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Elves

2010-05-11T15:07:35Z

213.7.30.124:

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{{race
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|300px]]
| name= Elves
| dominions= [[Cuiviénen]], [[Tirion]], [[Taniquetil]], [[Formenos]], [[Alqualondë]], [[Tol Eressëa]], [[Doriath]], [[Falas]], [[Hithlum]], [[Ossiriand]], [[Vinyamar]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Gondolin]], [[Edhellond]], [[Mouths of the Sirion]], [[Isle of Balar]], [[Lindon]], [[Eldalondë]], [[Eregion]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Rivendell]], [[Mirkwood]] and [[Ithilien]]
| languages= [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]], with various other dialects
| height=
| length=
| skincolor= Pale
| haircolor= Blonde, black, red, and ocassionally silver
| distinctions= Immortal, inventors of writing and language
| lifespan= [[Arda]]'s existence
| members= [[Thingol]], [[Finwë]], [[Fëanor]], [[Galadriel]], [[Elrond]]
|}}
The '''Elves''' (''[[Eldar]]'') were the first of the races of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], known also as the [[Firstborn]] for that reason. The Elves are distinguished from the other two races, the [[Men]] and the [[Dwarves]], especially by the fact of their near immortality.

==History==

===Awakening===
{{main|Awakening of the Elves}}

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''The Dawn of the Firstborn Elves,'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]] About the same time that [[Varda]], Queen of the [[Valier]], ended her labors in creating the [[Stars]], the Elves awoke beside the lake [[Cuiviénen]]. The first thing they saw were the stars, and henceforth adored them. The first sound they heard was the flowing of water, and henceforth they loved water as well.

They made speech then, and called themselves the ''[[Quendi]]''. [[Melkor]] was the first to be aware of them, and he caused evil spirits to go about among them. When one or a small group wandered abroad, they would often vanish. It is believed that Melkor may have created [[Orcs]] with the elves he captured.

[[Oromë]], the Huntsman of the [[Valar]], happened upon them when he heard their singing far-off. He was amazed to see them, and called them the ''Eldar'', "People of the Stars".

===Sundering===
{{main|Sundering of the Elves}}

[[Image:Anke Eissmann - Oromë espies the first Elves.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Oromë spies the first Elves,'' drawn by [[Anke Eissmann]].]] Though at first the Quendi were afraid of Oromë, the noblest among them saw that he was no dark horseman such as the lies of Melkor spread among them said. He had the light of [[Aman]] in his eyes and face, and they were drawn to him.

After spending a while among the Quendi, Oromë returned to [[Valinor]] and took council with the other Valar and Valier. At the counsel of [[Ilúvatar]], [[Manwë]], King of the Valar, decided that they must go to war against Melkor to protect the Quendi from him. After a great battle and [[Siege of Utumno]], which reshaped the earth itself, Melkor was bound and cast into the prison of [[Mandos]]. Then the Valar, pleased with the outcome, summoned the Elves to Valinor, seeking fellowship with them.

At Oromë's urging, many of the Elves (especially the kindreds of [[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and [[Elwë]]) agreed. But others, henceforth called the [[Avari]], declared that they preferred starlight and the wide spaces of [[Middle-earth]]. So the Elves were first sundered. During the journey to [[Belegaer]], gradually the number of the Elves began to lessen as various groups dropped away. Some of the [[Teleri]] (kindred of Elwë) refused to cross the [[Misty Mountains]], and settled in [[Anduin]] under the leadership of [[Lenwë]], to be called later the [[Nandor]]. Elwë then went missing, and in dismay the rest of the Teleri remained behind, while the [[Noldor]] (kindred of Finwë) and [[Vanyar]] (kindred of Ingwë) used an island as a ship, and found at last Aman and Valinor.

After several years, Oromë returned to search for the Teleri. Some, under [[Olwë]], relented and followed. Others remained to continue to search for Elwë. Still others, under [[Círdan]], remained because in that time they had become devoted to [[Ossë]] and the Sea. Those Teleri that chose to remain were called the [[Sindar]]. Elwë, who had fallen asleep due to his enchantment with [[Melian]], returned to claim lordship and establish them in [[Doriath]]. The Noldor and some of the Teleri, however, built the great cities of [[Tirion]] and [[Alqualondë]] (respectively) in Aman. The Vanyar dwelt in [[Valmar]], for they were closest to the Valar of the kindreds.

===Exile of the Noldor===
{{main|Exile of the Noldor}}

[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - The Coming of Fingolfin.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Coming of Fingolfin'', as drawn by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]] Melkor, having been released on the promise of good behavior, spread lies about the Valar among the Noldor. [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of Finwë and one of the greatest Elves to have ever lived, hated Melkor more than all the other Noldor, but was paradoxically one of the most influenced by his lies. He forged weapons, and his greatest works, the [[Silmarils]], captured the light of the [[Two Trees]] – and his own heart. After Melkor stole the Silmarils and killed Finwë, Fëanor stirred the Noldor to open disobedience to the Valar. In an epic journey filled with treachery, death, and deceit, the Noldor entered in to Exile, crossing over into [[Beleriand]].

