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{{disambig-two|the Haven of Umbar|Quenya word|[[Umbar (word)|umbar]]}}
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The '''Haven of Umbar''' was a great haven to the far south of [[Gondor]] in [[Middle-earth]].
'''Umbar''' was a great haven to the far south of [[Gondor]] in [[Middle-earth]].


==History==
==History==
===Foundation and Numenorian Rule===
===Foundation and Númenórean Rule===
It was located south of the outflow of [[Anduin]] at the [[Bay of Belfalas]] in a convenient, useful natural haven. The great cape and land-locked firth formed the port. The natives called it "Umbar" and the Númenóreans who discovered it, adopted its name.
Umbar was located south of the outflow of [[Anduin]] at the [[Bay of Belfalas]] in a convenient, useful natural haven. The great cape and land-locked firth formed the port. The natives called it "Umbar" and the Númenóreans who discovered it, adopted its name.


Like the earlier [[Lond Daer Ened|New Haven]] in [[Enedwaith]], and the later [[Pelargir]] on the [[Anduin]], Umbar was one of the trading ports at the southern coast of [[Middle-earth]], which became a base from which Númenórean influence spread over Middle-earth. In {{SA|2280}} it was made into a great fortress as a reaction to the growing threat of Sauron<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> and became the strongest and most important.  
Like the earlier [[Lond Daer Ened|New Haven]] in [[Enedwaith]], and the later [[Pelargir]] on the [[Anduin]], Umbar was one of the trading ports at the southern coast of [[Middle-earth]], which became a base from which Númenórean influence spread over Middle-earth. In {{SA|2280}} it was made into a great fortress as a reaction to the growing threat of Sauron<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> and became the strongest and most important.  


During the dissension arising when the Shadow fell on [[Númenor]], Umbar was the northernmost settlement of the [[King's Men]]; [[Sauron]], after trying to break the waxing Númenórean grip by instigation, attempted to attack the Númenórean havens and forts, invaded their coastlands, but Umbar resisted<ref>{{PM|Second}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}</ref>
During the dissension arising when the Shadow fell on [[Númenor]], Umbar was the northernmost settlement of the [[King's Men]]; [[Sauron]], after trying to break the waxing Númenórean grip by instigation, attempted to attack the Númenórean havens and forts, invaded their coastlands, but Umbar resisted.<ref>{{PM|Second}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}</ref>


It was at Umbar that [[Ar-Pharazôn]] the Golden, landed in {{SA|3261}}, to challenge Sauron and journeyed 7 days with banner and trumpet<ref name="Ak">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>. Umbar remained a symbol of Númenórean pride ever after.
It was at Umbar that [[Ar-Pharazôn]] the Golden landed in {{SA|3261}} to challenge Sauron and journeyed 7 days with banner and trumpet.<ref name="Ak">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> Umbar remained a symbol of Númenórean pride ever after.


While Sauron was in Númenór and the Shadow and dissidence became greater, Umbar was one of the fortresses and dwellings upon the coasts, inhabited by the [[King's Men]] and servants in Middle-earth to his will; these evil lords concentrated mostly to the south, far from the dominion of [[Gil-galad]]<ref name="Ak"/>. Umbar must have been an important point of deportation for the slaves and taxes for Númenor.
While Sauron was in Númenor and the Shadow and dissidence became greater, Umbar was one of the fortresses and dwellings upon the coasts, inhabited by the [[King's Men]] and servants in Middle-earth to his will; these evil lords concentrated mostly to the south, far from the dominion of [[Gil-galad]].<ref name="Ak"/> Umbar must have been an important point of deportation of slaves and taxes to Númenor.


After the Downfall of Númenor, Umbar remained in the hands of the Númenóreans, in essence a realm-in-exile alongside [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. But unlike these others, Umbar had been used by the [[Black Númenóreans]], who were not friendly to the [[Elves]] or to their fellow [[Faithful]] Númenórean survivors.
After the Downfall of Númenor, Umbar remained in the hands of the Númenóreans, in essence a realm-in-exile alongside [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. But unlike these others, Umbar had been used by the [[Black Númenóreans]], who were not friendly to the [[Elves]] or to their fellow [[Faithful]] Númenórean survivors.
   
