after [[Second Age 3262|S.A. 3262]] these religious beliefs were abandoned and the worshiping of [[Melkor]] began. It was done in a cylindrical temple near the city of Armenelos built especially for this, and it involved sacrificing men and women over a great fire, whose first flames were lit from the [[White Tree of Tol Eressëa]].


Whenever ships sailed from Númenor, the custom of the [[Green Bough of Return]] took place. A branch from the [[Fragrant Trees|Fragrant Tree]] [[Oiolairë]] was set at the prow as a symbol of good fortune by a Númenórean woman, close relative to the captain of the ship. [[Erendis]], wife of Tar-Aldarion, refused to do so in disagreement with her husband's frequent voyages towards Middle-earth, breaking this tradition for the first time.  
===Sauron's corruption===
In {{SA|3261}}<ref name=APSA/> Ar-Pharazôn returned to Middle-earth with a mighty host to challenge the threat of Sauron. So mighty were the Númenóreans that the servants of Sauron fled even before the battle began and their leader was taken as a prisoner back to the island of Elenna. Through numerous lies he poisoned the mind of the king and became master of his council, changing even the religion of the Númenóreans and turning them into servants of the dark lord [[Morgoth]].<ref name=akallabeth/>


==Daily Life==
===Downfall===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Queen Tar-Míriel and the Great Wave.jpg|thumb|left|''Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
{{main|Downfall of Númenor}}
As the shadow of death approached Ar-Pharazôn Sauron now urged the king to take immortality by force and invade Aman. The Númenóreans now began preparations for war with the Valar and this raised the anger of [[Manwë]] who sent his eagle-shaped storm clouds to Númenor. Lightning struck the land, including the temple of Melkor, where human sacrifices were made. Because Sauron himself stood in their path and was not hurt by them, the Númenóreans were deceived even more into thinking he was their rightful god.<ref name=akallabeth/>


The Dúnedain were skilled in riding and they loved horses beyond measure. It was said that in the beginning they could even call them in their thoughts, if the man and the beast were bound by friendship. Because of this, Númenor had no paved roads, so that the carriages could move on them more easily. From the [[Noldor]] they learned the art of forging terrible weapons: swords, axes, spears, knives, but mostly bows with which they loved to practice. Later, in the wars of Middle-earth, their arrows resembled dark clouds falling upon the enemies.  
Ar-Pharazôn sailed at the head of his fleet known as the [[Great Armament]], led by the flagship [[Alcarondas]], set course towards Valinor and reached Tol Eressëa. His pride fooled him into thinking that the inhabitants of Aman would not stand in his way, because the land was quiet and peaceful, and thus he set camp near the [[Túna]] hill. But Manwë, the Elder King, was aware of what transpired, and the Valar then laid down the Guardianship of Arda. Ilúvatar responded by catastrophically changing the shape of Arda. The Númenóreans present in Valinor were buried under the hills which fell upon them, and on the great island, fire erupted from the top of [[Meneltarma]]. The land crumbled into pieces and a great wave swept over it and buried the island at the bottom of the sea. Its people were taken by the waters, and this tragedy brought an end to the Númenórean realm, in {{SA|3319}}.<ref name=akallabeth/>


But the greatest love of the Númenóreans was the sea and the building of ships. Theirs were the largest ones built in all the [[Arda]], save for those of [[Círdan]] himself. Many were built at the command of Tar-Aldarion, a great mariner king of his time, who also established the [[Guild of Venturers]]. The very headquarters of this organization were located on a ship called [[Eämbar]]. As they were surrounded by water, many of the inhabitants of Númenor were fishermen. Along with the grains cultivated in Orrostar, fish was the main food source for the Númenóreans.
===Legacy===
[[File:Turner Mohan - Out Of The Sea I Am Come.jpg|thumb|200px|''Out Of The Sea I am Come'' by Turner Mohan]]
Few of the remaining Númenóreans in the island survived the Downfall, these were the Elendili led by Elendil and his sons, [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]]. They escaped the [[Akallabêth]] with nine ships, a seedling of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], which Isildur had rescued the night before its destruction and the Seven [[Seeing-stones]]. Cast ashore by the storm on the western lands of Middle-earth, they founded the Númenórean realms in exile: [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]].<ref name=akallabeth/>


==Kinship with the Elves==
Other Númenóreans survived the Downfall, these were of the King's Men that settled in Middle-earth. They continued to serve Sauron and were later known as the [[Black Númenóreans]]. Their chief haven was [[Umbar]].<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>


