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{{disambig-two|the Mannish realm of the Second Age|island where it was located|[[Elenna]]}}
{{kingdom
{{kingdom
| image = [[Image:Numenor Map.jpg|300px|]]
| image=[[File:John Howe - Numenor.png|275px]]
| name = Númenor
| name=Númenor
| meaning = Land of the West, Westernesse
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈnuːmenor]}}
| type = Monarchy
| othernames=Westernesse<br>''Númenórë'', ''Andor'', ''[[Elenna]]'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br>''Anadûnê'', ''Yôzâyan'' ([[Adûnaic|A]])
| hidep = yes
| location=In [[Belegaer]], between [[Middle-earth]] and [[Aman]]
| headofstate = [[King of Númenor|King]] or [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Ruling Queen]] of Númenor
| capital=[[Armenelos]]
| executive = [[Council of the Sceptre]]
| towns=[[Andúnië]], [[Eldalondë]], [[Rómenna]], [[Ondosto]], [[Nindamos]]
| legislative = unknown
| regions=[[Forostar]], [[Andustar]], [[Hyarnustar]], [[Hyarrostar]], [[Orrostar]], [[Mittalmar]], [[Emerië]], [[Nísimaldar]]
| judicial = unknown
| population=Primarily [[Númenóreans]] (Few [[Drúedain]] briefly lived on the island)
| capital = [[Armenelos]]
| language=[[Adûnaic]], [[Númenórean Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]
| language = [[Quenya]] and [[Adûnaic]], later only [[Adûnaic]]
| govern1=[[King of Númenor|King]]/[[Ruling Queens of Númenor|Queen]]
| location = On the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]], halfway between [[Middle-earth]] and [[Aman]]
| govern2=[[Council of the Sceptre]]
| populace= [[Men]] (the races of the [[Dúnedain]] and [[Drúedain]])
| govern3=
| currency =  
| currency=
| religious = Belief in [[Eru Ilúvatar]]; [[Melkor]] worship soon after [[Second Age 3262|S.A. 3262]]
| holiday=[[Three Prayers]]:<br />[[Erukyermë]], [[Erulaitalë]], [[Eruhantalë]]
| holiday = ''[[Erukyermë]]'', ''[[Erulaitalë]]'', ''[[Eruhantalë]]''
| precededby=
| anthem =  
| event1=Founded
| formed = The Westward migration of the [[Edain]] after the [[War of Wrath]]
| event1date={{SA|32}}
| established = [[Second Age 32|S.A. 32]]
| event2=Destroyed
| reorganized =  
| event2date={{SA|3319}}
| fragmented =  
| event3=
| dissolved = [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]]
| event3date=
| restored =
| event4=
| event4date=
| event5=
| event5date=
| followedby=[[Realms in Exile]]
}}
}}
'''Númenor''' ([[Quenya|Q]]: "westland", pron. {{IPA|[ˈnuːmenor]}}) or '''[[Númenórë]]''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˌnuːmeˈnoːre]}}) was one of the names of the isle of [[Elenna]], which was raised from the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] by the [[Valar]] in the beginning of the [[Second Age]]. While strictly speaking the term ''Númenor'' referred to the realm established on the island, it was more often used as a synonym of the land itself. Númenor was one of the most powerful realms of the Second Age, and its people, called [[Númenóreans]], as well as their descendants, had considerable influence on the events of the [[Third Age]].
{{Quote|The Edain came at last over leagues of sea and saw afar the land that was prepared for them, Andor, the Land of Gift, shimmering in a golden haze. Then they went up out of the sea and found a country fair and fruitful, and they were glad.|''[[Akallabêth]]''}}
 
'''Númenor''' or '''Númenórë''', known in the [[Westron|Common Speech]] as '''[[Westernesse]]''' and in [[Adûnaic]] as '''[[Anadûnê]]''', was one of the names of the isle of [[Elenna]], which was raised from the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]] by the [[Valar]] at the beginning of the [[Second Age]]. While strictly speaking, the term ''Númenor'' referred to the realm established on the island, it was more often used as a synonym for the land itself. Númenor was one of the most powerful realms of the Second Age, and its people, called [[Númenóreans]], as well as their descendants, continued to have considerable influence through the [[Third Age]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
The island of Númenor was about 167,961 square miles, <ref>Calculation by [[Karen Wynn Fonstad]] in the ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]''</ref> It was located in the [[Belegaer]] closer to [[Valinor]] (about 39 days) than [[Middle-earth]].
{{main|Elenna}}
The island of Númenor was shaped like a 5-pointed star with each peninsular promontory having its own unique geological and physical features and names: [[Forostar]], [[Andustar]], [[Hyarnustar]], [[Hyarrostar]] and [[Orrostar]].<ref name=Numenor>{{UT|Numenor}}</ref><ref name=NMap>{{UT|NMap}}</ref>


Its shape was of a 5-point star, each point having its own unique geological and physical features, therefore considered a separate region of Númenor and had separate names:
The central region was named [[Mittalmar]], and in its centre stood the holy mountain [[Meneltarma]].<ref name=Numenor/><ref name=NMap/>


*[[Forostar]] (''Northlands'')
Númenor had only two rivers: [[Siril]] and [[Nunduinë]].<ref name=Numenor/><ref name=NMap/>
*[[Andustar]] (''Westlands'')
*[[Hyarnustar]] (''Southwestlands'')
*[[Hyarrostar]] (''Southeastlands'')
*[[Orrostar]] (''Eastlands'')
*[[Mittalmar]] (''Inlands'')


The island had a mountain in its center known as the [[Meneltarma]], which was the highest location on the entire island and considered sacred by the Númenóreans as a holy place devoted to [[Eru|Eru Ilúvatar]]. Only the [[Rulers of Númenor|Kings]] of Númenor were allowed to speak on the Meneltarma's summit. It was said that on a clear day the 'far-sighted' might see [[Tol Eressëa]], the island east of Valinor proper which along with it comprised the Undying Lands.
The Númenóreans built several settlements on the island. The capital [[Armenelos]], as well as [[Andúnië]], [[Nindamos]], [[Eldalondë]], [[Rómenna]]<ref name=NMap/> [[Ondosto]]<ref name=Numenor/> and [[Almaida]]<ref>{{UT|Introduction}}, Part Two, I</ref>.


Meneltarma itself was a tall mountain in the center of the island placed in the region Mittalmar that, when translated, means "Pillar of the Heavens". The lower slopes of the mountain were gentle grass-covered, however, near the summit the slopes became more vertical and could not be ascended easily. The kings later built a spiral road to the peak, beginning at the southern tip of the mountain and winding up to the lip of the summit in the north. The summit, however, was unique in that it was flattened and somewhat depressed, and was said to be able to "contain a great multitude". It was considered the most sacred spot of Númenor, and nothing was ever built there throughout the entire history of the island.  
==History==
===Foundation===
{{seealso|Númenóreans#Origins}}
[[File:Felix Sotomayor - Numenor.jpg|thumb|left|''Numenor'' by Felix Sotomayor]]
Númenor was the kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]], located on an island in the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]], between Middle-earth and [[Aman]]. The land was brought up from the sea by [[Ulmo]] as a gift to the [[Edain]] for their part in the war against [[Morgoth]].<ref name=akallabeth>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> It was also called ''Elenna'' ("Starwards") because the Edain were led to it by the [[Star of Eärendil]], and because the island was in the shape of a five-pointed star. The first ships of the Edain arrived at the island in {{SA|32}}. [[Elros]], son of [[Eärendil]] was the first [[King of Númenor]], taking the name of [[Elros|Tar-Minyatur]] ("First King").<ref name=APSA>{{App|SA}}</ref> The majority of the Edain gradually migrated to the island in the next fifty years<ref>{{PM|V}}, §5</ref> and the [[Drúedain]] refugees who dwelt at the [[Mouths of Sirion]] before the sinking of [[Beleriand]] were permitted to join them.<ref name=Druedain>{{UT|Druedain}}</ref>