   
Two Black Númenórean lords, [[Herumor]] and [[Fuinur]], were probably from Umbar, as at the end of [[Second Age]] they became very powerful amongst the [[Haradrim]], a neighbouring people. No doubt Númenóreans of Umbar were enlisted with Sauron in {{SA|3429}}. Their fate is unknown, but they likely shared Sauron's defeat at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].
Two Black Númenórean lords, [[Herumor]] and [[Fuinur]], were probably from Umbar, as at the end of [[Second Age]] they became very powerful amongst the [[Haradrim]], a neighbouring people. No doubt, Númenóreans of Umbar were enlisted with Sauron in {{SA|3429}}. Their fate is unknown, but they likely shared Sauron's defeat at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].


The rulers of Umbar retained much influence over the [[Haradwaith]] well into [[Third Age]]. Other southern settlements were absorbed by the native cultures of [[Harad]]<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
The rulers of Umbar retained much influence over the [[Haradwaith]] well into [[Third Age]]. Other southern settlements were absorbed by the native cultures of [[Harad]].<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>


Gondor's power, however, eclipsed that of Umbar as the Third Age progressed, and at one point, perhaps around the time of [[Tarannon Falastur]], Umbar acknowledged the sway of Gondor<ref>{{TT|Window}}</ref>. Tarannon had a diplomatic marriage to [[Berúthiel]], a Black Númenórean, perhaps from Umbar. During his reign, Tarannon extended the sway of Gondor along the southern shore-lands.  
Gondor's power, however, eclipsed that of Umbar as the Third Age progressed, and at one point, perhaps around the time of [[Tarannon Falastur]], Umbar acknowledged the sway of Gondor.<ref>{{TT|Window}}</ref> Tarannon had a diplomatic marriage to [[Berúthiel]], a Black Númenórean, perhaps from Umbar. During his reign, Tarannon extended the sway of Gondor along the southern shore-lands.  


in {{TA|933}} Gondor's King [[Eärnil I]] captured Umbar in a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|Surprise Attack]] after a siege by sea and land, although this was "at great cost." It became a great harbour and fortress of the power of Gondor. Ironically it was outside Umbar where Eärnil with his ships and men perished in a great storm ({{TA|936}}).
in {{TA|933}} Gondor's King [[Eärnil I]] captured Umbar in a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|Surprise Attack]] after a siege by sea and land, although this was "at great cost." It became a great harbour and fortress of the power of Gondor. Ironically, it was outside Umbar where Eärnil with his ships and men perished in a great storm ({{TA|936}}).


===Umbar as part of Gondor===
===Umbar as part of Gondor===
For the following 500 years, Umbar was an important Gondorian city: not only a major sea-port, but as the site of the submission of Sauron to Ar-Pharazôn, and so served as a proud reminder of the might of the Dúnedain of old.<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}</ref>
For the following 500 years, Umbar was an important Gondorian city: not only as a major sea-port, but as the site of the submission of Sauron to Ar-Pharazôn, and so served as a proud reminder of the might of the Dúnedain of old.<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}</ref>


Many Black Númenóreans had fled Umbar from the assault of 933, to their subjects in [[Near Harad]] and prevented Gondor to take lands south of Harnen; 82 years later, in a vain attempt to recapture it, came up with great power against the stronghold. This "great power" availed the Men Of Harad little, however, for despite investing and besieging the fortress of Umbar for 35 years, they failed to take it, as its supply was easily maintained, "because of the sea-power of Gondor." In {{TA|1050}}, the late King Earnil's son [[Ciryandil]] defeated the [[Haradrim]] force by sending troops by land, crossing Harnen and by sea<ref name="annals">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>. All land south of Belfalas up to Harnen and the borders of Near Harad and coast-lands up to Umbar belonged to Gondor.  
Many Black Númenóreans had fled Umbar from the assault of {{TA|933}} to their subjects in [[Near Harad]] and prevented Gondor to take lands south of Harnen; [[Third Age 1015|82 years later]], in a vain attempt to recapture it, they came up with great power against the stronghold. This great power availed the Men Of Harad little, however, for despite investing and besieging the fortress of Umbar for 35 years, they failed to take it, as its supply was easily maintained "because of the sea-power of Gondor." In {{TA|1050}}, the late King Earnil's son [[Ciryandil]] defeated the [[Haradrim]] force by sending troops by land, crossing Harnen, and by sea.<ref name="annals">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> All land south of Belfalas up to Harnen and the borders of Near Harad and coast-lands up to Umbar belonged to Gondor.  