At the foundation of Númenor all the [[Dúnedain]] held the Eldar in friendship. From the island of Tol Eressëa white ships sailed towards the [[Bay of Andúnië]], bringing with them many gifts: birds, flowers, and healing herbs. They also brought a branch from [[Celeborn, White Tree|Celeborn]], the White Tree of Tol Eressëa, and it grew at the court of the king of [[Armenelos]].
Long after the Fall, there was a belief among those who survived it that the Holy Mountain Meneltarma was not swallowed by the waters but instead raised to be a new island of its own. The heirs of Elendil built great ships once more and set on its search, not only because they yearned for their home, but also because from that point, the top of Meneltarma, Tol Eressëa could be spotted and their hearts still desired to reach the West, against all warnings. But they never found the top of Meneltarma and their voyages served only to discover that Arda was a round world.<ref name=akallabeth/>


As the fear of death crept into the hearts of the Dúnedain, the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar became envied for their immortality. [[Tar-Atanamir]] was the first to speak against the Eldar and the Ban of the Valar. Little by little the Númenóreans abandoned the use of the [[Eldarin]] tongues. It was during the time of his son, King [[Tar-Ancalimon]], that the two parties were formed, the Elf-friends and the King's Men. The twentieth king, Ar-Adûnakhôr openly chose an Adûnaic name and began to persecute the Faithful, punishing all those who would speak the Elven tongues openly. In the end the Eldar came no more to the land of Númenor.  
==Culture==
===Language===
The Númenóreans spoke [[Adûnaic]], a [[Mannish]] language that descended from the Mannish languages spoken in [[Beleriand]]. However, their forefathers, the Edain, had learned [[Sindarin]] which was passed on to Númenor. As a language of lore, it changed only a little with the millennia. Educated Númenóreans also studied [[Quenya]], having a prestige above all other tongues.<ref name=Appendices>{{App|Men}}</ref>


==Dominion over the Men of Middle-earth==
===Religion and tradition===
[[File:Liz Danforth - Isildur.png|thumb|200px|left|''[[Isildur]]'' by Liz Danforth]]
Towards the middle of Mittalmar stood the Mountain [[Meneltarma]], the sacred place on which [[Ilúvatar|Eru]] was worshipped. Its flattened top was wide enough to contain a great crowd during the three yearly ceremonies ([[Erukyermë]], [[Erulaitalë]] and [[Eruhantalë]]). These took place in absolute silence while climbing its slopes. Soon after {{SA|3262}} these religious beliefs were abandoned and the worshipping of [[Morgoth|Melkor]] began. It was done in a cylindrical temple near the city of Armenelos built especially for this, and it involved sacrificing men and women over a great fire, whose first flames were lit from the logs of [[Nimloth the Fair]], white tree of Númenor, when Sauron ordered it felled.


[[Image:Paula DiSante - Ar-Pharazon Defies.JPG|thumb|right|260px|''Ar-Pharazon Defies'' by [[Paula DiSante]].]]
Every autumn they observed the [[Great Bear-dance]].<ref name="NOME">{{NM|P3xiii}}, p. 335</ref>
Due to the fact that the Ban of the Valar restricted them from sailing [[Undying Lands|West]], the Númenóreans began to explore the eastern part of the [[Arda|world]], reaching the shores of Middle-earth in [[Second Age 600|S.A. 600]]. The mortal peoples who dwelt there were far inferior in both knowledge and technology. The Númenóreans brought them not only these gifts, but they also offered them protection from Sauron, who had oppressed them for a long time. Grateful, they called the Dúnedain gods and held them in great esteem.  


As the shadow spread over Númenor, their attitude towards the men of Middle-earth changed. It was during the reign of [[Tar-Ciryatan]] that the oppression began. With a great fleet he sailed to Middle-earth, bringing numerous treasures back to Númenor. Later more lands were occupied, plundered or forced to pay heavy tribute in return for the lives of their inhabitants. Towards the end of the kingdom, when their religion had changed and human sacrifices were made towards [[Melkor]], many of the victims were people of Middle-earth taken as prisoners. Because of these acts they were looked upon in fear, called the "Death" itself and the Men of Middle-earth trembled at the sight of a mighty Númenórean ship on the waters of [[Belegaer]]. However, the Faithful shared not the behavior of the King's Men and though they also built a port in Middle-earth, named Pelargir, it was not for the sake of plundering, but meant to be a haven far from those of the opposing party.
Whenever ships sailed from Númenor, the custom of the [[Green Bough of Return]] took place. A branch from the [[Fragrant Trees|Fragrant Tree]] [[Oiolairë]] was set at the prow as a symbol of good fortune by a Númenórean woman, close relative to the captain of the ship. [[Erendis]], wife of Tar-Aldarion, refused to do so in disagreement with her husband's frequent voyages towards Middle-earth, breaking this tradition for the first time.


==Sauron's Influence==
===Daily life===
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Númenórean helmet.jpg|thumb|Númenórean helmet by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
Many of the inhabitants of Númenor were fishermen. Along with the grains cultivated in Orrostar, fish was the main food source for the Númenóreans.