===Battles of Beleriand===
{{main|Battles of Beleriand}}

There were five great battles fought in Beleriand. The [[First Battle]] was the result of an attack by Melkor on Círdan and Elwë (now known as [[Thingol]]). Though the Elves managed to resist the attack successfully, this left Melkor essentially with full reign of Beleriand. Upon the sudden and unanticipated [[Return of the Noldor]], the tables were reversed in the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]]. The third battle (“[[Dagor Aglareb]]”) occurred when Melkor tried unsuccessfully to destroy the Elves, breaking forth from [[Angband]]. This only resulted in the vigilant [[Siege of Angband]]. Morgoth was more successful in the next battle, [[Dagor Bragollach]], which ended in the deaths of many Elven princes, among them [[Fingolfin]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. The siege was broken. Several decades later, [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, counterattacked in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. Although at first very successful, the tide turned against the Elves, and ended in the destruction of [[Hithlum]]. It was not half a century later that [[Gondolin]], the last real stronghold of the Noldor, was [[The Fall of Gondolin|destroyed]]. [[Doriath]], the center of the [[Sindar]]in realm, was sacked by [[Dwarves]].[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Eärendil and the Battle of Eagles and Dragons.jpg|left|150px|thumb|''Eärendil - The Battle of Eagles and Dragons,'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

===Salvation of the Elves===
{{main|War of Wrath}}

With the near destruction of the Elves, the last survivors were at the [[Mouths of the Sirion]] and [[Balar]]. Their lord was [[Eärendil]], the son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]]. Eärendil made a miraculous voyage to [[Valinor]] to beg the pardon of the Valar. His request was granted. The Valar came across the Sea to [[Middle-earth]], and in the [[War of Wrath]] thrust Morgoth into the [[Void]] and purged Beleriand. They offered to let the Elves return with them to Valinor; many accepted, but others, under [[Gil-galad]], chose to remain.

===Decline of the Elves===

[[Image:Angus McBride - Celebrimbor.gif|thumb|right|150px|''Celebrimbor'', by [[Angus McBride]].]] Though Morgoth was gone to trouble the world no longer, [[Sauron]], his greatest servant, was still there, and he made war on the remaining Elves who chose not to depart Middle-earth. Throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s he fought them. During this time the Elves realized how [[Men]] were rising to take their place, but [[Celebrimbor]], the grandson of Fëanor, wrought the [[Rings of Power]], especially the [[Three Rings]] to preserve the Elves. But Sauron under the guise of [[Annatar]] also forged a ring – the [[One Ring]]. It was not until the end of the Third Age that this last ring was destroyed, marring the Three Rings at the same time. In the years that followed the last of the Elves departed across the Sea to Valinor, their mission against Sauron complete, never to return.

Eventually, their immortal spirits will overwhelm and consume their bodies, rendering them "bodiless", whether they opt to go to Valinor or remain in Middle-earth. At the end of the world, all Elves will have become invisible to mortal eyes, known as [[Lingerers]]; except to those to whom they wish to manifest themselves.

==Life and Customs of the Elves==
::::''Main articles: ''[[Elven Characteristics]], [[Elven Life cycle]] and [[Elven Customs]]''

Besides being considered more beautiful than men, Elves were also generally taller. Their hair color varied; but the basic rules were that the [[Noldor]] generally had dark hair (brown or black), the [[Vanyar]] golden, and the [[Teleri]] silver or dark. Their eyes are usually described as gray. Their most distinguishing characteristic from the [[Mortals|Mortal]] races was the fact that they were invulnerable to age or disease; unless they were killed by sword or sorrow they would live to the end of the world.

Their lives were counted to begin at conception rather than birth, and though their minds sharpened much earlier in life than in the race of Men, their bodies grew more slowly. They were considered fully-grown at about a century. They married usually only once in their lives, and their children were often few and far-between.

==Languages==
{{main|Elvish}}

[[Image:Donato Giancola - Lore.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''Lore,'' by [[Donato Giancola]].]] Because [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] developed the Elves almost for his languages, those he developed are of special interest to many Tolkien scholars. His primary languages are [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]], but these have many variants and dialects as is seen in the table below. They were generally written in the [[Cirth]] and [[Tengwar]] scripts.

*'''[[Primitive Quendian]]'''
**'''[[Avari]]n'''
***'''Various Avarin languages''' (some later merged with Nandorin)
**'''[[Common Eldarin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Eldar]])
***'''[[Quenya]]''' (the language of the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]])
****''' ''Quendya'' (also ''Vanyarin Quenya'') ''' (daily tongue of the Vanyar: closest to archaic Quenya)
****''' ''Noldorin Quenya'' (also ''Exilic Quenya'') ''' (the "Elven Latin" of Middle-earth)
***'''[[Common Telerin]]''' (the early language of all the [[Lindar]])
****'''[[Teleri]]n''' (the language of the [[Teleri]] who reached the [[Undying Lands]])
****'''[[Nandor]]in''' (languages of the [[Nandor]] — some were influenced by Avarin)
*****'''Original language of [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]]'''
*****'''Original language of [[Lothlórien|Lórinand]]'''
****'''[[Sindarin]]''' (language of the [[Sindar]])
*****'''[[Doriathrin]]''' (dialect of [[Doriath]])
*****'''[[Falathrin]]''' (dialect of the [[Falas]] and [[Nargothrond]])
*****'''[[North Sindarin]]''' (dialects of [[Dorthonion]] and [[Hithlum]])
******'''[[Gondor Sindarin]]''' (dialect of [[Gondor]])
== See Also ==
* '''[[:Category:Images of Elves|Images of Elves]]'''

{{references}}
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]

[[de:Elben]]
[[fi:Haltiat]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/elfes/elfes]]

Francis Xavier Morgan

2010-03-31T22:48:39Z

213.7.30.124:

'''Father Francis Xavier Morgan''' ([[January 18]], 1857 - [[June 11]], [[1935]]) was a Roman Catholic priest at the Brimingham Oratory in [[Birmingham]]. He was half Welsh and half Anglo-Spanish.

He took care of [[Mabel Tolkien]] during her illness, and took over custody of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Ronald]] and [[Hilary Tolkien]] after her death. Father Francis was a [[J.R.R._Tolkien's_inspirations#pipe-smoking|pipe-smoker]] and Tolkien derived his own custom from this.

Father Francis Xavier Morgan, forbade Tolkien to see [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]] until he was twenty-one because he saw her as a distraction from his studies. With one exception, Tolkien obeyed this instruction to the letter while Father Morgan's guardianship lasted. After that period he wedded the couple in [[1916]].

He was the inspiration behind the character [[Thingol]].