It was during this occupation when the Gondorians build a monument to Ar-Pharazôn on the highest hill above the Haven: a great white pillar crowned with a globe of crystal which shone as a star with the rays of the Sun or Moon.
It was during this occupation when the Gondorians built a monument to Ar-Pharazôn on the highest hill above the Haven: a great [[white pillar]] crowned with a globe of crystal which shone as a star with the rays of the Sun or Moon.


Umbar and the southern provinces experienced a rebellion during the [[Kin-strife|civil war]] of Gondor; with the people of [[Pelargir]], Umbar supported the usurper [[Castamir]]. When the war ended, Castamir's sons and their supporters of Pelargir and established themselves at Umbar; from that point on, Umbar remained an enemy of the King<ref name="annals"/>.
Umbar and the southern provinces experienced a rebellion during the [[Kin-strife|civil war]] of Gondor; together with the people of [[Pelargir]], Umbar supported the usurper [[Castamir]]. When the war had ended, Castamir's sons and their supporters left Pelargir and established themselves at Umbar; from that point on, Umbar remained an enemy of the King.<ref name="annals"/>


===Corsairs of Umbar===
===Corsairs of Umbar===
[[Image:John Howe - Corsairs of Umbar.jpg|thumb|right|170px|Corsair Ship by [[John Howe]]]]
[[Image:John Howe - Corsairs of Umbar.jpg|thumb|right|170px|[[John Howe]] - ''Corsair Ship'']]
Since {{TA|1448}}, the fleets of the secessionists established under the descendants of Castamir and became known as the '"[[Corsairs of Umbar]]"' as an independent realm; thus Gondor lost both its southern province and its naval power and came in constant war against the line of Eldacar. Within two centuries Umbar attacked Gondorian ships and raiding its coast at every opportunity, threatening the coastlands and all traffic on the sea and contested the possession of [[Harondor]]<ref name="Elendil"/>.
Since {{TA|1448}}, the fleets of the secessionists established under the descendants of Castamir became known as the '"[[Corsairs of Umbar]]"', an independent realm; thus Gondor lost both its southern province and its naval power and came in constant war against the line of Castamir. Within two following centuries, Umbar attacked Gondorian ships and raided its coast at every opportunity, threatening the coastlands and all traffic on the sea and contested the possession of [[Harondor]].<ref name="Elendil"/>


Umbar would welcome exiles from Gondor who were suspected for treason or conspiring against the King<ref name="annals"/>. Umbar would also take to its side and absorb tributaries to Gondor in Harad<ref name="Elendil"/>. In {{TA|1540}} King [[Aldamir]] fought with those rebelling kings of Harad<ref name="Elendil"/>. Those were defeated by his son [[Hyarmendacil II]] [[Third Age 1551|years later]]<ref>{{App|B2}}</ref>.
Umbar would welcome exiles from Gondor who were suspected for treason or conspiring against the King.<ref name="annals"/> Umbar would also take to its side and absorb tributaries to Gondor in Harad.<ref name="Elendil"/> In {{TA|1540}}, King [[Aldamir]] fought with the rebelling kings of Harad.<ref name="Elendil"/>. The latter were defeated by his son [[Hyarmendacil II]] [[Third Age 1551|years later]].<ref>{{App|B2}}</ref>


In {{TA|1634}} Castamir's great-grandsons [[Angamaitë]] and [[Sangahyando]] raided [[Pelargir]], from Umbar, killing King [[Minardil]]; his heir [[Telemnar]] prepared a fleet against Umbar<ref name="Elendil"/> but could not retaliate as it was ravaged by the [[Great Plague]] of {{TA|1636}}.  
In {{TA|1634}}, Castamir's great-grandsons [[Angamaitë]] and [[Sangahyando]] raided [[Pelargir]], from Umbar, killing King [[Minardil]]; his heir [[Telemnar]] prepared a fleet against Umbar<ref name="Elendil"/> but could not retaliate as the kingdom was ravaged by the [[Great Plague]] of {{TA|1636}}.  


Vengeance, if not swift, was certainly devastating; by 78 years later the Corsairs raided as far as [[Anfalas]] and Minardil's great-grand nephew [[Telumehtar]] punished them. In an attack he destroyed the fortress and haven of the Corsairs and drove them out. After this victory he renamed himself [[Umbardacil]] but left Umbar unsettled and ruined, apparently as a protective garrison.  
Vengeance, if not swift, was certainly devastating; by 78 years later the Corsairs raided as far as [[Anfalas]], and Minardil's great-grand nephew [[Telumehtar]] punished them. In an attack he destroyed the fortress and haven of the Corsairs and drove them out. After this victory he renamed himself [[Umbardacil]] but left Umbar unsettled and ruined, apparently with a protective garrison.  