Númenor had only two rivers: [[Siril]] which began at Meneltarma and ended in a small delta near the city of [[Nindamos]], and the [[Nunduinë]], which reached the sea in the [[Bay of Eldanna]] near the haven [[Eldalondë]].  
The Elves of [[Tol Eressëa]] visited the island and brought many gifts, such as birds and plants, and shared their lore and skills with the Men. The descendants of the Edain rose to become a powerful race of Men, the [[Númenóreans]].<ref name=akallabeth/>


The island itself was tilted southward and a little westward; the southern coasts were all steep sea cliffs.
===Return to Middle-earth===
The Númenóreans were forbidden by the Valar from sailing so far westward that Númenor was no longer visible, for fear that they would come upon the [[Undying Lands]], from which Men were [[Ban of the Valar|barred]]. They tried to compensate for this by going eastward and they reached the shores of Middle-earth in {{SA|600}}.<ref name=APSA/> Arriving in [[Lindon]], they were welcomed by [[Gil-galad]], and an alliance between Númenor and the [[Elves of Lindon]] was formed.<ref name=UTAE3>{{UT|4}}, Note 3</ref> The Númenóreans made contact with the [[Middle Men|Men of Eriador]] teaching them several crafts. They instructed them and helped free them from the [[Shadow]] which they had been under for centuries.<ref name=akallabeth/>


==History==
In {{SA|750}} the [[Guild of Venturers]] was established by Prince [[Aldarion]], son of the king [[Tar-Meneldur]], to facilitate the growing interest in seafaring in Númenor.<ref name>{{UT|4}}, Notes, Chronology</ref> Aldarion built the haven of [[Vinyalondë]], situated in the mouth of the river [[Gwathló]] between great forests to the north and south. The native people of [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]] tolerated the Númenórean presence in the area until they began cutting the trees for timber, and hostility grew between the two peoples.<ref name=UTLD>{{UT|6d}}</ref>
===Origin===
 
Númenor was the kingdom of the [[Dúnedain]], located on an island in the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]], between Middle-earth and [[Aman]]. The land was brought up from the sea as a gift to [[Men]]. It was also called ''Elenna'' ("Starwards") because the Dúnedain were led to it by the [[Star of Eärendil]], and because the island was in the shape of a five-pointed star.
===War with Sauron===
{{seealso|War of the Elves and Sauron}}
In {{SA|882}} Tar-Meneldur received a [[Gil-galad's letter|letter]] from Gil-galad warning of a new shadow rising in the East, declaring that a [[Sauron|servant]] of [[Morgoth]] was behind it and asking for aid to defend Eriador when the time came. Tar-Meneldur was disturbed by this letter and in his wisdom resigned the [[Sceptre of Númenor|Sceptre]] to his son, knowing that he had the better understanding of what was transpiring in the [[Great Lands]] due to the many years he spent abroad.<ref name=Wife>{{UT|Wife}}</ref> Tar-Aldarion returned to Middle-earth in earnest to continue his work while Númenor began preparation for war.<ref name=CGC>{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>


[[Elros]] son of [[Eärendil]] was the first [[King of Númenor]], taking the name of [[Elros|Tar-Minyatur]] ("First King"). Under his rule, which took place between [[Second Age 32|S.A. 32]] and [[Second Age 442|S.A. 442]] and those of his descendants, Men rose to become a powerful race.  
About {{SA|1200}}, Númenóreans began establishing permanent settlements in Middle-earth<ref name=APSA/> which were later attacked by raiders sent by Sauron as he drew closer to invading Eriador. Although they were unable to destroy the havens and forts, their assaults disrupted the Númenórean lumber industry.<ref name=UTLD/>


The [[Númenóreans]] were forbidden by the Valar from sailing so far westward that Númenor was no longer visible, for fear that they would come upon the [[Undying Lands]], to which Men were barred. Over time the Númenóreans came to resent the [[Ban of the Valar]] and to rebel against their authority, seeking the everlasting life that they believed was begrudged them. They tried to compensate this by going eastward and colonizing large parts of Middle-earth, first in a friendly way, beginning with [[Tar-Aldarion]]. The first ships sailed from Númenor to Middle-earth in the year [[Second Age 600|S.A. 600]].  
In {{SA|1695}}, Sauron launched his [[War of the Elves and Sauron|invasion]] of Eriador<ref name=APSA/> and Gil-galad sent word to Númenor for aid. [[Tar-Minastir]] sent a great navy, but by the time it reached the coasts of Middle-earth in {{SA|1700}}, Eriador was mostly in ruin. The Númenóreans and Elves [[Battle of the Gwathló|defeated]] Sauron bringing peace to the [[Westlands]].<ref name=CGC/>


The Númenóreans established several settlements in Middle-earth, such as [[Lond Daer]]. They contacted the [[Middle Men|indigenous people]], teaching them several crafts, instructed them and helped them free from the [[Shadow]]. About SA 1200 they established permanent settlements like [[Pelargir]] and [[Umbar]].
===Shadow over Númenor===
[[File:Tolrone - Numenor (2).jpg|thumb|''Númenor'' by [[:Category:Images by Tolrone|Tolrone]]]]
The might of Númenor was revealed during that victory, and soon the Númenóreans became too proud and desired more wealth and power. About {{SA|1800|}} they established dominions on the shores of Middle-earth, becoming a brutal maritime empire that had no rival.<ref name=APSA/> They demanded tribute from the lesser peoples which they had liberated and taught, and now oppressed.


In [[Second Age 1700]] [[Tar-Minastir]] sent a fleet to help [[Gil-galad]] and together they drove [[Sauron]] back, who had dominated almost all [[Eriador]] after the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]].
In Númenor there was growing discontent regarding [[Ban of the Valar]], questioning the [[Gift of Men]] and becoming envious of the immortality of the Eldar. They longed for [[Eldamar]], which they saw only from a distance.<ref name=APNK>{{App|A1i}}</ref> Fearing death, they tried to gain some form of immortality in riches and ornate tombs. This discontent began during the reigns of [[Tar-Ciryatan]] and his son [[Tar-Atanamir]]. It was the latter that started to speak openly against the Valar, and many Númenóreans followed his teachings.<ref name=Line>{{UT|Kings}}</ref>


===The darkness comes===
===Division===
Soon the Númenóreans came to become proud and discontented, irritated by the [[Ban of the Valar]]. Starting to lose the meaning of the [[Gift of Men]] and of immortality they longed for [[Eldamar]] which they saw only from distance.
In {{SA|2251}}, during the reign of [[Tar-Ancalimon]], the Men of Númenor were split into two factions. The larger following were the [[King's Men]], who followed the king and abandoned the Elven customs and languages. The other was the [[Faithful]], who remained loyal to the Valar and friendly towards the Elves.<ref name=APNK/> Both had havens in Middle-earth such as [[Umbar]] and [[Pelargir]]; the King's Men extended their dominion in [[Harad|the south]], pushing away even Sauron who was afraid of them.<ref name=APSA/>


About 1800 they started to dominated the shores of Middle-earth and demand tribute from the lesser peoples which they had liberated and taught, and became a massive brutal maritime empire that had no rival. Fearing death, they tried to gain some immortality in riches and ornate tombs. [[Tar-Atanamir]] started to speak openly against the Valar.
In {{SA|2899}} [[Ar-Adûnakhôr]] took the Sceptre<ref name=APSA/> and became the first king to choose an [[Adûnaic]] title and not one in [[Quenya]].<ref name=Line/> During his reign, the Faithful were persecuted and the Elven-tongue was no longer used or taught in Númenor. Elves seldom sailed to the island then, except in secret.