Tolkien named his first son, [[John Tolkien|John Francis Reuel]] after him.
{{references}}
*[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]
==External links==
* [http://www.birmingham-oratory.org.uk/TheOratory/Community/FFrancisXavierMorgan/tabid/100/Default.aspx Father Francis Xavier Morgan]
* [http://www.birmingham-oratory.org.uk/TheOratory/Tolkien/tabid/76/Default.aspx Tolkien and Father Francis]

[[Category:People|Morgan, Francis Xavier]]

Númenóreans

2010-03-31T20:41:33Z

213.7.30.124:

{{race
|image=
|name=Númenóreans
|dominions=[[Númenor]], [[Eriador]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], [[Pelargir]], later [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]
|languages= [[Adûnaic]] (native tongue), [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]]
|height=Taller than other [[Men]]
|length=
|skincolor=
|haircolor=
|feathers=
|distinctions=Alliance with the [[Elves]], advanced technology, longer lifespan
|lifespan= Line of Elros, 400 years. Other lines, 200 years
|members=[[Elros Tar-Minyatur|Elros]], [[Aldarion]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]]
|}}
<center>{{quote|So great was the might and splendor of the Númenóreans that Sauron's own servants deserted him.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]}}</center>
'''Númenóreans''' were the [[Men]] of [[Númenor]], descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who were granted the island of [[Elenna]] as a dwelling place. They turned against the [[Valar]], and their island home was destroyed in the last years of the [[Second Age]].

==Prologue==

When the [[Sun]] rose for the first time upon [[Middle-earth]], a new race began its existence in the land called [[Hildórien]]. They were the race of [[Men]], [[Secondborn]] from the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Those that marched West into [[Beleriand]] during the [[First Age]] were called the [[Edain]] and proved themselves to be allies of the [[Elves]], from whom they gathered knowledge of all things surrounding them. Three were the main Houses of the Edain: [[House of Bëor]], first to cross [[Ered Luin]], [[House of Haleth]] and [[House of Hador]], last to cross the mountains towards West, each having distinct features and different ways of life.

In the events that took place during the First Age, the two kindred races of [[Ilúvatar]], Men and Elves, fought together against the one common enemy, [[Morgoth]] and great were the casualties on either side. When the [[War of Wrath|last battle]] of the First Age was won by the forces of [[Valinor]], the Valar rewarded the Edain by giving them a place to dwell outside the troubled land of Middle-earth. It was called Elenna and later became known as the Island of Númenor. Set halfway between [[Endor]] and [[Aman]], it was there that the descendants from the three houses of Edain established the Kingdom of Númenor in [[Second Age 32|S.A. 32]], which would last and dominate all other mortal peoples throughout the entire Second Age.

==Line of Elros==

[[Image:Hope Hoover - Elros sketch.jpg|thumb|''Elros sketch'' by [[Hope Hoover]].]]
Two couples formed between Men and Elves are of great importance for the history of Númenóreans. [[Lúthien Tinúviel|Lúthien]] and [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] was the first one. Their son, called [[Dior Eluchíl]], married [[Nimloth of Doriath]] and [[Elwing]] was born. [[Idril]] and [[Tuor]], the second of the two couples between Men and Elves, were parents of [[Eärendil the Mariner]]. Elwing and Eärendil met at the [[Havens of Sirion]] and from their union twins were born: [[Elros]] and [[Elrond]]. To the two [[Half-elven|half-elves]], the Valar gave a choice: to either live as Men or as Elves. While Elrond chose to live among the [[Firstborn]] of Ilúvatar, Elros joined the race of Men and he became the first [[King of Númenor]].

Númenóreans from the [[Line of Elros]] had right to inherit the [[Sceptre]] and thus become Rulers of Númenor. From the creation until the destruction of the Kingdom, twenty-five [[King of Númenor|Kings]] and [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Queens]] succeeded to the throne, all descendants of Elros. This blood line was also gifted with longer life than others. While the rest of the Númenóreans lived around 200 years, royal kindred had double life span, 400 years. In front of their names, the [[Quenya]] word ''[[Tar]]'' was added, which meant "royal" or "noble". The language of it was not random, for it shown once more their loyalty and alliance with the [[Eldar]]. When relations between the two races grew colder, the prefix was kept only for the sake of superstition, until finally it was dropped and in his place ''[[Ar]]'' was used, with the same meaning, only that the language was [[Adûnaic]].

Númenóreans from the Line of Elros influenced their era in various ways:

*[[Tar-Aldarion]], a great mariner and Middle-earth explorer
*[[Tar-Ancalimë]], the first Ruling Queen of Númenor
*[[Tar-Minastir]], defeated [[Sauron]] alongside [[Ereinion Gil-galad]]
*[[Ar-Belzagar]], first ruler to take an Adûnaic name
*[[Ar-Adûnakhôr]], banned the speaking of Quenya and severed relationships with the Eldar
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]], last in the line of rulers, whose kingship led directly to the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]]

==Lords of Andúnië==

After the Line of Elros those who held the most power in Númenor were the [[Lord of Andúnië|Lords of Andúnië]]. The eldest descendant of the fourth king [[Tar-Elendil]] was a woman, [[Silmariën]]. Due to the fact that during her time the law of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnatic_primogeniture agnatic primogeniture] existed, she could not succeed her father and instead her brother took up the [[Sceptre]] as [[Tar-Meneldur]]. In her honor was created the title "Lord of Andúnië", which was set upon her descendants. [[Valandil of Númenor]] was her first son and the first to bear that title. Eighteen Lords of Andúnië there were in total, the last one being [[Amandil of Andúnië|Amandil]], father of [[Elendil]]. Renowned for their friendship with the Eldar, they were considered leaders of the political party named [[Elendili]].