In the meantime the Haradrim were "engaged in wars and feuds of their own" and threatened by the [[Wainriders]]' empire from [[Rhûn]]<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref>. But this did not prevent Umbar to be lost again when enemies invaded Gondor from the east and south in {{TA|1944}}, preventing Gondor to use it to support its forces from the sea; [[Eärnil]]'s [[Southern Army]] vanquished the invaders.
In the meantime, the Haradrim were "engaged in wars and feuds of their own" and threatened by the [[Wainriders]]' empire from [[Rhûn]].<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> But Umbar still fell when enemies invaded Gondor from the east and south in {{TA|1944}}, preventing Gondor to use it to support its forces from the sea; [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]]'s [[Southern Army]] vanquished the invaders.


Umbar had been reclaimed by the Haradrim, rebuilt and occupied and for the rest of the [[Third Age]] it became a home a new generation of 'Corsairs of Umbar', who must have been closely related to the Haradrim, if not even merely Haradrim themselves. These new Corsairs were cruel slavers who often raided the coasts of [[Belfalas]] and [[Anfalas]] in Gondor: in {{TA|2746}} for example, [[Amrothos]], the 15th Prince of [[Dol Amroth]] fell defending [[Dor-en-Ernil]] against them.  
Umbar had been reclaimed by the Haradrim, rebuilt and occupied and for the rest of the [[Third Age]]. It became a home for a new generation of 'Corsairs of Umbar', who must have been closely related to the Haradrim, if not even merely Southrons themselves. These new Corsairs were cruel slavers who often raided the coasts of [[Belfalas]] and [[Anfalas]] in Gondor: in {{TA|2746}}, for example, [[Amrothos]], the 15th Prince of [[Dol Amroth]] fell defending [[Dor-en-Ernil]] against them.


In {{TA|2758}} Umbar joined a massive co-ordinated attack with Men of the Harad and even of [[Dunland]], against Gondor and the new realm of [[Rohan]].<ref name="annals"/>. In {{TA|2885}}, Umbar supported the Haradrim who claimed Harondor, although this had long "been a debatable land between the Corsairs and the Kings", and when Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, Umbar declared its alliegance to him, and the great monument commemorating Ar-Pharazôn's triumph at Umbar was thrown down.  
In {{TA|2758}}, Umbar joined a massive co-ordinated attack with the Men of the Harad and even of [[Dunland]] against Gondor and the new realm of [[Rohan]].<ref name="annals"/> In {{TA|2885}}, Umbar supported the Haradrim who claimed Harondor, although this had long "been a debatable land between the Corsairs and the Kings", and when Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, Umbar declared its allegiance to him, and the great monument commemorating Ar-Pharazôn's triumph at Umbar was thrown down.  


Umbar's fleet was largely destroyed 29 years later, when [[Thorongil]] ([[Aragorn]] Elessar, as it later turned out) in the service of the [[Steward of Gondor]] [[Ecthelion II]] led a taskforce south and burned them, killing the [[Captain of the Haven]] in the process.
Umbar's fleet was largely destroyed 29 years later, when [[Thorongil]] ([[Aragorn]] Elessar, as it later turned out) in the service of the [[Steward of Gondor]] [[Ecthelion II]] led a taskforce south and burned them, killing the [[Captain of the Haven]] in the process.


===War of the Ring===
===War of the Ring===
During the [[War of the Ring]], Umbar had not fully recovered from this, but could still send 50 "great ships" and smaller vessels "beyond count", to raid the coastlands of Gondor and draw off major forces from the defence of Minas Tirith. They were once again defeated by Aragorn, and the [[Army of the Dead]]. With the Fall of [[Barad-dûr]], Umbar, weakened and defeated, finally lost its sovereignty and submitted to the crown of King Elessar.
During the [[War of the Ring]], Umbar had not fully recovered from this, but could still send 50 "great ships" and a number of smaller vessels "beyond count" to raid the coastlands of Gondor, and draw off major forces from the defence of Minas Tirith. They were once again defeated by Aragorn, and the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]. With the Fall of [[Barad-dûr]], Umbar, weakened and defeated, finally lost its sovereignty and submitted to the crown of King Elessar.