In [[Second Age 2280]] Umbar was strengthened with increased numbers of colonists and from there they began to dominate [[Harad]]. Even [[Sauron]] was afraid of them and retreated from these lands.
The Faithful remained in [[Andúnië]], and the Faithful [[Lords of Andúnië]], because of their noble heritage, still had some gravity in the meetings of nobles. However, in the 32nd century, [[Ar-Gimilzôr]] forced them to relocate to [[Rómenna]], and the haven was closed to the Elven visitors. Many of them would depart to Middle-earth to remain among the Eldar.<ref name=akallabeth/>


A few of them, the [[Faithful]], remained loyal to the Valar and friendly to the Elves. The Valar displayed warnings to the Men of Westernesse in the form of huge eagles, but they paid no heed to these manifestations. The Faithful were persecuted by the majority of the population, which they called [[King's Men]], who decided to abandon the Elven customs and languages. [[Ar-Adûnakhôr]] took his regal name in [[Adûnaic]] and not in [[Quenya]].
===Civil War===
[[File:Matěj Čadil - The Eagles of the lords of the Valar.jpg|left|thumb|''The Eagles of the lords of the Valar'' by [[Matěj Čadil]]]]
The 24th king, [[Tar-Palantir]], briefly attempted to cast the Shadow back and reunite the people with the Elves and the Valar, but was unable to appease the Valar during his lifetime and no ship came ever again from the west. The Faithful for some time had peace on the island, but the policies of the king were met with opposition by his brother [[Gimilkhâd]], who took leadership of the King's Men. Tar-Palantir prophesied that when the [[Nimloth (tree)|White Tree]] died, the line of Kings would perish also.<ref name=Line/>


The Faithful remained in [[Andúnië]] and the Faithful [[Lords of Andúnië]], because of their noble heritage still had some gravity in the meetings of nobles. However [[Ar-Gimilzôr]] in about 2950 forced them to remove to [[Rómenna]] and the haven was closed to the Elven visitors. [[Tar-Palantir]] briefly attempted to cast the Shadow back and reunite the people with the Elves and the Valar, but did not make it to be. He was succeeded by his nephew, a sea captain who warred against the coastal people.
Gimilkhâd had a son, [[Pharazôn]], who was a mighty Númenórean lord, spending many years abroad fighting in wars seeking to extend the dominion of Númenor in Middle-earth, and was a renowned captain on land and sea.<ref name=akallabeth/> After hearing the news of his father's death in {{SA|3243}}, Pharazôn returned to Númenor, took leadership of the King's Men, and led a rebellion against his uncle Tar-Palantir.<ref name=APSA/>


That nephew was the twenty-fifth king, [[Ar-Pharazôn]], who in the year [[Second Age 3255|S.A. 3255]], he sailed to Middle-earth. Seeing the might of Númenor, Sauron submitted to the king's authority, and he was brought back to Númenor as a hostage. Sauron soon became an adviser to the King as Tar-[[Mairon]], and promised the Númenóreans eternal life if they worshiped [[Melkor]]. With Sauron as his advisor, Ar-Pharazôn had a 500-foot temple to Melkor erected, in which he offered human sacrifices to him.
When Tar-Palantir died, he had no male heir, only a daughter [[Tar-Míriel]]. She was posed to succeed her father, but Pharazôn usurped the Sceptre and forced her into marriage against her will and against the laws of Númenor, which prohibited first cousins from marrying. He proclaimed himself Ar-Pharazôn the Golden and changed the name of Míriel to Ar-Zimraphel.<ref name=akallabeth/>


During this time, the white tree [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth the Fair]], whose fate was said to be tied to the line of kings, was chopped down and burned as a sacrifice to Melkor.  Risking his life, [[Isildur]] rescued a fruit of the tree, preserving the ancient line of trees.
===Sauron===
In {{SA|3261}}, [[Ar-Pharazôn]] sailed to Middle-earth to defeat a resurgent Sauron. Seeing the might of Númenor, Sauron willingly submitted to the king's authority, and he was brought back to Númenor as a hostage. By that time, however, the Drúedain of Númenor had sensed a coming darkness and all of them had abandoned the island for Middle-earth.<ref name=Druedain/> Sauron soon became an adviser to the King as Tar-Mairon, and promised the Númenóreans would achieve eternal life if they worshipped [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. Under the counsel of Sauron, the Númenóreans became even more warlike, hunting the Men of Middle-earth and enslaving them. Ar-Pharazôn had a five hundred foot temple to Melkor erected, in which the enslaved Men, as well as members of the Faithful were sacrificed.<ref name=akallabeth/>


[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Ships_of_the_Faithful.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''The Ships of the Faithful'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
During this time, the white tree [[Nimloth the Fair]], whose fate was said to be tied to the line of kings, was chopped down and burned as a sacrifice to Melkor. Risking his life, [[Isildur]] rescued a fruit of the tree, preserving the ancient line of trees.<ref name=akallabeth/>
Prompted by Sauron and fearing death and old age, Ar-Pharazôn built a great armada and set sail into the west to make war upon the Valar and seize the Undying Lands. Sauron remained behind.  In the year [[Second Age 3319|S.A. 3319]], Ar-Pharazôn landed on Aman and marched to the city of [[Valimar]].


===Destruction===
===Destruction===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Ships_of_the_Faithful.jpg|right|thumb|''The Ships of the Faithful'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
{{main|Downfall of Númenor}}
{{main|Downfall of Númenor}}
[[Manwë]], chief of the Valar, called upon Ilúvatar, who broke and changed the world, taking Aman and Tol Eressëa from the world forever, changing the world's shape from flat to round. Númenor was covered by great waves and sank into the abyss, killing its inhabitants, including the body of Sauron, who was thereby robbed of his ability to assume fair and charming forms.
Prompted by Sauron and fearing death and old age, Ar-Pharazôn built a great armada to make war upon the Valar and seize the Undying Lands. The Valar displayed warnings to the Men of Westernesse in the form of clouds shaped like huge eagles, but they paid no heed to these manifestations.<ref name=akallabeth/> In {{SA|3319}} Ar-Pharazôn landed on the shores of Aman.<ref name=APSA/>
 
Fearing that the Númenorean army could wreak havoc in [[Valinor]],<ref>{{L|131}}</ref> but forbidden from killing or otherwise using force against Men,<ref>{{L|156}}</ref><ref>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref> the Valar called upon Eru Ilúvatar for assistance. He broke and changed the world, taking Aman and Tol Eressëa from the world forever, and changing the world's shape from flat to round. The massive fleet was consumed when Ilúvatar opened up a chasm in the sea. Númenor, likewise, was covered by great waves and sank into the abyss, killing its inhabitants, including the body of Sauron who remained behind and now was robbed of his ability to assume fair and charming forms.<ref name=akallabeth/>


[[Elendil]], son of the leader of the Faithful during the reign of Ar-Pharazôn, his sons and his followers had foreseen the disaster that was to befall Númenor, and they had set sail in nine ships before the island fell. They landed in Middle-earth, and gathered the Númenorian and indigenous peoples living there, uniting them under them, as the kingdoms of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]].
[[Elendil]], son of the [[Amandil|leader]] of the Faithful during the reign of Ar-Pharazôn, his sons and his followers had foreseen the disaster that was to befall Númenor, and they had set sail in nine ships before the island fell. They landed in Middle-earth, gathered the Númenórean and indigenous peoples living there, and founded the kingdoms of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]].<ref name=akallabeth/>


After its fall Númenor was called ''Atalantë'', meaning "the Downfallen", in the [[Quenya]] language. Other names after the Downfall include ''Mar-nu-Falmar'' ("Land under the Waves") and ''[[Akallabêth]]'' ("the Downfallen" in Adûnaic).
After its fall Númenor was called ''Atalantë'', meaning "the Downfallen", in the [[Quenya]] language. Other names after the Downfall include ''Mar-nu-Falmar'' ("Land under the Waves") and ''[[Akallabêth]]'' ("the Downfallen" in Adûnaic).


The story of the rise and downfall of Númenor is told in ''[[Akallabêth|The Akallabêth]]''.
The story of the rise and downfall of Númenor is told in ''[[Akallabêth]]''.
 
==Politics==
Númenor was a monarchy. The King held the power of decision over the affairs of the state. However, there was an advisory body, the [[Council of the Sceptre]], which consisted of the Heir of the King and lords from the six regions of Númenor: [[Forostar]] (''Northlands''), [[Andustar]] (''Westlands''), [[Hyarnustar]] (''Southwestlands''), [[Hyarrostar]] (''Southeastlands''), [[Orrostar]] (''Eastlands'') and [[Mittalmar]] (''Inlands'').