==Law==

Of great importance was the [[Law of Succession in Númenor]], a set of rules meant to legally establish who would be the heir to the throne. It started out as an inherited custom, which gave exclusive rights to the male descendants of Elros. Tar-Aldarion, the sixth ruler of Númenor, due to the fact that he only had one daughter, replaced the principle of exclusive male heir with that of eldest progeny, of any gender and in [[Second Age 1075|S.A. 1075]] Tar-Ancalimë became the first ruling queen in the history of Númenor.

Not an actual law, but respected as one was the [[Ban of the Valar]], which stated that Númenóreans should never sail West more than the limit of their sight when looking after the shores of Elenna. As the Second Age drew towards its end and the fear of death filled more and more the hearts of the Númenóreans, they sailed further away from the island, until finally the last king, Ar-Pharazôn, broke the Ban of the Valar in his attempt to reach [[Tol Eressëa]] out of the false belief that dwelling in that place granted immortality.

==Politics==

Númenor was a monarchy, which meant that the head of the state was the King or Queen. It was he who held the power of decision over the affairs of the state. However, there was also the executive branch, called the [[Council of the Sceptre]], composed from the Heir of the King and the lords from the six regions of Númenor: [[Forostar]] (''Northlands''), [[Andustar]] (''Westlands''), [[Hyarnustar]] (''Southwestlands''), [[Hyarrostar]] (''Southeastlands''), [[Orrostar]] (''Eastlands'') and [[Mittalmar]] (''Inlands'').

There were two main political parties: Elendili was the first one, the [[Faithful]] they were also called. Led by the Lords of Andúnië, they were loyal to the Elves. Towards the end of Númenor they became a small group, subject to oppression by the opposing party: the [[King's Men]]. They were the ones to rebel against the Valar and their ban. To compensate for these restrictions, they set dominions among the Men of Middle-earth and laid heavy tribute upon them. As the number and the power of the King's Men increased, they forced the Elendili to move from [[Andúnië]], where they lived until then, to the eastern side of the island, at [[Rómenna]]. [[Pelargir]] was a harbor built where the river [[Sirith]] met [[Anduin]] and it was founded by the Faithful in [[Second Age 2350|S.A. 2350]].

==Religion and Tradition==

[[Image:Jan Pospisil - Dunedain at War concept.jpg|thumb|''Dúnedain at War'' by [[Jan Pospisil]].]]
Towards the middle of Mittalmar stood the Holy Mountain [[Meneltarma]], the sacred place on which [[Eru]] was worshiped. Its flattened top was wide enough to contain a great crowd during the ceremonies. These took place three times per year, in an absolute silence while climbing its slopes. Prayers were uttered during the feasts of [[Erukyermë]], [[Erulaitalë]] and [[Eruhantalë]]. Soon after [[Second Age 3262|S.A. 3262]] these religious beliefs were abandoned and the worshiping of [[Melkor]] began. It was done in a cylindrical temple near the city of Armenelos built especially for this, and it involved sacrificing men and women over a great fire, whose first flames were lit from the [[White Tree of Tol Eressëa]].

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

==Daily Life==

The Dúnedain were skilled in riding and they loved horses beyond measure. It was said that in the beginning they could even call them in their thoughts, if the man and the beast were bound by friendship. Because of this, Númenor had no paved roads, so that the carriages could move on them more easily. From the [[Noldor]] they learned the art of forging terrible weapons: swords, axes, spears, knives, but mostly bows with which they loved to practice. Later, in the wars of Middle-earth, their arrows resembled dark clouds falling upon the enemies.

But the greatest love of the Númenóreans was the sea and the building of ships. Theirs were the largest ones built in all the [[Arda]], save for those of [[Círdan]] himself. Many were built at the command of Tar-Aldarion, a great mariner king of his time, who also established the [[Guild of Venturers]]. The very headquarters of this organization were located on a ship called [[Eämbar]]. As they were surrounded by water, many of the inhabitants of Númenor were fishermen. Along with the grains cultivated in Orrostar, fish was the main food source for the Númenóreans.

==Kinship with the Elves==

At the foundation of Númenor all the [[Dúnedain]] held the Eldar in friendship. From the island of Tol Eressëa white ships sailed towards the [[Bay of Andúnië]], bringing with them many gifts: birds, flowers, and healing herbs. They also brought a branch from [[Celeborn, White Tree|Celeborn]], the White Tree of Tol Eressëa, and it grew at the court of the king of [[Armenelos]].

As the fear of death crept into the hearts of the Dúnedain, the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar became envied for their immortality. [[Tar-Atanamir]] was the first to speak against the Eldar and the Ban of the Valar. Little by little the Númenóreans abandoned the use of the [[Eldarin]] tongues. It was during the time of his son, King [[Tar-Ancalimon]], that the two parties were formed, the Elf-friends and the King's Men. The twentieth king, Ar-Adûnakhôr openly chose an Adûnaic name and began to persecute the Faithful, punishing all those who would speak the Elven tongues openly. In the end the Eldar came no more to the land of Númenor.

==Dominion over the Men of Middle-earth==

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

As the shadow spread over Númenor, their attitude towards the men of Middle-earth changed. It was during the reign of [[Tar-Ciryatan]] that the oppression began. With a great fleet he sailed to Middle-earth, bringing numerous treasures back to Númenor. Later more lands were occupied, plundered or forced to pay heavy tribute in return for the lives of their inhabitants. Towards the end of the kingdom, when their religion had changed and human sacrifices were made towards [[Melkor]], many of the victims were people of Middle-earth taken as prisoners. Because of these acts they were looked upon in fear, called the "Death" itself and the Men of Middle-earth trembled at the sight of a mighty Númenórean ship on the waters of [[Belegaer]]. However, the Faithful shared not the behavior of the King's Men and though they also built a port in Middle-earth, named Pelargir, it was not for the sake of plundering, but meant to be a haven far from those of the opposing party.