The only daughter of the king [[Tar-Palantir]], a friend of the Eldar who tried to restore the old ways, was [[Tar-Míriel]]. According to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|New Law]] she had the right to inherit the throne, but her cousin Pharazôn forced her into marriage, and took the Sceptre for himself, becoming known as Ar-Pharazôn the Golden, the most proud and powerful of all the kings. He desired not only immortality as the ones before him had, but also the dominion over the entire world. For this he gathered a great fleet and opposed the greatest opponent in the path of his task: Sauron.  
The Dúnedain were skilled in riding and loved horses. They could even call them in their thoughts if bound by friendship. Númenor had no paved roads so that the carriages could move on them more easily. From the [[Noldor]] they learned the art of forging swords, axes, spears, knives, but mostly bows; their arrows resembled dark clouds falling upon the enemies.  


So mighty were the Númenóreans that the servants of Sauron fled even before the battle began and their leader was taken as a prisoner back to the island of Elenna. Through numerous lies he poisoned the mind of the king and became master of his council, changing even the religion of the Númenóreans and turning them into servants of the dark [[Morgoth]].  And because he assured Ar-Pharazôn that if he ever reached Aman he would become immortal, the last king gathered once more a great host of ships and sailed to break the Ban of the Valar.
The Númenóreans, were skilled in the art of husbandry, breeding great horses that roamed across the open plains in Mittalmar.  


==Downfall==
The greatest love of the Númenóreans was the sea and the building of the largest ships. Most were built at the command of Tar-Aldarion, who also established the [[Guild of Venturers]]. The ship ''[[Eämbar]]'' was their headquarters.
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave.jpg|thumb|left|''Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]


Pharazôn's attempt to reach Valinor and his previous preparations for war with the Eldar raised the anger of [[Manwë]] who sent his eagle-shaped storm clouds to Númenor. Lightning struck the land, including the temple of Melkor, where human sacrifices were made. Because Sauron himself stood in their path and was not hurt by them, the Númenóreans were deceived even more into thinking he was their rightful god.
==Characteristics==
[[File:Turner Mohan - Tar-Míriel.jpg|thumb|''Tar-Míriel'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]]
The average Númenórean was taller than two [[Ranga]]r or 6'4". Elendil was the tallest of Men who escaped the Downfall, mentioned to be almost 2.5 [[rangar]] tall, 7'11" or 2.41 m.<ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref>


Ar-Pharazôn sailed at the head of his fleet known as the [[Great Armament]], led by the flagship [[Alcarondas]], set course towards Valinor and reached Tol Eressëa. His pride fooled him into thinking that the inhabitants of Aman would not stand in his way, because the land was quiet and peaceful, and thus he set camp near the [[Túna]] hill. But Manwë, the Elder King, was aware of what transpired, and the Valar then laid down the Guardianship of Arda. Ilúvatar responded by catastrophically changing the shape of Arda. The Númenóreans present in Valinor were buried under the hills which felt upon them, and on the great island fire was erupted from the top of Meneltarma. The land crumbled into pieces and a great wave swept over it and buried the island at the bottom of the sea. Its people were taken by the waters, and this tragedy brought an end to the Númenórean realm, in [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]].
Númenóreans were granted especially long lives when compared to that of other Men, with the average lifespan in the beginning ranging from 350 years to as much as 420. Those of the line of Elros in particular often lived 400 years or even more, while those who were outside of the royal line only rarely managed to reach 400.<ref name=Life>{{NM|P3xi}}, p. 317</ref>


Númenóreans were also those who best understood the [[Gift of Ilúvatar]] and were blessed in that they did not share the same fear of death that other men had. Often in the beginning of Númenor, Men who at last began to feel the first signs of weariness of mortal life would voluntarily give up their spirits and die of their own free will. This usually would only occur in the latter years of their lifespan, such as around year 400 for the particularly long lived.<ref name=Life/>


==Epilogue==
However, as part of the decay brought on by the Shadow, many Númenóreans began to fear death rather than accept it. During the twilight of the realm, many Númenóreans would cling to life for as long as possible, becoming senile and decrepit like other Men. Additionally, lifespans began to decline as the Shadow further grew. The lifespans of those of the house of Elros began to fall to the point where many would live for less than three centuries.<ref name=Line/>


[[Image:Elendil.jpeg|thumb|250px|right|[[Peter McKenzie]] as Elendil in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]].]]
==Other names==
The only ones to survive the Downfall of Númenor were Elendil and his sons, [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion|Anárion]], along with the few people of the Elendili. They escaped the [[Akallabêth]] with nine ships, a seedling of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], which Isildur had rescued the night before its destruction and the Seven [[Seeing-stones]]. Cast ashore by the storm on the western lands of Middle-earth, they founded the Númenórean realms in exile: [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Their war with Sauron continued in the lands of Middle-earth.  Fighting side by side with the Elves and the [[Dwarves]] they opposed and defeated him during the [[War of the Last Alliance]].
In their own language, the Númenóreans were named '''''Adûnâi'''''.<ref>{{SD|66}}, p. 247</ref>