==Overview==
==Overview==
===Rule===
===Rule===
No "King of Umbar" is mentioned to rise though the Black Númenóreans, who, regarding the Heirs of Elendil as usurpers, certainly considered themselves the representatives of the last legal King of Númenor. One can suppose as a possible explanation, that they considered themselves something like the temporary [[Ruling Stewards|Stewards]] of Gondor, ruling in the true King's absence, until eg. Ar-Pharazôn would return from the West to restore his evil kingdom<ref name="lal">http://lalaith.vpsurf.de/Tolkien/Fr_Umbar.html</ref>. It is notable that all four known rulers of Umbar come in pairs, suggesting that perhaps Umbar was traditionally ruled by a duumvirate.
No "King of Umbar" is mentioned to rise, though the Black Númenóreans, who, regarding the Heirs of Elendil as usurpers, certainly considered themselves the representatives of the last legal King of Númenor. One can suppose as a possible explanation that they considered themselves something akin to the temporary [[Ruling Stewards|Stewards]] of Gondor, ruling in the true King's absence, until Ar-Pharazôn would return from the West to restore his evil kingdom.<ref name="lal">http://lalaith.vpsurf.de/Tolkien/Fr_Umbar.html</ref> It is notable that all four known rulers of Umbar come in pairs, suggesting that perhaps Umbar was traditionally ruled by a duumvirate.
 
===Language===
===Language===
Nothing is known about the language of Umbar but no doubt it must have been [[Adûnaic]], probably holding back the [[Elvish]] elements which created [[Westron]] of the [[Third Age]], resulting perhaps in a [[Haradric]] variety of the language.<ref name="lal"/>
Nothing is known about the language of Umbar, but no doubt, it must have been [[Adûnaic]], probably holding back the [[Elvish]] elements which created [[Westron]] of the [[Third Age]], resulting perhaps in a [[Haradric]] variety of the language.<ref name="lal"/>
 
===Geography===
===Geography===
Umbar was the nearest to Gondor of the southern realms. It may ultimately have stretched all along [[Harnen]] as far as the [[Ephel Duath]] up to the edge of [[Khand]].<ref name="lal"/>
Umbar was the nearest to Gondor of the southern realms. It may ultimately have stretched all along [[Harnen]] as far as the [[Ephel Duath]] up to the edge of [[Khand]].<ref name="lal"/>
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==Etymology==
==Etymology==
"Umbar" was a name of unknown meaning given to the area by its original inhabitants. The Númenóreans adopted the name, probably aware of the fact that ''[[umbar]]'' was the [[Quenya]] word for 'fate'.
''Umbar'' is a [[Mannish]] name of unknown meaning and origin, and despite the coincidental similarity, it is not related to Quenya ''[[Umbar (word)|umbar]]''.<ref>{{App|Men}}</ref>
==See Also==
 
*[[Corsair Wars]]
==See also==
{{References}}
* [[Corsair Wars]]
 
==External links==
* [http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2013/04/05/was-umbar-the-only-haven-sauron-controlled/ Was Umbar the Only Haven Sauron Controlled?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
 
{{references}}
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]
[[Category:Harbours]]
[[Category:Mannish names]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Harbours]]
[[Category:Mannish words]]
[[Category:Southern lands]]
[[Category:Southern lands]]
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]


[[de:Umbar (Gebiet)]]
[[de:Umbar (Gebiet)]]
[[fi:Umbar]]
[[fi:Umbar]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/umbar]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/umbar]]

Revision as of 12:45, 6 March 2017

This article is about the Haven of Umbar. For the Quenya word, see umbar.
Haven of Umbar
City/Port
Turner Mohan - Umbar.jpg
General Information
LocationSouthern Middle-earth, west of Harad
TypeCity/Port
Descriptionnatural harbour of enclosing rock, with a stronghold and a port located within it
RegionsUmbar
Gondor
Reunited Kingdom
InhabitantsMen (Black Númenóreans, Corsairs, Haradrim)
GalleryImages of Haven of Umbar

Umbar was a great haven to the far south of Gondor in Middle-earth.

History

Foundation and Númenórean Rule

Umbar was located south of the outflow of Anduin at the Bay of Belfalas in a convenient, useful natural haven. The great cape and land-locked firth formed the port. The natives called it "Umbar" and the Númenóreans who discovered it, adopted its name.