==Culture==
There were two main political parties: Elendili, the [[Faithful]], led by the Lords of Andúnië, always loyal to the Elves. In the later years, they were a small group, oppressed by the opposing [[King's Men]] who rebelled against the Valar and their ban, and set dominions among the Men of Middle-earth and laid heavy tribute upon them. As their number and power increased, the King's Men forced the Elendili to move from [[Andúnië]] to the eastern side of the island, at [[Rómenna]]. [[Pelargir]] was a harbour built where the river [[Sirith]] met [[Anduin]] and it was founded by the Faithful in {{SA|2350}}.
The population of Númenor chiefly consisted of [[Edain]], mostly descendants from the [[House of Hador]]; although before the Shadow fell on the island the westernmost cities such as [[Andúnië]] contained a small population of [[Elves]] because of the frequent visits from Tol Eressëa. They were known as the Númenóreans, or rather, ''Kings among Men''.
 
Respected as a law was the [[Ban of the Valar]], which stated that Númenóreans should never sail West more than the limit of their sight when looking after their shores. As 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 in his attempt to reach [[Tol Eressëa]] out of the false belief that dwelling in Aman granted immortality. 
 
===Rulership===
{{main|House of Elros}}
Númenóreans from the [[Line of Elros]] had the right to inherit the [[Sceptre]] and thus become Rulers of Númenor. In total 25 [[King of Númenor|Kings]] and [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Queens]] ruled Númenor.<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> While the Númenóreans lived around 200 years, for many generations the descendants of Elros had a double life span of 400 years, but their life span decreased after the shadow fell on Númenor.<ref>{{UT|5a}}, note 1</ref>
 
Of great importance was the [[Law of Succession in Númenor]] which established the heir to the throne. It started as an inherited custom, which gave exclusive rights to the male descendants of Elros.<ref>{{UT|Wife}}, ''The Further Course of the Narrative''</ref> Tar-Aldarion, the sixth ruler of Númenor, only had one daughter and replaced the principle of exclusive male heir with that of eldest progeny, of any gender. in {{SA|1075}} [[Tar-Ancalimë]] became the first ruling queen in the history of Númenor.<ref name=Aldarion>{{UT|Kings}}, entry VI ''Tar-Aldarion''</ref>


The Númenóreans were extremely skilled in arts and craft, with the forging of weapons and armour; but the Númenóreans were not warmongers, hence the chief art on the island became that of ship-building and sea-craft. The Númenóreans became great mariners, exploring the world in all directions save for the westward, where the [[Ban of the Valar]] was in force. They often traveled to the shores of Middle-earth, teaching the men there the art and craft, and introduced farming as to improve their everyday lives.
Númenórean Kings and Queens influenced their era in various ways:


The Númenóreans, too, became skilled in the art of husbandry, breeding great horses that roamed across the open plains in Mittalmar. Although they were a peaceful people, their weapons, armour, and horse-riding skills could not be contested anywhere else in [[Arda]], save for the [[Valar]].
*[[Tar-Aldarion]], a great mariner, shipbuilder and explorer of Middle-earth<ref name=Aldarion/> who established the haven of [[Vinyalonde]]
*[[Tar-Ancalimë]], the first Ruling Queen of Númenor who neglected all her father's policies after his death<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry VII ''Tar-Ancalimë''</ref>
*[[Tar-Minastir]], sent a fleet that helped the Elves to defeat [[Sauron]]<ref>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 1700, p. 1083</ref><ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XI ''Tar-Minastir''</ref><ref>{{UT|Concerning}}</ref><ref>{{UT|5a}}, Note 9</ref><ref>{{NM|P3xviii}}, p. 370</ref>
*[[Ar-Adûnakhôr]], banned the speaking of Quenya and severed relationships with the Eldar<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XX ''Ar-Adûnakhôr (Tar-Herunúmen)''</ref>
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]], last in the line of rulers, whose ursurping of the kingship led directly to the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]]<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XXIV ''Tar-Palantir (Ar-Inziladûn), second paragraph''</ref><ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XXV ''Ar-Pharazôn (Tar-Calion)''</ref>


There also was a small number of [[Drúedain]] living in Númenor, who, considered as Edain, accompanied their friends of the [[House of Haleth]] to Númenor. They were only few in number and dreaded the sea. They became uneasy when [[Tar-Aldarion]] started his great travels and urged him not to go, seeing the mischief to come. They did not succeed and one after another they took ships towards Middle-earth, saying, that "the Great Isle no longer feels sure under our feet, and we wish to return tho the lands whence we came". The last of them left when Sauron was brought to Númenor.
===Lords of Andúnië===
{{Main|Lords of Andúnië}}
During the time of princess [[Silmariën]], the law of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnatic_primogeniture agnatic primogeniture] existed. She could not succeed her father as his eldest child, and her [[Tar-Meneldur|brother]] took up the [[Sceptre]]. In her honour was created the title "[[Lords of Andúnië]]", which was set upon her first son, [[Valandil (Lord of Andúnië)|Valandil]], and his 18 descendants; the last one was [[Amandil]], father of [[Elendil]]. During the dark times of Númenor, the Lords were renowned for their friendship with the Eldar, and leaders of the [[Elendili]].
The Númenóreans were extremely skilled in arts and craft, with the forging of weapons and armour; although they were a peaceful people, their weapons, armour, and horse-riding skills could not be contested anywhere else in [[Arda]], save by the [[Valar]]. But the Númenóreans were not warmongers; hence, the chief art on the island became that of ship-building and sea-craft. The Númenóreans became great mariners, exploring the world in all directions save for the west, where the [[Ban of the Valar]] was in force. They often travelled to the shores of Middle-earth, teaching the men there crafts, and introducing farming in order to improve their lives.


==Plant life==
==Culture==
Númenor contained many species of plants that could be found nowhere else in [[Middle-earth]], for many of them were given to the Númenóreans from the [[Valar]] in [[Aman]].  Most important of these was the [[White Tree of Númenor|White Tree]] that dwelt in the King's Palace at [[Armenelos]]. A [[White Tree of Gondor|seedling]] from it was later planted in in the [[Court of the Fountain (Minas Tirith)|Court of the Fountain]] in [[Minas Tirith (Gondor)|Minas Tirith]], [[Gondor]].
[[File:Matěj Čadil - A Royal Wedding in Numenor.jpg|thumb|''A Royal Wedding in Númenor'' by [[Matěj Čadil]]]]
{{main|Númenóreans}}
The fleet of Elros initially brought probably between 5,000 to 10,000 Edain to Númenor. After a migration period that lasted at least 50 years, between 200,000 and 350,000 Edain had emigrated to Númenor. After a thousand years the population seemed to have slightly exceeded 2 million people. The population may have reached 15 million people before the Downfall of Númenor.<ref>{{NM|P3xiii|}}, p. 339</ref> They were known as the Númenóreans, or rather, ''Kings among Men''.


The other parts of Númenor contained many types of plants, many unique to each of the promontories of the island.  Andustar contained great forests of [[Beeches|beech]] and birch at the higher ground, and oak and elm forests are lower altitudes.
The population of Númenor chiefly consisted of [[Edain]], mostly descendants from the [[House of Hador]]; however, before the Shadow fell on the island, the westernmost cities such as [[Andúnië]] contained a small population of [[Elves]]{{fact}} because of the frequent visits from Tol Eressëa.  