Long after the Fall there was a belief among those who survived it that the Holy Mountain Meneltarma was not swallowed by the waters, but instead raised to be a new island of its own. The heirs of Elendil built great ships once more and set on its search, not only because they yearned for their home, but also because from that point, the top of Meneltarma, Tol Eressëa could be spotted and their hearts still desired to reach the West, against all warnings. But they never found the top of Meneltarma and their voyages served only to discover that Arda was a round world.
They were also known as '''High Men'''; '''''Tarkildi''''' in Quenya.<ref name=Dwarves></ref>{{rp|312, 427}}<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 101</ref><ref name=Appendices/> (Cf. [[Middle Men]]). They were also known as "Sea-kings", "Men of the Sea" and "Lords of the Sea".<ref>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 297</ref>


==References==
In [[Quenya]] they were known as '''''Núnatani''''' ("Western Men") as well, and '''''Dúnedain''''' in [[Sindarin]].<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 18</ref> ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' is explicit in noting that "Númenoreans" and "Dúnedain" are synonymous terms, meaning the same thing. Nevertheless, it seems more usual to call those born in [[Númenor]] "Númenoreans" and their descendants living in [[Middle-earth]] post-[[Downfall of Númenor|Downfall]] "Dúnedain".


*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
They were known as '''''Go-hilleg''''' by the [[Dunlendings]].<ref>{{PM|Index}}, entry "Go-hilleg"</ref>
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]]
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix F]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Men]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Akallabêth]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[A Description of the Island of Númenor]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Fall of Númenor]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Lost Road]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The History of the Akallabeth ]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Tale of Years of the Second Age ]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Heirs of Elendil]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[Tal-Elmar (chapter)|Tal-Elmar]]


==See Also==
==Other versions of the legendarium==
*[[Númenor]]
In the earlier drafts of the ''Akallabêth'', it introduced the notion of the Númenóreans using aerial craft.<ref>{{LR|P1II1}}</ref> After the destruction of their island they devise ships that 'sail in the air of breath'.<ref>{{LR|P1II2}}, §12</ref> The mechanics is not explored and was discarded in the story later.<ref>{{LR|P1II2}}, Commentary on the first version of The Fall of Númenor, §12</ref>
 
[[Christopher Tolkien]] noted that Tolkien developed his thinking on the longevity of Númenóreans: originally he suggested that Númenóreans not of the [[Line of Elros]] lived for 200 years - or three times normal men - with royal kindred living 400 years. However, in later writings this was changed to a smaller difference between royals and non-royals, with Númenóreans living "five times" that of normal men, or 300-350 years. Those of the House of Elros were consistenly at c. 400 years, although this was later diminished due to their rebellion.<ref name=Line/> This longer lifespan resulted in an older age of adulthood: 25 years.<ref name=Aldarion></ref>{{rp|174}}
 
In another writing from circa 1965, Tolkien postulated that even Númenóreans who were not of the royal house lived around 350-420 years, though non royals managing to reach 400 was not a common event.<ref name=Life/>
 
==Portrayal in adaptations==
[[File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Númenóreans.jpg|thumb|Númenórean characters as seen in ''The Rings of Power'']]
:'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season One:'''
Several Númenórean characters appear from [[Adar (episode)|episode 3]] forward. As the production has license to utilize material only from ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', other sources such as ''[[Akallabêth]]'', which provide more details on the Númenóreans, can't be used. As such, particular Númenórean characteristics, such as high stature and longevity, or their concerns about immortality or collonialist expansion aren't taken into consideration. The Númenórean people is portrayed as easy to influence, turning from a hatred towards [[Elves]] (unexplained on screen), represented by [[Galadriel]], to join battle under the command of her.
 
==See also==
*[[King of Númenor]]
*[[King of Númenor]]
*[[Akallabêth]]
*[[Black Númenóreans]]
 
*[[Dúnedain]]


==External links==
*[http://www.stephenwigmore.com/2016/09/the-population-of-numenor-through-2nd.html The population of Númenor] - A theory about the Númenóreans's population numbers on Númenor and Middle-earth during the Second Age, by Stephen Wigmore
*[http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/Decline%20of%20the%20Numenoreans.htm Decline of the Lifespan of the Númenóreans] - Discussion about the lifespan of Númenórean characters, both on Númenor and the Realms in Exile, with visual charts.
{{references|n}}
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:Númenóreans]]
[[Category:Númenor|Númenor]]
[[fi:Númenorilaiset]]
[[Category: Númenóreans| Númenóreans]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/numenoreens]]