==Sauron's Influence==

The only daughter of the king [[Tar-Palantir]], a friend of the Eldar who tried to restore the old ways, was [[Tar-Míriel]]. According to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|New Law]] she had the right to inherit the throne, but her cousin Pharazôn forced her into marriage, and took the Sceptre for himself, becoming known as Ar-Pharazôn the Golden, the most proud and powerful of all the kings. He desired not only immortality as the ones before him had, but also the dominion over the entire world. For this he gathered a great fleet and opposed the greatest opponent in the path of his task: Sauron.

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

==Downfall==
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave.jpg|thumb|left|''Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

Pharazôn's attempt to reach Valinor and his previous preparations for war with the Eldar raised the anger of [[Manwë]] who sent his eagle-shaped storm clouds to Númenor. Lightning struck the land, including the temple of Melkor, where human sacrifices were made. Because Sauron himself stood in their path and was not hurt by them, the Númenóreans were deceived even more into thinking he was their rightful god.

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

==Epilogue==

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

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

==References==

*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]]
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix F]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Men]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Akallabêth]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[A Description of the Island of Númenor]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Fall of Númenor]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Lost Road]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The History of the Akallabeth ]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Tale of Years of the Second Age ]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Heirs of Elendil]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[Tal-Elmar (chapter)|Tal-Elmar]]

==See Also==
*[[Númenor]]
*[[King of Númenor]]
*[[Akallabêth]]

[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:Númenor|Númenor]]
[[Category: Númenóreans| Númenóreans]]

Númenóreans

2010-03-31T20:40:15Z

213.7.30.124:

{{race
|image=
|name=Númenóreans
|dominions=[[Númenor]], [[Eriador]], [[Harad]], [[Umbar]], [[Pelargir]], later [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]
|languages=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Adûnaic]], [[Westron]]
|height=Taller than other [[Men]]
|length=
|skincolor=
|haircolor=
|feathers=
|distinctions=Alliance with the [[Elves]], advanced technology, longer lifespan
|lifespan= Line of Elros, 400 years. Other lines, 200 years
|members=[[Elros Tar-Minyatur|Elros]], [[Aldarion]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Isildur]]
|}}
<center>{{quote|So great was the might and splendor of the Númenóreans that Sauron's own servants deserted him.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]}}</center>
'''Númenóreans''' were the [[Men]] of [[Númenor]], descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who were granted the island of [[Elenna]] as a dwelling place. They turned against the [[Valar]], and their island home was destroyed in the last years of the [[Second Age]].

==Prologue==

When the [[Sun]] rose for the first time upon [[Middle-earth]], a new race began its existence in the land called [[Hildórien]]. They were the race of [[Men]], [[Secondborn]] from the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Those that marched West into [[Beleriand]] during the [[First Age]] were called the [[Edain]] and proved themselves to be allies of the [[Elves]], from whom they gathered knowledge of all things surrounding them. Three were the main Houses of the Edain: [[House of Bëor]], first to cross [[Ered Luin]], [[House of Haleth]] and [[House of Hador]], last to cross the mountains towards West, each having distinct features and different ways of life.

In the events that took place during the First Age, the two kindred races of [[Ilúvatar]], Men and Elves, fought together against the one common enemy, [[Morgoth]] and great were the casualties on either side. When the [[War of Wrath|last battle]] of the First Age was won by the forces of [[Valinor]], the Valar rewarded the Edain by giving them a place to dwell outside the troubled land of Middle-earth. It was called Elenna and later became known as the Island of Númenor. Set halfway between [[Endor]] and [[Aman]], it was there that the descendants from the three houses of Edain established the Kingdom of Númenor in [[Second Age 32|S.A. 32]], which would last and dominate all other mortal peoples throughout the entire Second Age.

==Line of Elros==

[[Image:Hope Hoover - Elros sketch.jpg|thumb|''Elros sketch'' by [[Hope Hoover]].]]
Two couples formed between Men and Elves are of great importance for the history of Númenóreans. [[Lúthien Tinúviel|Lúthien]] and [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] was the first one. Their son, called [[Dior Eluchíl]], married [[Nimloth of Doriath]] and [[Elwing]] was born. [[Idril]] and [[Tuor]], the second of the two couples between Men and Elves, were parents of [[Eärendil the Mariner]]. Elwing and Eärendil met at the [[Havens of Sirion]] and from their union twins were born: [[Elros]] and [[Elrond]]. To the two [[Half-elven|half-elves]], the Valar gave a choice: to either live as Men or as Elves. While Elrond chose to live among the [[Firstborn]] of Ilúvatar, Elros joined the race of Men and he became the first [[King of Númenor]].

Númenóreans from the [[Line of Elros]] had right to inherit the [[Sceptre]] and thus become Rulers of Númenor. From the creation until the destruction of the Kingdom, twenty-five [[King of Númenor|Kings]] and [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Queens]] succeeded to the throne, all descendants of Elros. This blood line was also gifted with longer life than others. While the rest of the Númenóreans lived around 200 years, royal kindred had double life span, 400 years. In front of their names, the [[Quenya]] word ''[[Tar]]'' was added, which meant "royal" or "noble". The language of it was not random, for it shown once more their loyalty and alliance with the [[Eldar]]. When relations between the two races grew colder, the prefix was kept only for the sake of superstition, until finally it was dropped and in his place ''[[Ar]]'' was used, with the same meaning, only that the language was [[Adûnaic]].