Like the earlier New Haven in Enedwaith, and the later Pelargir on the Anduin, Umbar was one of the trading ports at the southern coast of Middle-earth, which became a base from which Númenórean influence spread over Middle-earth. In S.A. 2280 it was made into a great fortress as a reaction to the growing threat of Sauron[1] and became the strongest and most important.

During the dissension arising when the Shadow fell on Númenor, Umbar was the northernmost settlement of the King's Men; Sauron, after trying to break the waxing Númenórean grip by instigation, attempted to attack the Númenórean havens and forts, invaded their coastlands, but Umbar resisted.[2][3]

It was at Umbar that Ar-Pharazôn the Golden landed in S.A. 3261 to challenge Sauron and journeyed 7 days with banner and trumpet.[4] Umbar remained a symbol of Númenórean pride ever after.

While Sauron was in Númenor and the Shadow and dissidence became greater, Umbar was one of the fortresses and dwellings upon the coasts, inhabited by the King's Men and servants in Middle-earth to his will; these evil lords concentrated mostly to the south, far from the dominion of Gil-galad.[4] Umbar must have been an important point of deportation of slaves and taxes to Númenor.

After the Downfall of Númenor, Umbar remained in the hands of the Númenóreans, in essence a realm-in-exile alongside Arnor and Gondor. But unlike these others, Umbar had been used by the Black Númenóreans, who were not friendly to the Elves or to their fellow Faithful Númenórean survivors.

Two Black Númenórean lords, Herumor and Fuinur, were probably from Umbar, as at the end of Second Age they became very powerful amongst the Haradrim, a neighbouring people. No doubt, Númenóreans of Umbar were enlisted with Sauron in S.A. 3429. Their fate is unknown, but they likely shared Sauron's defeat at the hands of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

The rulers of Umbar retained much influence over the Haradwaith well into Third Age. Other southern settlements were absorbed by the native cultures of Harad.[5]

Gondor's power, however, eclipsed that of Umbar as the Third Age progressed, and at one point, perhaps around the time of Tarannon Falastur, Umbar acknowledged the sway of Gondor.[6] Tarannon had a diplomatic marriage to Berúthiel, a Black Númenórean, perhaps from Umbar. During his reign, Tarannon extended the sway of Gondor along the southern shore-lands.

in T.A. 933 Gondor's King Eärnil I captured Umbar in a Surprise Attack after a siege by sea and land, although this was "at great cost." It became a great harbour and fortress of the power of Gondor. Ironically, it was outside Umbar where Eärnil with his ships and men perished in a great storm (T.A. 936).

Umbar as part of Gondor

For the following 500 years, Umbar was an important Gondorian city: not only as a major sea-port, but as the site of the submission of Sauron to Ar-Pharazôn, and so served as a proud reminder of the might of the Dúnedain of old.[7]

Many Black Númenóreans had fled Umbar from the assault of T.A. 933 to their subjects in Near Harad and prevented Gondor to take lands south of Harnen; 82 years later, in a vain attempt to recapture it, they came up with great power against the stronghold. This great power availed the Men Of Harad little, however, for despite investing and besieging the fortress of Umbar for 35 years, they failed to take it, as its supply was easily maintained "because of the sea-power of Gondor." In T.A. 1050, the late King Earnil's son Ciryandil defeated the Haradrim force by sending troops by land, crossing Harnen, and by sea.[8] All land south of Belfalas up to Harnen and the borders of Near Harad and coast-lands up to Umbar belonged to Gondor.

It was during this occupation when the Gondorians built a monument to Ar-Pharazôn on the highest hill above the Haven: a great white pillar crowned with a globe of crystal which shone as a star with the rays of the Sun or Moon.

Umbar and the southern provinces experienced a rebellion during the civil war of Gondor; together with the people of Pelargir, Umbar supported the usurper Castamir. When the war had ended, Castamir's sons and their supporters left Pelargir and established themselves at Umbar; from that point on, Umbar remained an enemy of the King.[8]

Corsairs of Umbar

John Howe - Corsair Ship

Since T.A. 1448, the fleets of the secessionists established under the descendants of Castamir became known as the '"Corsairs of Umbar"', an independent realm; thus Gondor lost both its southern province and its naval power and came in constant war against the line of Castamir. Within two following centuries, Umbar attacked Gondorian ships and raided its coast at every opportunity, threatening the coastlands and all traffic on the sea and contested the possession of Harondor.[7]

Umbar would welcome exiles from Gondor who were suspected for treason or conspiring against the King.[8] Umbar would also take to its side and absorb tributaries to Gondor in Harad.[7] In T.A. 1540, King Aldamir fought with the rebelling kings of Harad.[7]. The latter were defeated by his son Hyarmendacil II years later.[9]

In T.A. 1634, Castamir's great-grandsons Angamaitë and Sangahyando raided Pelargir, from Umbar, killing King Minardil; his heir Telemnar prepared a fleet against Umbar[7] but could not retaliate as the kingdom was ravaged by the Great Plague of T.A. 1636.