Latest revision as of 17:20, 30 August 2023

This article is about the inhabitants of Númenor. For the descendants they had on Middle-earth during the Third Age, see Dúnedain.
Númenóreans
People
Steamey - Ar-Pharazôn.jpg
"Ar-Pharazôn" by Steamey
General Information
Pronunciationnoo-meh-noh-reh-ans
Other namesAdûnâi (A), Núnatani (Q), Dúnedain (S), Go-hilleg (D), Tarkildi (Q)
Kings of Men, Men of Númenor, Men of the Sea, Men of Westernesse, Mighty of the West, Sea-kings, Tall Men
OriginsEdain of Beleriand granted a new homeland by the Valar after the War of Wrath
LocationsNúmenor, Eriador, Harad, Umbar, Pelargir, later Arnor and Gondor
AffiliationFaithful, King's Men, Realms in Exile, Last Alliance of Elves and Men
RivalriesSauron
LanguagesAdûnaic, Númenórean Sindarin, Quenya
MembersElros, Tar-Aldarion, Ar-Pharazôn, Elendil, Isildur
Physical Description
LifespanNúmenóreans - c. 200+ years[1]
Kings of Númenor - c. 400 years (later diminished)[1]
See below
DistinctionsThe mightiest of Men in both nobility and body
Average heightTall, typically 7 feet.[2]
WeaponryBows[3]
GalleryImages of Númenóreans
"So great was the might and splendour of the Númenóreans that Sauron's own servants deserted him."
― The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Númenóreans or Dúnedain were the Men of Númenor, descendants of the Edain of the First Age, who were granted the island of Elenna as a dwelling place. Eventually, they turned against the Valar, and their island home was destroyed in the last years of the Second Age.

Origins[edit | edit source]

See also: Edain

The Númenóreans were descendants of the Edain of the First Age, who proved themselves great allies of the Elves, from whom they gathered knowledge of all things surrounding them. The two races fought together against Morgoth.

During that Age, unions of Elves and Men were made; Lúthien and Beren whose son, Dior Eluchíl, married Nimloth of Doriath and Elwing was born. Idril and Tuor, the second couple, were parents of Eärendil. Elwing and Eärendil met at the Havens of Sirion and from their union twins were born: Elros and Elrond. To the two half-elves, the Valar gave a choice: Elros chose to join the race of men, whereas Elrond chose to join the elves.

The Edain fought with the Host of Valinor in the War of Wrath and were victorious, the Edain were honoured and blessed by Eönwë in body and mind for their part in the war and the Valar rewarded the Edain by giving them a place to dwell outside the troubled world of Middle-earth. Ulmo raised an island halfway between Endor and Aman which the Edain named Elenna, later known as the island of Númenor.[4]

The first ships of the Edain arrived to their new home in S.A. 32 by following the Star of Eärendil.[1] The fleet of Elros initially brought probably between 5,000 to 10,000 Edain to the island,[5] he established the Realm of Númenor and became the first King of Númenor.[1] After a migration period that lasted at least 50 years, between 200,000 and 350,000 Men (the majority of the Edain in Middle-earth[6]) had gradually emigrated to Númenor.[5]

History[edit | edit source]

Númenórean Armor (early Second Age) by Turner Mohan

Early history[edit | edit source]

The Númenóreans built a mighty seafaring civilisation, their lore and craft were advanced and enriched by the knowledge of the Eldar and their body and mind grew in stature, gaining long life thrice more than the Men in Middle-earth.[1] They excelled in 'ship-building and sea-craft' and became skilled mariners.[4]

They held the Eldar in close friendship and the white ships from Tol Eressëa brought many gifts to Númenor such as birds, flowers, and healing herbs. One notable gift was a seedling of Celeborn, the White Tree of Tol Eressëa which grew at the courts of the King in Armenelos and it was named Nimloth.[4]

Return to Middle-earth[edit | edit source]

Due to the fact that the Ban of the Valar restricted them from sailing West, the Númenóreans began to explore the eastern part of the world, reaching the shores of Middle-earth in S.A. 600.[7] They sailed to Lindon and established a friendship with Gil-galad and the Elves of Lindon.[8]

The Men in Eriador were filled with wonder at their coming for the Men of Middle-earth had long lived under the Shadow, a period known as the Dark Years, and because of this they grew weak and fearful. The Númenóreans began to cultivate their new friends teaching them agriculture, stonemasonry and smithying.[4] They also discovered that while their languages were different, they both had a common origin and were able to converse with each other over simple matters.[8] The Númenóreans never dwelt long in the shores of Middle-earth, but the Men, who populated the western shores, were comforted. They revered the memory of the tall Sea-kings whom they remembered as gods hoping each time for their return.[4]

Erendis by Eric Faure-Brac

In the following decades there was increased activity between Númenór and Middle-earth, mariners returning from their voyages brought with them ore and jewels. In S.A. 750 the Guild of Venturers was founded by Aldarion and many young and eager men joined.[9] Their vessels grew greater and larger and were now able to make far and long voyages.