Númenóreans from the Line of Elros influenced their era in various ways:

*[[Tar-Aldarion]], a great mariner and Middle-earth explorer
*[[Tar-Ancalimë]], the first Ruling Queen of Númenor
*[[Tar-Minastir]], defeated [[Sauron]] alongside [[Ereinion Gil-galad]]
*[[Ar-Belzagar]], first ruler to take an Adûnaic name
*[[Ar-Adûnakhôr]], banned the speaking of Quenya and severed relationships with the Eldar
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]], last in the line of rulers, whose kingship led directly to the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]]

==Lords of Andúnië==

After the Line of Elros those who held the most power in Númenor were the [[Lord of Andúnië|Lords of Andúnië]]. The eldest descendant of the fourth king [[Tar-Elendil]] was a woman, [[Silmariën]]. Due to the fact that during her time the law of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnatic_primogeniture agnatic primogeniture] existed, she could not succeed her father and instead her brother took up the [[Sceptre]] as [[Tar-Meneldur]]. In her honor was created the title "Lord of Andúnië", which was set upon her descendants. [[Valandil of Númenor]] was her first son and the first to bear that title. Eighteen Lords of Andúnië there were in total, the last one being [[Amandil of Andúnië|Amandil]], father of [[Elendil]]. Renowned for their friendship with the Eldar, they were considered leaders of the political party named [[Elendili]].

==Law==

Of great importance was the [[Law of Succession in Númenor]], a set of rules meant to legally establish who would be the heir to the throne. It started out as an inherited custom, which gave exclusive rights to the male descendants of Elros. Tar-Aldarion, the sixth ruler of Númenor, due to the fact that he only had one daughter, replaced the principle of exclusive male heir with that of eldest progeny, of any gender and in [[Second Age 1075|S.A. 1075]] Tar-Ancalimë became the first ruling queen in the history of Númenor.

Not an actual law, but respected as one was the [[Ban of the Valar]], which stated that Númenóreans should never sail West more than the limit of their sight when looking after the shores of Elenna. As the Second Age drew towards its end and the fear of death filled more and more the hearts of the Númenóreans, they sailed further away from the island, until finally the last king, Ar-Pharazôn, broke the Ban of the Valar in his attempt to reach [[Tol Eressëa]] out of the false belief that dwelling in that place granted immortality.

==Politics==

Númenor was a monarchy, which meant that the head of the state was the King or Queen. It was he who held the power of decision over the affairs of the state. However, there was also the executive branch, called the [[Council of the Sceptre]], composed from the Heir of the King and the lords from the six regions of Númenor: [[Forostar]] (''Northlands''), [[Andustar]] (''Westlands''), [[Hyarnustar]] (''Southwestlands''), [[Hyarrostar]] (''Southeastlands''), [[Orrostar]] (''Eastlands'') and [[Mittalmar]] (''Inlands'').

There were two main political parties: Elendili was the first one, the [[Faithful]] they were also called. Led by the Lords of Andúnië, they were loyal to the Elves. Towards the end of Númenor they became a small group, subject to oppression by the opposing party: the [[King's Men]]. They were the ones to rebel against the Valar and their ban. To compensate for these restrictions, they set dominions among the Men of Middle-earth and laid heavy tribute upon them. As the number and the power of the King's Men increased, they forced the Elendili to move from [[Andúnië]], where they lived until then, to the eastern side of the island, at [[Rómenna]]. [[Pelargir]] was a harbor built where the river [[Sirith]] met [[Anduin]] and it was founded by the Faithful in [[Second Age 2350|S.A. 2350]].

==Religion and Tradition==

[[Image:Jan Pospisil - Dunedain at War concept.jpg|thumb|''Dúnedain at War'' by [[Jan Pospisil]].]]
Towards the middle of Mittalmar stood the Holy Mountain [[Meneltarma]], the sacred place on which [[Eru]] was worshiped. Its flattened top was wide enough to contain a great crowd during the ceremonies. These took place three times per year, in an absolute silence while climbing its slopes. Prayers were uttered during the feasts of [[Erukyermë]], [[Erulaitalë]] and [[Eruhantalë]]. Soon after [[Second Age 3262|S.A. 3262]] these religious beliefs were abandoned and the worshiping of [[Melkor]] began. It was done in a cylindrical temple near the city of Armenelos built especially for this, and it involved sacrificing men and women over a great fire, whose first flames were lit from the [[White Tree of Tol Eressëa]].

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

==Daily Life==

The Dúnedain were skilled in riding and they loved horses beyond measure. It was said that in the beginning they could even call them in their thoughts, if the man and the beast were bound by friendship. Because of this, Númenor had no paved roads, so that the carriages could move on them more easily. From the [[Noldor]] they learned the art of forging terrible weapons: swords, axes, spears, knives, but mostly bows with which they loved to practice. Later, in the wars of Middle-earth, their arrows resembled dark clouds falling upon the enemies.

But the greatest love of the Númenóreans was the sea and the building of ships. Theirs were the largest ones built in all the [[Arda]], save for those of [[Círdan]] himself. Many were built at the command of Tar-Aldarion, a great mariner king of his time, who also established the [[Guild of Venturers]]. The very headquarters of this organization were located on a ship called [[Eämbar]]. As they were surrounded by water, many of the inhabitants of Númenor were fishermen. Along with the grains cultivated in Orrostar, fish was the main food source for the Númenóreans.

==Kinship with the Elves==

At the foundation of Númenor all the [[Dúnedain]] held the Eldar in friendship. From the island of Tol Eressëa white ships sailed towards the [[Bay of Andúnië]], bringing with them many gifts: birds, flowers, and healing herbs. They also brought a branch from [[Celeborn, White Tree|Celeborn]], the White Tree of Tol Eressëa, and it grew at the court of the king of [[Armenelos]].

As the fear of death crept into the hearts of the Dúnedain, the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar became envied for their immortality. [[Tar-Atanamir]] was the first to speak against the Eldar and the Ban of the Valar. Little by little the Númenóreans abandoned the use of the [[Eldarin]] tongues. It was during the time of his son, King [[Tar-Ancalimon]], that the two parties were formed, the Elf-friends and the King's Men. The twentieth king, Ar-Adûnakhôr openly chose an Adûnaic name and began to persecute the Faithful, punishing all those who would speak the Elven tongues openly. In the end the Eldar came no more to the land of Númenor.