The greatest delight of the Númenóreans, however, were the trees given to them by the [[Eldar]]. They grew mostly in the Western portion, Andustar. They are often remembered in song and lore, and few have flowered east of Númenor.
There were also a small number of [[Drúedain]] living in Númenor, who, considered to be Edain, accompanied their friends of the [[House of Haleth]] to Númenor. They were few in number and dreaded the sea. They became uneasy when [[Tar-Aldarion]] started his great travels and urged him not to go, seeing the mischief to come. They did not succeed in deterring him, and one after another they took ships towards Middle-earth, saying that, "the Great Isle no longer feels sure under our feet, and we wish to return to the lands whence we came". The last of them left when Sauron was brought to Númenor.
*[[Oiolairë]]
*[[Lairelossë]]
*[[Nessamelda]]
*[[Vardarianna]]
*[[Taniquelassë]]
*[[Yavannamírë]]


Because of the diversity of wildlife in Andustar, that region was soon called [[Nisimaldar]], or the [[Fragrant Trees]]. Also only in Andustar could the Golden Tree be found, [[Malinornë]].
==Etymology==
''Númenor'' is a shortened form of the [[Quenya]] name ''Númenórë'', which can be translated as ''''Westernesse'''' or ''''Westland''''.<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref> The name is a compound of [[númen|''nūme-n'']] "going down" (from the [[Sundocarme|root]] √ndū, nū), sunset, West, and [[nóre|''nōre'']] "land, country".<ref>{{L|227}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Carl F. Hostetter]]|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330024158/http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lambengolmor/conversations/messages/1144 |articlename=Holograph MS of Letter 227, correcting published etymology of "Númenor" (#1144)|dated=15 December 2013|website=Lambe|accessed=13 June 2022}}</ref>


In Hyarrostar grew the tree [[Laurinquë]], which the Númenóreans loved because of their flowers. They believed that it came from the Great Tree of Valinor, [[Laurelin]].[[Image:The-eagles-of-Manwë.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''The Eagles of Manwë'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
==Other names==
The land most commonly referred to as ''Númenor'' (Westernesse, Westland) had a variety of other names:
*''[[Anadûnê]]'', "Westernesse" in [[Adûnaic]].<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry ''Anadûnê''</ref>
*''[[Andor]]'', "[[Land of Gift|The Land of Gift]]" in [[Quenya]].<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry ''Andor''</ref>
*''[[Elenna]]'', "Starwards" in Quenya.<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry ''Elenna''</ref>
*''Elenna-nórë'', "The land named Starwards" in Quenya.<ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry ''* Elenna-nórë''</ref>
*''[[Yôzâyan]]'', "The Land of Gift" in Adûnaic.<ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry ''* Yôzâyan''</ref>
*''The Land of the Star''<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry ''Land of the Star''</ref>
and after its downfall:
*''[[Akallabêth]]'', "The Downfallen" in Adûnaic.<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry ''Akallabêth''</ref><ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry ''Akallabêth''</ref>
*''[[Atalantë]]'', "The Downfallen" in Quenya.<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry ''Atalantë''</ref>
*''[[Mar-nu-Falmar]]'', "The Land under the Waves" in [[Sindarin]].<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry ''Mar-nu-Falmar''</ref>


==Inspiration==
==Inspiration==
Númenor is the retelling of the [[Atlantis]] mythos in Tolkien's legendarium. Notably, he referred to a recurring "Atlantis dream" he had. The connection is more evident in the name ''[[Atalantë]]'', another epithet of the Island which in [[Quenya]] means "the downfallen" (note that in Greek, ''Atlantis'' is related to [[Wikipedia:Atlas|Atlas]]; therefore ''Atalantë'' has no direct connection).
Númenor is an alteration of the [[Atlantis]] mythos in Tolkien's legendarium.<ref name=L276>{{L|276}}, sixth paragraph</ref><ref>{{L|227}}, first paragraph</ref><ref>{{L|294}}, twelfth section of the commentary on the draft text</ref> Notably, he referred to a recurring "Atlantis dream" he had.<ref name=L276/><ref>{{L|163}}, fifth paragraph</ref><ref>{{L|257}}, eighth paragraph</ref> The connection is more evident in the name ''[[Atalantë]]'', another epithet of the Island which in [[Quenya]] means "the downfallen" (note that in Greek, ''Atlantis'' is related to [[Wikipedia:Atlas|Atlas]]; therefore ''Atalantë'' has no direct connection. In fact, Tolkien, upon realising the similarity, described it as a "curious chance"<ref>{{L|257|1}}</ref>).


Some parts of Númenor's history seem to have been inspired not only from Plato (the ancient Greek philosopher who recounted the myth of Atlantis) but also from researchers and occultists whose theories were widespread during Tolkien's time.
[[wikipedia:Plato|Plato]], the ancient Greek philosopher, recounted the story of Atlantis. According to him, Atlantis was in the middle of the ocean in the West (cf. [[Belegaer|Great Sea]]), its people were more advanced than those of the known world (cf. [[Kings of Men]]) but were corrupted by arrogance; the continent was destroyed by the gods and survivors created colonies, as in Egypt (cf. [[Realms in Exile]]). Also according to Plato, the centre of Atlantis was occupied by a high mountain-palace (cf. [[Meneltarma]]) around which a city of three circles was built, quite different from the star-shaped island of Númenor. Another element with both common and different points between the two stories is that Númenor sank when the fleet was attacking the West, while Atlantis sank during a sea-battle with the Athenians in the east.


Ignatius Loyola Donnelly and Edgar Cayce were the most famous authors regarding Atlantis and mentioned events and concepts that Plato never did. One of those "original" elements told by modern authors and mystics was a civil war between two factions of Atlanteans (good and evil)<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_race#The_civilization_of_Atlantis</ref> which reminds of the persecution of the [[Elf-friends]] by the [[King's Men]].
Some parts of Númenor's history seem to have been inspired not only by Plato but also by researchers and occultists whose theories were widespread during Tolkien's time.
 
Ignatius Loyola Donnelly and Edgar Cayce were the most famous authors regarding Atlantis and mentioned events and concepts that Plato never did. One of those "original" elements told by modern authors and mystics was a civil war between two factions of Atlanteans (good and evil)<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_race#The_civilization_of_Atlantis</ref> which is similar to the persecution of the [[Elf-friends]] by the [[King's Men]].
 
According to those theories, remnants of Atlantean civilization survived by colonists or survivors in Egypt (and in Pre-Columbian America), which mirrors the [[Realms in Exile]] founded by the Faithful. Tolkien once wrote that the Númenóreans of Gondor resembled the love of, and ability to make gigantic and massive constructions and the great interest in ancetry and tombs of the ancient Egyptians.<ref>{{L|211}}, Question 4</ref>


==Uses outside the legendarium==
==Uses outside the legendarium==
*The cartoon series [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulysses_31 Ulysses 31] includes a character called Numinor, whose name may be derivative of Númenor.


*[[C.S. Lewis]]' novel ''That Hideous Strength'' makes reference to "Numinor [sic] and the True West", which Lewis credits as a then-unpublished creation of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. This is one of many examples of cross-overs between the novels of Lewis and Tolkien, both of whom were members of the [[Inklings]], a literary discussion group at [[Oxford University]].
[[C.S. Lewis]]' novel ''That Hideous Strength'' makes reference to "Numinor [sic] and the True West", which Lewis credits as a then-unpublished creation of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. This is one of many examples of cross-overs between the novels of Lewis and Tolkien, both of whom were members of the [[Inklings]], a literary discussion group at [[Oxford University]].


{{references}}
The world of [http://narnia.wikia.com/wiki/Charn Charn] from Lewis' ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'' series bears some similarities with Númenor: both Númenor and Charn were initially ruled by wise and benevolent rulers who later became corrupted, cruel and evil, culminating with their respective final rulers ([[Ar-Pharazôn]] for Númenor; the White Witch [http://narnia.wikia.com/wiki/Jadis Jadis] for Charn) causing the destruction of both realms.
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Akallabêth]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[A Description of the Island of Númenor]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife]]
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Tale of Years of the Second Age]]


==See also==
==See also==
Line 139: Line 178:
*[http://sdgeard.customer.netspace.net.au/hccnum.html A History and Complete Chronology of Númenor] - A detailed chronology of Númenor, its successor states and their rulers.
*[http://sdgeard.customer.netspace.net.au/hccnum.html A History and Complete Chronology of Númenor] - A detailed chronology of Númenor, its successor states and their rulers.
*[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=38 Article] concerning the position of Numenor.
*[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=38 Article] concerning the position of Numenor.
{{references}}
{{numenor}}
{{numenorkings}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Numenor}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Numenor}}
[[Category:Islands]]
[[Category:Númenor| ]]
[[Category:Númenor| ]]
[[Category:Realms]]
[[Category:Islands]]
[[Category:Quenya locations]]
[[Category:Quenya locations]]
[[de:Númenor]]
[[fi:Númenor]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/eaux/iles/numenor]]