Aldarion established Vinyalondë at the mouth of the Gwathló, a haven for the purpose of repairs, ship building and collection of timber. The Númenóreans began to escalate their tree felling around the dense forests of Minhiriath and Enedwaith, but their enterprise created animosity between them and the native men living there and the forest-dwellers attacked and ambushed the Númenóreans when they could until they were expelled from their forest homes. The Númenóreans wrecked the banks, the shorelines, great tracks and roads whom they drove into the forests northwards and southwards from the Gwathló and continued battling and destroying what lied ahead of them, pushing into Minhiriath and Enedwaith.[10]

In S.A. 882 Gil-galad warned Tar-Meneldur that a new shadow is rising in the East, instigated by a servant of Morgoth, and asked for aid when the time comes to help defend Eriador against this new threat.[11]:199-200 The Númenóreans began the preparation of force and supplies for war.[12]

A millennium after the foundation of the Realm, the population seemed to have slightly exceeded 2 million Númenóreans.[5]

In the early thirteenth century of the Second Age, the Númenóreans began establishing permanent settlements in Middle-earth.[7] Later these settlements were under increased pressure from raiders as Sauron drew closer to the Númenórean sphere of influence. He recruited the natives that had a hatred of Númenór and used them as spies and guides. Though Sauron had not enough force to assault the forts at the Haven or along the banks of the Gwathló his raiders wreaked havoc on the fringes of the forests, burning trees and wood-stores of the Númenóreans.[10]

The Númenóreans participated in the War of the Elves and Sauron, though they arrived late to the conflict in S.A. 1700[7] due to delays[12] and when most of Eriador was already ruined. Tar-Minastir's fleet turned the tide of the war and Sauron was decisively defeated in the Battle of the Gwathló. Sauron was forced to retreat to Mordor and vowed vengeance upon the Númenóreans and there was peace in the Westlands.[12]

Shadow falls[edit | edit source]

Númenórean Armor (late Second Age) by Turner Mohan

The first sign of the Shadow falling upon Númenór was said to have begun in the reign of Tar-Minastir, he loved the Eldar - and aided them in their most desperate hour against Sauron - but he also envied them.[1] Over time, the Númenóreans began questioning the Ban of the Valar and the Gift of Men, and the fear of death crept into their hearts, so the Firstborn became envied for their immortality.[4]

About S.A. 1800, the Númenóreans began establishing dominions on the coasts of Middle-earth and their attitude towards the Men of Middle-earth changed, where once they were teachers and friends they now subjugated them and levied heavy tribute to the the native populace, desiring wealth and power. This occurred during the reigns of Tar-Ciryatan and his son Tar-Atanamir.[7] It was during the reign of Tar-Atanamir that the Shadow upon Númenór was on its noontide. The Númenóreans that followed his lore spoke openly against the Valar and Eldar[1] though they still feared retaliation from the Valar if they broke the ban.[4]

During the reign of Tar-Ancalimon, the Númenóreans became divided into two parties; the Faithful or Elf-friends and the King's Men.[1] Those that followed the King abandoned the use of the Eldarin tongues and were estranged from the Eldar and Valar while the Faithful were still friends with the Eldar.[13] The King's Men explored the coasts of Middle-earth far southward, establishing landing and trading posts that grew into cruel vice-kingdoms which left many rumours in the legends of Men, although the Eldar did not know about them,[14] such as Umbar.[note 1] The Faithful Númenóreans played no part in this and in S.A. 2350 Pelargir was built by them and it became their chief haven.[7]

When Ar-Adûnakhôr ascended to the throne in S.A. 2899,[7] he was the first king to choose an Adûnaic name and began to persecute the Faithful, punishing all those who would speak the Elven tongues openly. In the end, the Eldar came no more to the land of Númenor.[13] However there was some respite for the Faithful under the rule of Tar-Palantir who sought to repent the actions of his predecessors and gain back the favour of the Valar.[1]

Tar-Palantir's policies were met with opposition by his brother Gimilkhâd who led the King's party, when he died his son Pharazôn returned to Númenór and led a rebellion against the king. When Tar-Palantir died his daughter Míriel, according to the New Law, had the right to inherit the throne, but Pharazôn forced her into marriage, and usurped the Sceptre for himself, becoming known as Ar-Pharazôn.[4]

Sauron's corruption[edit | edit source]

In S.A. 3261[7] Ar-Pharazôn returned to Middle-earth with a mighty host to challenge the threat of Sauron. So mighty were the Númenóreans that the servants of Sauron fled even before the battle began and their leader was taken as a prisoner back to the island of Elenna. Through numerous lies he poisoned the mind of the king and became master of his council, changing even the religion of the Númenóreans and turning them into servants of the dark lord Morgoth.[4]