==Dominion over the Men of Middle-earth==

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

As the shadow spread over Númenor, their attitude towards the men of Middle-earth changed. It was during the reign of [[Tar-Ciryatan]] that the oppression began. With a great fleet he sailed to Middle-earth, bringing numerous treasures back to Númenor. Later more lands were occupied, plundered or forced to pay heavy tribute in return for the lives of their inhabitants. Towards the end of the kingdom, when their religion had changed and human sacrifices were made towards [[Melkor]], many of the victims were people of Middle-earth taken as prisoners. Because of these acts they were looked upon in fear, called the "Death" itself and the Men of Middle-earth trembled at the sight of a mighty Númenórean ship on the waters of [[Belegaer]]. However, the Faithful shared not the behavior of the King's Men and though they also built a port in Middle-earth, named Pelargir, it was not for the sake of plundering, but meant to be a haven far from those of the opposing party.

==Sauron's Influence==

The only daughter of the king [[Tar-Palantir]], a friend of the Eldar who tried to restore the old ways, was [[Tar-Míriel]]. According to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|New Law]] she had the right to inherit the throne, but her cousin Pharazôn forced her into marriage, and took the Sceptre for himself, becoming known as Ar-Pharazôn the Golden, the most proud and powerful of all the kings. He desired not only immortality as the ones before him had, but also the dominion over the entire world. For this he gathered a great fleet and opposed the greatest opponent in the path of his task: Sauron.

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

==Downfall==
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave.jpg|thumb|left|''Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

Pharazôn's attempt to reach Valinor and his previous preparations for war with the Eldar raised the anger of [[Manwë]] who sent his eagle-shaped storm clouds to Númenor. Lightning struck the land, including the temple of Melkor, where human sacrifices were made. Because Sauron himself stood in their path and was not hurt by them, the Númenóreans were deceived even more into thinking he was their rightful god.

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

==Epilogue==

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

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

==References==

*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]]
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix F]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Men]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Akallabêth]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[A Description of the Island of Númenor]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Fall of Númenor]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Lost Road]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The History of the Akallabeth ]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Tale of Years of the Second Age ]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Heirs of Elendil]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[Tal-Elmar (chapter)|Tal-Elmar]]

==See Also==
*[[Númenor]]
*[[King of Númenor]]
*[[Akallabêth]]

[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:Númenor|Númenor]]
[[Category: Númenóreans| Númenóreans]]

Númenóreans

2010-03-31T20:36:46Z

213.7.30.124:

{{race
|image=[[Image:http://www.blogholdempoker.fr/blog/Image/isildur3.jpg]
|name=Númenóreans
|dominions=[[Númenor]], [[Umbar]], [[Pelargir]], later [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]
|languages=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Adûnaic]], [[Westron]]
|height=Taller than other [[Men]]
|length=
|skincolor=
|haircolor=
|feathers=
|distinctions=Alliance with the [[Elves]], advanced technology, longer lifespan
|lifespan= Line of Elros 400 years. Other lines 200 years
|members=[[Elros Tar-Minyatur|Elros]], [[Ar-Pharazôn]], [[Elendil]], [[Aldarion]]
|}}
<center>{{quote|So great was the might and splendor of the Númenóreans that Sauron's own servants deserted him.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]}}</center>
'''Númenóreans''' were the [[Men]] of [[Númenor]], descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]], who were granted the island of [[Elenna]] as a dwelling place. They turned against the [[Valar]], and their island home was destroyed in the last years of the [[Second Age]].

==Prologue==

When the [[Sun]] rose for the first time upon [[Middle-earth]], a new race began its existence in the land called [[Hildórien]]. They were the race of [[Men]], [[Secondborn]] from the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Those that marched West into [[Beleriand]] during the [[First Age]] were called the [[Edain]] and proved themselves to be allies of the [[Elves]], from whom they gathered knowledge of all things surrounding them. Three were the main Houses of the Edain: [[House of Bëor]], first to cross [[Ered Luin]], [[House of Haleth]] and [[House of Hador]], last to cross the mountains towards West, each having distinct features and different ways of life.

In the events that took place during the First Age, the two kindred races of [[Ilúvatar]], Men and Elves, fought together against the one common enemy, [[Morgoth]] and great were the casualties on either side. When the [[War of Wrath|last battle]] of the First Age was won by the forces of [[Valinor]], the Valar rewarded the Edain by giving them a place to dwell outside the troubled land of Middle-earth. It was called Elenna and later became known as the Island of Númenor. Set halfway between [[Endor]] and [[Aman]], it was there that the descendants from the three houses of Edain established the Kingdom of Númenor in [[Second Age 32|S.A. 32]], which would last and dominate all other mortal peoples throughout the entire Second Age.

==Line of Elros==

[[Image:Hope Hoover - Elros sketch.jpg|thumb|''Elros sketch'' by [[Hope Hoover]].]]
Two couples formed between Men and Elves are of great importance for the history of Númenóreans. [[Lúthien Tinúviel|Lúthien]] and [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] was the first one. Their son, called [[Dior Eluchíl]], married [[Nimloth of Doriath]] and [[Elwing]] was born. [[Idril]] and [[Tuor]], the second of the two couples between Men and Elves, were parents of [[Eärendil the Mariner]]. Elwing and Eärendil met at the [[Havens of Sirion]] and from their union twins were born: [[Elros]] and [[Elrond]]. To the two [[Half-elven|half-elves]], the Valar gave a choice: to either live as Men or as Elves. While Elrond chose to live among the [[Firstborn]] of Ilúvatar, Elros joined the race of Men and he became the first [[King of Númenor]].