Latest revision as of 11:44, 6 January 2024

This article is about the Mannish realm of the Second Age. For the island where it was located, see Elenna.
Númenor
John Howe - Numenor.png
General information
PronunciationQ, [ˈnuːmenor]
Other namesWesternesse
Númenórë, Andor, Elenna (Q)
Anadûnê, Yôzâyan (A)
LocationIn Belegaer, between Middle-earth and Aman
CapitalArmenelos
Major townsAndúnië, Eldalondë, Rómenna, Ondosto, Nindamos
RegionsForostar, Andustar, Hyarnustar, Hyarrostar, Orrostar, Mittalmar, Emerië, Nísimaldar
People
PopulationPrimarily Númenóreans (Few Drúedain briefly lived on the island)
LanguageAdûnaic, Númenórean Sindarin, Quenya
GovernanceKing/Queen
Council of the Sceptre
HolidayThree Prayers:
Erukyermë, Erulaitalë, Eruhantalë
History
FoundedS.A. 32
DestroyedS.A. 3319
Followed byRealms in Exile
GalleryImages of Númenor
"The Edain came at last over leagues of sea and saw afar the land that was prepared for them, Andor, the Land of Gift, shimmering in a golden haze. Then they went up out of the sea and found a country fair and fruitful, and they were glad."
Akallabêth

Númenor or Númenórë, known in the Common Speech as Westernesse and in Adûnaic as Anadûnê, was one of the names of the isle of Elenna, which was raised from the Great Sea by the Valar at the beginning of the Second Age. While strictly speaking, the term Númenor referred to the realm established on the island, it was more often used as a synonym for the land itself. Númenor was one of the most powerful realms of the Second Age, and its people, called Númenóreans, as well as their descendants, continued to have considerable influence through the Third Age.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Main article: Elenna

The island of Númenor was shaped like a 5-pointed star with each peninsular promontory having its own unique geological and physical features and names: Forostar, Andustar, Hyarnustar, Hyarrostar and Orrostar.[1][2]

The central region was named Mittalmar, and in its centre stood the holy mountain Meneltarma.[1][2]

Númenor had only two rivers: Siril and Nunduinë.[1][2]

The Númenóreans built several settlements on the island. The capital Armenelos, as well as Andúnië, Nindamos, Eldalondë, Rómenna[2] Ondosto[1] and Almaida[3].

History[edit | edit source]

Foundation[edit | edit source]

See also: Númenóreans#Origins
Numenor by Felix Sotomayor

Númenor was the kingdom of the Dúnedain, located on an island in the Great Sea, between Middle-earth and Aman. The land was brought up from the sea by Ulmo as a gift to the Edain for their part in the war against Morgoth.[4] It was also called Elenna ("Starwards") because the Edain were led to it by the Star of Eärendil, and because the island was in the shape of a five-pointed star. The first ships of the Edain arrived at the island in S.A. 32. Elros, son of Eärendil was the first King of Númenor, taking the name of Tar-Minyatur ("First King").[5] The majority of the Edain gradually migrated to the island in the next fifty years[6] and the Drúedain refugees who dwelt at the Mouths of Sirion before the sinking of Beleriand were permitted to join them.[7]

The Elves of Tol Eressëa visited the island and brought many gifts, such as birds and plants, and shared their lore and skills with the Men. The descendants of the Edain rose to become a powerful race of Men, the Númenóreans.[4]

Return to Middle-earth[edit | edit source]

The Númenóreans were forbidden by the Valar from sailing so far westward that Númenor was no longer visible, for fear that they would come upon the Undying Lands, from which Men were barred. They tried to compensate for this by going eastward and they reached the shores of Middle-earth in S.A. 600.[5] Arriving in Lindon, they were welcomed by Gil-galad, and an alliance between Númenor and the Elves of Lindon was formed.[8] The Númenóreans made contact with the Men of Eriador teaching them several crafts. They instructed them and helped free them from the Shadow which they had been under for centuries.[4]

In S.A. 750 the Guild of Venturers was established by Prince Aldarion, son of the king Tar-Meneldur, to facilitate the growing interest in seafaring in Númenor.[9] Aldarion built the haven of Vinyalondë, situated in the mouth of the river Gwathló between great forests to the north and south. The native people of Minhiriath and Enedwaith tolerated the Númenórean presence in the area until they began cutting the trees for timber, and hostility grew between the two peoples.[10]

War with Sauron[edit | edit source]

See also: War of the Elves and Sauron

In S.A. 882 Tar-Meneldur received a letter from Gil-galad warning of a new shadow rising in the East, declaring that a servant of Morgoth was behind it and asking for aid to defend Eriador when the time came. Tar-Meneldur was disturbed by this letter and in his wisdom resigned the Sceptre to his son, knowing that he had the better understanding of what was transpiring in the Great Lands due to the many years he spent abroad.[11] Tar-Aldarion returned to Middle-earth in earnest to continue his work while Númenor began preparation for war.[12]

About S.A. 1200, Númenóreans began establishing permanent settlements in Middle-earth[5] which were later attacked by raiders sent by Sauron as he drew closer to invading Eriador. Although they were unable to destroy the havens and forts, their assaults disrupted the Númenórean lumber industry.[10]

In S.A. 1695, Sauron launched his invasion of Eriador[5] and Gil-galad sent word to Númenor for aid. Tar-Minastir sent a great navy, but by the time it reached the coasts of Middle-earth in S.A. 1700, Eriador was mostly in ruin. The Númenóreans and Elves defeated Sauron bringing peace to the Westlands.[12]

Shadow over Númenor[edit | edit source]

Númenor by Tolrone

The might of Númenor was revealed during that victory, and soon the Númenóreans became too proud and desired more wealth and power. About S.A. 1800 they established dominions on the shores of Middle-earth, becoming a brutal maritime empire that had no rival.[5] They demanded tribute from the lesser peoples which they had liberated and taught, and now oppressed.

In Númenor there was growing discontent regarding Ban of the Valar, questioning the Gift of Men and becoming envious of the immortality of the Eldar. They longed for Eldamar, which they saw only from a distance.[13] Fearing death, they tried to gain some form of immortality in riches and ornate tombs. This discontent began during the reigns of Tar-Ciryatan and his son Tar-Atanamir. It was the latter that started to speak openly against the Valar, and many Númenóreans followed his teachings.[14]

Division[edit | edit source]

In S.A. 2251, during the reign of Tar-Ancalimon, the Men of Númenor were split into two factions. The larger following were the King's Men, who followed the king and abandoned the Elven customs and languages. The other was the Faithful, who remained loyal to the Valar and friendly towards the Elves.[13] Both had havens in Middle-earth such as Umbar and Pelargir; the King's Men extended their dominion in the south, pushing away even Sauron who was afraid of them.[5]

In S.A. 2899 Ar-Adûnakhôr took the Sceptre[5] and became the first king to choose an Adûnaic title and not one in Quenya.[14] During his reign, the Faithful were persecuted and the Elven-tongue was no longer used or taught in Númenor. Elves seldom sailed to the island then, except in secret.