Vengeance, if not swift, was certainly devastating; by 78 years later the Corsairs raided as far as Anfalas, and Minardil's great-grand nephew Telumehtar punished them. In an attack he destroyed the fortress and haven of the Corsairs and drove them out. After this victory he renamed himself Umbardacil but left Umbar unsettled and ruined, apparently with a protective garrison.

In the meantime, the Haradrim were "engaged in wars and feuds of their own" and threatened by the Wainriders' empire from Rhûn.[10] But Umbar still fell when enemies invaded Gondor from the east and south in T.A. 1944, preventing Gondor to use it to support its forces from the sea; Eärnil's Southern Army vanquished the invaders.

Umbar had been reclaimed by the Haradrim, rebuilt and occupied and for the rest of the Third Age. It became a home for a new generation of 'Corsairs of Umbar', who must have been closely related to the Haradrim, if not even merely Southrons themselves. These new Corsairs were cruel slavers who often raided the coasts of Belfalas and Anfalas in Gondor: in T.A. 2746, for example, Amrothos, the 15th Prince of Dol Amroth fell defending Dor-en-Ernil against them.

In T.A. 2758, Umbar joined a massive co-ordinated attack with the Men of the Harad and even of Dunland against Gondor and the new realm of Rohan.[8] In T.A. 2885, Umbar supported the Haradrim who claimed Harondor, although this had long "been a debatable land between the Corsairs and the Kings", and when Sauron declared himself openly in T.A. 2951, Umbar declared its allegiance to him, and the great monument commemorating Ar-Pharazôn's triumph at Umbar was thrown down.

Umbar's fleet was largely destroyed 29 years later, when Thorongil (Aragorn Elessar, as it later turned out) in the service of the Steward of Gondor Ecthelion II led a taskforce south and burned them, killing the Captain of the Haven in the process.

War of the Ring

During the War of the Ring, Umbar had not fully recovered from this, but could still send 50 "great ships" and a number of smaller vessels "beyond count" to raid the coastlands of Gondor, and draw off major forces from the defence of Minas Tirith. They were once again defeated by Aragorn, and the Army of the Dead. With the Fall of Barad-dûr, Umbar, weakened and defeated, finally lost its sovereignty and submitted to the crown of King Elessar.

Overview

Rule

No "King of Umbar" is mentioned to rise, though the Black Númenóreans, who, regarding the Heirs of Elendil as usurpers, certainly considered themselves the representatives of the last legal King of Númenor. One can suppose as a possible explanation that they considered themselves something akin to the temporary Stewards of Gondor, ruling in the true King's absence, until Ar-Pharazôn would return from the West to restore his evil kingdom.[11] It is notable that all four known rulers of Umbar come in pairs, suggesting that perhaps Umbar was traditionally ruled by a duumvirate.

Language

Nothing is known about the language of Umbar, but no doubt, it must have been Adûnaic, probably holding back the Elvish elements which created Westron of the Third Age, resulting perhaps in a Haradric variety of the language.[11]

Geography

Umbar was the nearest to Gondor of the southern realms. It may ultimately have stretched all along Harnen as far as the Ephel Duath up to the edge of Khand.[11]

Politics

Another difference between Arnor, Gondor and Umbar was that the Faithful boasted the ethnic purity of the line of their rulers, to the amount of resulting even in a Kin-strife at some point (T.A. 1437-T.A. 1447); on the other hand, Umbar allowed their race to swiftly dwindle and merge with the Pre-Númenóreans, something which perhaps was looked down upon by the Gondorians.[8]

Other versions of the legendarium

Umbar appeared on the bottom edge of the maps found in earlier editions of The Lord of the Rings, but it is absent from modern editions, which regrettably map a slightly smaller area of Middle-earth.

Etymology

Umbar is a Mannish name of unknown meaning and origin, and despite the coincidental similarity, it is not related to Quenya umbar.[12]

See also

External links

References