Downfall[edit | edit source]

Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave by Ted Nasmith
Main article: Downfall of Númenor

As the shadow of death approached Ar-Pharazôn Sauron now urged the king to take immortality by force and invade Aman. The Númenóreans now began preparations for war with the Valar and this raised the anger of Manwë who sent his eagle-shaped storm clouds to Númenor. Lightning struck the land, including the temple of Melkor, where human sacrifices were made. Because Sauron himself stood in their path and was not hurt by them, the Númenóreans were deceived even more into thinking he was their rightful god.[4]

Ar-Pharazôn sailed at the head of his fleet known as the Great Armament, led by the flagship Alcarondas, set course towards Valinor and reached Tol Eressëa. His pride fooled him into thinking that the inhabitants of Aman would not stand in his way, because the land was quiet and peaceful, and thus he set camp near the Túna hill. But Manwë, the Elder King, was aware of what transpired, and the Valar then laid down the Guardianship of Arda. Ilúvatar responded by catastrophically changing the shape of Arda. The Númenóreans present in Valinor were buried under the hills which fell upon them, and on the great island, fire erupted from the top of Meneltarma. The land crumbled into pieces and a great wave swept over it and buried the island at the bottom of the sea. Its people were taken by the waters, and this tragedy brought an end to the Númenórean realm, in S.A. 3319.[4]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Out Of The Sea I am Come by Turner Mohan

Few of the remaining Númenóreans in the island survived the Downfall, these were the Elendili led by Elendil and his sons, Isildur and Anárion. They escaped the Akallabêth with nine ships, a seedling of Nimloth, which Isildur had rescued the night before its destruction and the Seven Seeing-stones. Cast ashore by the storm on the western lands of Middle-earth, they founded the Númenórean realms in exile: Arnor and Gondor.[4]

Other Númenóreans survived the Downfall, these were of the King's Men that settled in Middle-earth. They continued to serve Sauron and were later known as the Black Númenóreans. Their chief haven was Umbar.[15]

Long after the Fall, there was a belief among those who survived it that the Holy Mountain Meneltarma was not swallowed by the waters but instead raised to be a new island of its own. The heirs of Elendil built great ships once more and set on its search, not only because they yearned for their home, but also because from that point, the top of Meneltarma, Tol Eressëa could be spotted and their hearts still desired to reach the West, against all warnings. But they never found the top of Meneltarma and their voyages served only to discover that Arda was a round world.[4]

Culture[edit | edit source]

Language[edit | edit source]

The Númenóreans spoke Adûnaic, a Mannish language that descended from the Mannish languages spoken in Beleriand. However, their forefathers, the Edain, had learned Sindarin which was passed on to Númenor. As a language of lore, it changed only a little with the millennia. Educated Númenóreans also studied Quenya, having a prestige above all other tongues.[16]

Religion and tradition[edit | edit source]

Isildur by Liz Danforth

Towards the middle of Mittalmar stood the Mountain Meneltarma, the sacred place on which Eru was worshipped. Its flattened top was wide enough to contain a great crowd during the three yearly ceremonies (Erukyermë, Erulaitalë and Eruhantalë). These took place in absolute silence while climbing its slopes. Soon after S.A. 3262 these religious beliefs were abandoned and the worshipping of Melkor began. It was done in a cylindrical temple near the city of Armenelos built especially for this, and it involved sacrificing men and women over a great fire, whose first flames were lit from the logs of Nimloth the Fair, white tree of Númenor, when Sauron ordered it felled.

Every autumn they observed the Great Bear-dance.[17]

Whenever ships sailed from Númenor, the custom of the Green Bough of Return took place. A branch from the Fragrant Tree Oiolairë was set at the prow as a symbol of good fortune by a Númenórean woman, close relative to the captain of the ship. Erendis, wife of Tar-Aldarion, refused to do so in disagreement with her husband's frequent voyages towards Middle-earth, breaking this tradition for the first time.

Daily life[edit | edit source]

Númenórean helmet by J.R.R. Tolkien

Many of the inhabitants of Númenor were fishermen. Along with the grains cultivated in Orrostar, fish was the main food source for the Númenóreans.

The Dúnedain were skilled in riding and loved horses. They could even call them in their thoughts if bound by friendship. Númenor had no paved roads so that the carriages could move on them more easily. From the Noldor they learned the art of forging swords, axes, spears, knives, but mostly bows; their arrows resembled dark clouds falling upon the enemies.

The Númenóreans, were skilled in the art of husbandry, breeding great horses that roamed across the open plains in Mittalmar.