The Faithful remained in Andúnië, and the Faithful Lords of Andúnië, because of their noble heritage, still had some gravity in the meetings of nobles. However, in the 32nd century, Ar-Gimilzôr forced them to relocate to Rómenna, and the haven was closed to the Elven visitors. Many of them would depart to Middle-earth to remain among the Eldar.[4]

Civil War[edit | edit source]

The Eagles of the lords of the Valar by Matěj Čadil

The 24th king, Tar-Palantir, briefly attempted to cast the Shadow back and reunite the people with the Elves and the Valar, but was unable to appease the Valar during his lifetime and no ship came ever again from the west. The Faithful for some time had peace on the island, but the policies of the king were met with opposition by his brother Gimilkhâd, who took leadership of the King's Men. Tar-Palantir prophesied that when the White Tree died, the line of Kings would perish also.[14]

Gimilkhâd had a son, Pharazôn, who was a mighty Númenórean lord, spending many years abroad fighting in wars seeking to extend the dominion of Númenor in Middle-earth, and was a renowned captain on land and sea.[4] After hearing the news of his father's death in S.A. 3243, Pharazôn returned to Númenor, took leadership of the King's Men, and led a rebellion against his uncle Tar-Palantir.[5]

When Tar-Palantir died, he had no male heir, only a daughter Tar-Míriel. She was posed to succeed her father, but Pharazôn usurped the Sceptre and forced her into marriage against her will and against the laws of Númenor, which prohibited first cousins from marrying. He proclaimed himself Ar-Pharazôn the Golden and changed the name of Míriel to Ar-Zimraphel.[4]

Sauron[edit | edit source]

In S.A. 3261, Ar-Pharazôn sailed to Middle-earth to defeat a resurgent Sauron. Seeing the might of Númenor, Sauron willingly submitted to the king's authority, and he was brought back to Númenor as a hostage. By that time, however, the Drúedain of Númenor had sensed a coming darkness and all of them had abandoned the island for Middle-earth.[7] Sauron soon became an adviser to the King as Tar-Mairon, and promised the Númenóreans would achieve eternal life if they worshipped Melkor. Under the counsel of Sauron, the Númenóreans became even more warlike, hunting the Men of Middle-earth and enslaving them. Ar-Pharazôn had a five hundred foot temple to Melkor erected, in which the enslaved Men, as well as members of the Faithful were sacrificed.[4]

During this time, the white tree Nimloth the Fair, whose fate was said to be tied to the line of kings, was chopped down and burned as a sacrifice to Melkor. Risking his life, Isildur rescued a fruit of the tree, preserving the ancient line of trees.[4]

Destruction[edit | edit source]

The Ships of the Faithful by Ted Nasmith
Main article: Downfall of Númenor

Prompted by Sauron and fearing death and old age, Ar-Pharazôn built a great armada to make war upon the Valar and seize the Undying Lands. The Valar displayed warnings to the Men of Westernesse in the form of clouds shaped like huge eagles, but they paid no heed to these manifestations.[4] In S.A. 3319 Ar-Pharazôn landed on the shores of Aman.[5]

Fearing that the Númenorean army could wreak havoc in Valinor,[15] but forbidden from killing or otherwise using force against Men,[16][17] the Valar called upon Eru Ilúvatar for assistance. He broke and changed the world, taking Aman and Tol Eressëa from the world forever, and changing the world's shape from flat to round. The massive fleet was consumed when Ilúvatar opened up a chasm in the sea. Númenor, likewise, was covered by great waves and sank into the abyss, killing its inhabitants, including the body of Sauron who remained behind and now was robbed of his ability to assume fair and charming forms.[4]

Elendil, son of the leader of the Faithful during the reign of Ar-Pharazôn, his sons and his followers had foreseen the disaster that was to befall Númenor, and they had set sail in nine ships before the island fell. They landed in Middle-earth, gathered the Númenórean and indigenous peoples living there, and founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor.[4]

After its fall Númenor was called Atalantë, meaning "the Downfallen", in the Quenya language. Other names after the Downfall include Mar-nu-Falmar ("Land under the Waves") and Akallabêth ("the Downfallen" in Adûnaic).

The story of the rise and downfall of Númenor is told in Akallabêth.

Politics[edit | edit source]

Númenor was a monarchy. The King held the power of decision over the affairs of the state. However, there was an advisory body, the Council of the Sceptre, which consisted of the Heir of the King and lords from the six regions of Númenor: Forostar (Northlands), Andustar (Westlands), Hyarnustar (Southwestlands), Hyarrostar (Southeastlands), Orrostar (Eastlands) and Mittalmar (Inlands).

There were two main political parties: Elendili, the Faithful, led by the Lords of Andúnië, always loyal to the Elves. In the later years, they were a small group, oppressed by the opposing King's Men who rebelled against the Valar and their ban, and set dominions among the Men of Middle-earth and laid heavy tribute upon them. As their number and power increased, the King's Men forced the Elendili to move from Andúnië to the eastern side of the island, at Rómenna. Pelargir was a harbour built where the river Sirith met Anduin and it was founded by the Faithful in S.A. 2350.

Respected as a law was the Ban of the Valar, which stated that Númenóreans should never sail West more than the limit of their sight when looking after their shores. As 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 in his attempt to reach Tol Eressëa out of the false belief that dwelling in Aman granted immortality.

Rulership[edit | edit source]

Main article: House of Elros

Númenóreans from the Line of Elros had the right to inherit the Sceptre and thus become Rulers of Númenor. In total 25 Kings and Queens ruled Númenor.[18] While the Númenóreans lived around 200 years, for many generations the descendants of Elros had a double life span of 400 years, but their life span decreased after the shadow fell on Númenor.[19]

Of great importance was the Law of Succession in Númenor which established the heir to the throne. It started as an inherited custom, which gave exclusive rights to the male descendants of Elros.[20] Tar-Aldarion, the sixth ruler of Númenor, only had one daughter and replaced the principle of exclusive male heir with that of eldest progeny, of any gender. in S.A. 1075 Tar-Ancalimë became the first ruling queen in the history of Númenor.[21]

Númenórean Kings and Queens influenced their era in various ways:

Lords of Andúnië[edit | edit source]

Main article: Lords of Andúnië

During the time of princess Silmariën, the law of agnatic primogeniture existed. She could not succeed her father as his eldest child, and her brother took up the Sceptre. In her honour was created the title "Lords of Andúnië", which was set upon her first son, Valandil, and his 18 descendants; the last one was Amandil, father of Elendil. During the dark times of Númenor, the Lords were renowned for their friendship with the Eldar, and leaders of the Elendili. The Númenóreans were extremely skilled in arts and craft, with the forging of weapons and armour; although they were a peaceful people, their weapons, armour, and horse-riding skills could not be contested anywhere else in Arda, save by the Valar. But the Númenóreans were not warmongers; hence, the chief art on the island became that of ship-building and sea-craft. The Númenóreans became great mariners, exploring the world in all directions save for the west, where the Ban of the Valar was in force. They often travelled to the shores of Middle-earth, teaching the men there crafts, and introducing farming in order to improve their lives.

Culture[edit | edit source]

A Royal Wedding in Númenor by Matěj Čadil
Main article: Númenóreans

The fleet of Elros initially brought probably between 5,000 to 10,000 Edain to Númenor. After a migration period that lasted at least 50 years, between 200,000 and 350,000 Edain had emigrated to Númenor. After a thousand years the population seemed to have slightly exceeded 2 million people. The population may have reached 15 million people before the Downfall of Númenor.[31] They were known as the Númenóreans, or rather, Kings among Men.

The population of Númenor chiefly consisted of Edain, mostly descendants from the House of Hador; however, before the Shadow fell on the island, the westernmost cities such as Andúnië contained a small population of Elves[source?] because of the frequent visits from Tol Eressëa.

There were also a small number of Drúedain living in Númenor, who, considered to be Edain, accompanied their friends of the House of Haleth to Númenor. They were few in number and dreaded the sea. They became uneasy when Tar-Aldarion started his great travels and urged him not to go, seeing the mischief to come. They did not succeed in deterring him, and one after another they took ships towards Middle-earth, saying that, "the Great Isle no longer feels sure under our feet, and we wish to return to the lands whence we came". The last of them left when Sauron was brought to Númenor.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Númenor is a shortened form of the Quenya name Númenórë, which can be translated as 'Westernesse' or 'Westland'.[32] The name is a compound of nūme-n "going down" (from the root √ndū, nū), sunset, West, and nōre "land, country".[33][34]

Other names[edit | edit source]

The land most commonly referred to as Númenor (Westernesse, Westland) had a variety of other names:

and after its downfall:

Inspiration[edit | edit source]

Númenor is an alteration of the Atlantis mythos in Tolkien's legendarium.[45][46][47] Notably, he referred to a recurring "Atlantis dream" he had.[45][48][49] The connection is more evident in the name Atalantë, another epithet of the Island which in Quenya means "the downfallen" (note that in Greek, Atlantis is related to Atlas; therefore Atalantë has no direct connection. In fact, Tolkien, upon realising the similarity, described it as a "curious chance"[50]).

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, recounted the story of Atlantis. According to him, Atlantis was in the middle of the ocean in the West (cf. Great Sea), its people were more advanced than those of the known world (cf. Kings of Men) but were corrupted by arrogance; the continent was destroyed by the gods and survivors created colonies, as in Egypt (cf. Realms in Exile). Also according to Plato, the centre of Atlantis was occupied by a high mountain-palace (cf. Meneltarma) around which a city of three circles was built, quite different from the star-shaped island of Númenor. Another element with both common and different points between the two stories is that Númenor sank when the fleet was attacking the West, while Atlantis sank during a sea-battle with the Athenians in the east.

Some parts of Númenor's history seem to have been inspired not only by Plato but also by researchers and occultists whose theories were widespread during Tolkien's time.

Ignatius Loyola Donnelly and Edgar Cayce were the most famous authors regarding Atlantis and mentioned events and concepts that Plato never did. One of those "original" elements told by modern authors and mystics was a civil war between two factions of Atlanteans (good and evil)[51] which is similar to the persecution of the Elf-friends by the King's Men.

According to those theories, remnants of Atlantean civilization survived by colonists or survivors in Egypt (and in Pre-Columbian America), which mirrors the Realms in Exile founded by the Faithful. Tolkien once wrote that the Númenóreans of Gondor resembled the love of, and ability to make gigantic and massive constructions and the great interest in ancetry and tombs of the ancient Egyptians.[52]

Uses outside the legendarium[edit | edit source]

C.S. Lewis' novel That Hideous Strength makes reference to "Numinor [sic] and the True West", which Lewis credits as a then-unpublished creation of J.R.R. Tolkien. This is one of many examples of cross-overs between the novels of Lewis and Tolkien, both of whom were members of the Inklings, a literary discussion group at Oxford University.

The world of Charn from Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series bears some similarities with Númenor: both Númenor and Charn were initially ruled by wise and benevolent rulers who later became corrupted, cruel and evil, culminating with their respective final rulers (Ar-Pharazôn for Númenor; the White Witch Jadis for Charn) causing the destruction of both realms.

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "A Description of the Island of Númenor"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "[Map of] Númenórë"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Introduction", Part Two, I
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Akallabêth: The Downfall of Númenor"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  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 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Drúedain"
  8. 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. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife"
  12. 12.0 12.1 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. 14.0 14.1 14.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 131, (undated, written late 1951)
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 156, (dated 4 November 1954)
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Four. Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth: Glossary", p. 350
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor"
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", "Notes", note 1
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife", The Further Course of the Narrative
  21. 21.0 21.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry VI Tar-Aldarion
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry VII Tar-Ancalimë
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age", entry for the year 1700, p. 1083
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry XI Tar-Minastir
  25. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"
  26. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", "Notes", Note 9
  27. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XVIII. Note on the Delay of Gil-galad and the Númenóreans", p. 370
  28. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry XX Ar-Adûnakhôr (Tar-Herunúmen)
  29. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry XXIV Tar-Palantir (Ar-Inziladûn), second paragraph
  30. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry XXV Ar-Pharazôn (Tar-Calion)
  31. 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
  32. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names"
  33. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 227, (dated 5 January 1961)
  34. Carl F. Hostetter, "Holograph MS of Letter 227, correcting published etymology of "Númenor" (#1144)" dated 15 December 2013, Lambengolmor mailing list (accessed 13 June 2022)
  35. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names", entry Anadûnê
  36. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names", entry Andor
  37. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names", entry Elenna
  38. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, Index, entry * Elenna-nórë
  39. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, Index, entry * Yôzâyan
  40. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names", entry Land of the Star
  41. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names", entry Akallabêth
  42. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, Index, entry Akallabêth
  43. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names", entry Atalantë
  44. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names", entry Mar-nu-Falmar
  45. 45.0 45.1 J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 276, (dated 12 September 1965), sixth paragraph
  46. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 227, (dated 5 January 1961), first paragraph
  47. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 294, (dated 8 February 1967), twelfth section of the commentary on the draft text
  48. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 163, (dated 7 June 1955), fifth paragraph
  49. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 257, (dated 16 July 1964), eighth paragraph
  50. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Note 1 to Letter 257, (dated 16 July 1964)
  51. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_race#The_civilization_of_Atlantis
  52. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 211, (dated 14 October 1958), Question 4
Númenor
Andor · Atalantë · Elenna · Mar-nu-Falmar · Númenórë · Westernesse
Regions Andustar · Arandor · Emerië · Forostar · Hyarastorni · Hyarnustar · Hyarrostar · Mittalmar · Nísimaldar · Orrostar
Towns and cities Almaida · Andúnië · Armenelos · Eldalondë · Moriondë · Nindamos · Ondosto · Rómenna
Buildings Calmindon · Eämbar · King's Court · Temple · White House of Erendis
Natural features Bay of Eldanna · Bay of Rómenna · Firth of Rómenna · Hallow of Eru · Meneltarma (mountain) · Nísinen (lake) · North Cape · Nunduinë (river) · Oromet (mountain) · Siril (river) · Sorontil (mountain) · Tarmasundar (ridges) · Tompollë
Plants and trees Fragrant Trees · Lairelossë · Laurinquë · Lavaralda · Nessamelda · Nimloth · Oiolairë · Taniquelassë · Vardarianna · Yavannamírë
Heirlooms Aranrúth · Bow of Bregor · Dramborleg · Elendilmir · Narsil · Palantíri · Ring of Barahir · Sceptre of Annúminas · Sceptre of Númenor · Tile and Textiles · Helmet
Concepts Adûnaic · Ban of the Valar · Council of the Sceptre · Downfall of Númenor · Great Bear-dance · Heirship · Númenórean Sindarin · Three Prayers (Eruhantalë · Erukyermë · Erulaitalë)
Key people Aldarion · Amandil · Anárion · Captain of the King's Ships · Elendil · Elros (House of Elros) · Erendis · Faithful · Great Armament · Guild of Venturers · Guild of Weaponsmiths · Isildur · Kings and Queens of Númenor · King's Archers · King's Men · Lords of Andúnië · Meneldur · Miriel · Palantir · Pharazôn · Sauron · Silmariën
Main texts The Silmarillion ("Akallabêth") · Unfinished Tales ("A Description of the Island of Númenor" · "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife" · "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor") · The Lord of the Rings ("Appendix A" · "Appendix B") · The Nature of Middle-earth ("Lives of the Númenóreans" · "Of the land and beasts of Númenor")
Kings of Númenor
Elros Tar-Minyatur (S.A. 32 - 442) · Tar-Vardamir* (442) · Tar-Amandil (442 - 590) · Tar-Elendil (590 - 740) · Tar-Meneldur (740 - 883) · Tar-Aldarion (883 - 1075) · Tar-AncalimëQ (1075 - 1280) · Tar-Anárion (1280 - 1394) · Tar-Súrion (1394 - 1556) · Tar-TelperiënQ (1556 - 1731) · Tar-Minastir (1731 - 1869) · Tar-Ciryatan (1869 - 2029) · Tar-Atanamir (2029 - 2221) · Tar-Ancalimon (2221 - 2386) · Tar-Telemmaitë (2386 - 2526) · Tar-VanimeldëQ (2526 - 2637) · Tar-Anducal (2637 - 2657) · Tar-Alcarin (2657 - 2737) · Tar-Calmacil (2737 - 2825) · Tar-Ardamin (2825 - 2899) · Ar-Adûnakhôr (2899 - 2962) · Ar-Zimrathôn (2962 - 3033) · Ar-Sakalthôr (3033 - 3102) · Ar-Gimilzôr (3102 - 3177) · Tar-Palantir (3177 - 3255) · Ar-Pharazôn (3255 - 3319)
* Immediately abdicated in favour of his son · Q Ruling Queens · Usurped throne. Later struck off the Line of Kings · Usurped throne from his cousin Tar-Míriel