The greatest love of the Númenóreans was the sea and the building of the largest ships. Most were built at the command of Tar-Aldarion, who also established the Guild of Venturers. The ship Eämbar was their headquarters.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Tar-Míriel by Turner Mohan

The average Númenórean was taller than two Rangar or 6'4". Elendil was the tallest of Men who escaped the Downfall, mentioned to be almost 2.5 rangar tall, 7'11" or 2.41 m.[18]

Númenóreans were granted especially long lives when compared to that of other Men, with the average lifespan in the beginning ranging from 350 years to as much as 420. Those of the line of Elros in particular often lived 400 years or even more, while those who were outside of the royal line only rarely managed to reach 400.[19]

Númenóreans were also those who best understood the Gift of Ilúvatar and were blessed in that they did not share the same fear of death that other men had. Often in the beginning of Númenor, Men who at last began to feel the first signs of weariness of mortal life would voluntarily give up their spirits and die of their own free will. This usually would only occur in the latter years of their lifespan, such as around year 400 for the particularly long lived.[19]

However, as part of the decay brought on by the Shadow, many Númenóreans began to fear death rather than accept it. During the twilight of the realm, many Númenóreans would cling to life for as long as possible, becoming senile and decrepit like other Men. Additionally, lifespans began to decline as the Shadow further grew. The lifespans of those of the house of Elros began to fall to the point where many would live for less than three centuries.[1]

Other names[edit | edit source]

In their own language, the Númenóreans were named Adûnâi.[20]

They were also known as High Men; Tarkildi in Quenya.[2]:312, 427[21][16] (Cf. Middle Men). They were also known as "Sea-kings", "Men of the Sea" and "Lords of the Sea".[22]

In Quenya they were known as Núnatani ("Western Men") as well, and Dúnedain in Sindarin.[23] The Silmarillion is explicit in noting that "Númenoreans" and "Dúnedain" are synonymous terms, meaning the same thing. Nevertheless, it seems more usual to call those born in Númenor "Númenoreans" and their descendants living in Middle-earth post-Downfall "Dúnedain".

They were known as Go-hilleg by the Dunlendings.[24]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

In the earlier drafts of the Akallabêth, it introduced the notion of the Númenóreans using aerial craft.[25] After the destruction of their island they devise ships that 'sail in the air of breath'.[26] The mechanics is not explored and was discarded in the story later.[27]

Christopher Tolkien noted that Tolkien developed his thinking on the longevity of Númenóreans: originally he suggested that Númenóreans not of the Line of Elros lived for 200 years - or three times normal men - with royal kindred living 400 years. However, in later writings this was changed to a smaller difference between royals and non-royals, with Númenóreans living "five times" that of normal men, or 300-350 years. Those of the House of Elros were consistenly at c. 400 years, although this was later diminished due to their rebellion.[1] This longer lifespan resulted in an older age of adulthood: 25 years.[11]:174

In another writing from circa 1965, Tolkien postulated that even Númenóreans who were not of the royal house lived around 350-420 years, though non royals managing to reach 400 was not a common event.[19]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

Númenórean characters as seen in The Rings of Power
2022: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Season One:

Several Númenórean characters appear from episode 3 forward. As the production has license to utilize material only from The Lord of the Rings, other sources such as Akallabêth, which provide more details on the Númenóreans, can't be used. As such, particular Númenórean characteristics, such as high stature and longevity, or their concerns about immortality or collonialist expansion aren't taken into consideration. The Númenórean people is portrayed as easy to influence, turning from a hatred towards Elves (unexplained on screen), represented by Galadriel, to join battle under the command of her.

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Notes

  1. ↑ It is unclear when Umbar was founded, in Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings it is mentioned that it was fortified in S.A. 2280 which means that it had existed in some form prior to that date.

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "Of Dwarves and Men"
  3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "A Description of the Island of Númenor", p. 170
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Akallabêth: The Downfall of Númenor"
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XIII. Of the Land and Beasts of Númenor", p. 339
  6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "V. The History of the Akallabêth", §5
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife", note 3
  9. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife", Notes, Chronology
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Appendix D: The Port of Lond Daer"
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife"
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Númenor"
  14. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "V. The History of the Akallabêth", §28
  15. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F, "The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age", "Of Men"
  17. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XIII. Of the Land and Beasts of Númenor", p. 335
  18. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields", "Appendix: Númenórean Linear Measures"
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XI. Lives of the Númenóreans", p. 317
  20. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Sauron Defeated, "Part Two: The Notion Club Papers Part Two: Night 66", p. 247
  21. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings: Eldarin Roots and Stems", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 101
  22. ↑ Robert Foster, The Complete Guide to Middle-earth, p. 297
  23. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings: Eldarin Roots and Stems", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 18
  24. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "Index", entry "Go-hilleg"
  25. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part One: II. The Fall of Númenor, (i) The original outline"
  26. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part One: II. The Fall of Númenor, (ii) The first version of The Fall of Númenor", §12
  27. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part One: II. The Fall of Númenor, (ii) The first version of The Fall of Númenor", Commentary on the first version of The Fall of Númenor, §12
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