Númenóreans from the [[Line of Elros]] had right to inherit the [[Sceptre]] and thus become Rulers of Númenor. From the creation until the destruction of the Kingdom, twenty-five [[King of Númenor|Kings]] and [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Queens]] succeeded to the throne, all descendants of Elros. This blood line was also gifted with longer life than others. While the rest of the Númenóreans lived around 200 years, royal kindred had double life span, 400 years. In front of their names, the [[Quenya]] word ''[[Tar]]'' was added, which meant "royal" or "noble". The language of it was not random, for it shown once more their loyalty and alliance with the [[Eldar]]. When relations between the two races grew colder, the prefix was kept only for the sake of superstition, until finally it was dropped and in his place ''[[Ar]]'' was used, with the same meaning, only that the language was [[Adûnaic]].

Númenóreans from the Line of Elros influenced their era in various ways:

*[[Tar-Aldarion]], a great mariner and Middle-earth explorer
*[[Tar-Ancalimë]], the first Ruling Queen of Númenor
*[[Tar-Minastir]], defeated [[Sauron]] alongside [[Ereinion Gil-galad]]
*[[Ar-Belzagar]], first ruler to take an Adûnaic name
*[[Ar-Adûnakhôr]], banned the speaking of Quenya and severed relationships with the Eldar
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]], last in the line of rulers, whose kingship led directly to the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]]

==Lords of Andúnië==

After the Line of Elros those who held the most power in Númenor were the [[Lord of Andúnië|Lords of Andúnië]]. The eldest descendant of the fourth king [[Tar-Elendil]] was a woman, [[Silmariën]]. Due to the fact that during her time the law of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnatic_primogeniture agnatic primogeniture] existed, she could not succeed her father and instead her brother took up the [[Sceptre]] as [[Tar-Meneldur]]. In her honor was created the title "Lord of Andúnië", which was set upon her descendants. [[Valandil of Númenor]] was her first son and the first to bear that title. Eighteen Lords of Andúnië there were in total, the last one being [[Amandil of Andúnië|Amandil]], father of [[Elendil]]. Renowned for their friendship with the Eldar, they were considered leaders of the political party named [[Elendili]].

==Law==

Of great importance was the [[Law of Succession in Númenor]], a set of rules meant to legally establish who would be the heir to the throne. It started out as an inherited custom, which gave exclusive rights to the male descendants of Elros. Tar-Aldarion, the sixth ruler of Númenor, due to the fact that he only had one daughter, replaced the principle of exclusive male heir with that of eldest progeny, of any gender and in [[Second Age 1075|S.A. 1075]] Tar-Ancalimë became the first ruling queen in the history of Númenor.

Not an actual law, but respected as one was the [[Ban of the Valar]], which stated that Númenóreans should never sail West more than the limit of their sight when looking after the shores of Elenna. As the Second Age drew towards its end and the fear of death filled more and more the hearts of the Númenóreans, they sailed further away from the island, until finally the last king, Ar-Pharazôn, broke the Ban of the Valar in his attempt to reach [[Tol Eressëa]] out of the false belief that dwelling in that place granted immortality.

==Politics==

Númenor was a monarchy, which meant that the head of the state was the King or Queen. It was he who held the power of decision over the affairs of the state. However, there was also the executive branch, called the [[Council of the Sceptre]], composed from the Heir of the King and the lords from the six regions of Númenor: [[Forostar]] (''Northlands''), [[Andustar]] (''Westlands''), [[Hyarnustar]] (''Southwestlands''), [[Hyarrostar]] (''Southeastlands''), [[Orrostar]] (''Eastlands'') and [[Mittalmar]] (''Inlands'').

There were two main political parties: Elendili was the first one, the [[Faithful]] they were also called. Led by the Lords of Andúnië, they were loyal to the Elves. Towards the end of Númenor they became a small group, subject to oppression by the opposing party: the [[King's Men]]. They were the ones to rebel against the Valar and their ban. To compensate for these restrictions, they set dominions among the Men of Middle-earth and laid heavy tribute upon them. As the number and the power of the King's Men increased, they forced the Elendili to move from [[Andúnië]], where they lived until then, to the eastern side of the island, at [[Rómenna]]. [[Pelargir]] was a harbor built where the river [[Sirith]] met [[Anduin]] and it was founded by the Faithful in [[Second Age 2350|S.A. 2350]].

==Religion and Tradition==

[[Image:Jan Pospisil - Dunedain at War concept.jpg|thumb|''Dúnedain at War'' by [[Jan Pospisil]].]]
Towards the middle of Mittalmar stood the Holy Mountain [[Meneltarma]], the sacred place on which [[Eru]] was worshiped. Its flattened top was wide enough to contain a great crowd during the ceremonies. These took place three times per year, in an absolute silence while climbing its slopes. Prayers were uttered during the feasts of [[Erukyermë]], [[Erulaitalë]] and [[Eruhantalë]]. Soon after [[Second Age 3262|S.A. 3262]] these religious beliefs were abandoned and the worshiping of [[Melkor]] began. It was done in a cylindrical temple near the city of Armenelos built especially for this, and it involved sacrificing men and women over a great fire, whose first flames were lit from the [[White Tree of Tol Eressëa]].

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

==Daily Life==

The Dúnedain were skilled in riding and they loved horses beyond measure. It was said that in the beginning they could even call them in their thoughts, if the man and the beast were bound by friendship. Because of this, Númenor had no paved roads, so that the carriages could move on them more easily. From the [[Noldor]] they learned the art of forging terrible weapons: swords, axes, spears, knives, but mostly bows with which they loved to practice. Later, in the wars of Middle-earth, their arrows resembled dark clouds falling upon the enemies.

But the greatest love of the Númenóreans was the sea and the building of ships. Theirs were the largest ones built in all the [[Arda]], save for those of [[Círdan]] himself. Many were built at the command of Tar-Aldarion, a great mariner king of his time, who also established the [[Guild of Venturers]]. The very headquarters of this organization were located on a ship called [[Eämbar]]. As they were surrounded by water, many of the inhabitants of Númenor were fishermen. Along with the grains cultivated in Orrostar, fish was the main food source for the Númenóreans.

==Kinship with the Elves==

At the foundation of Númenor all the [[Dúnedain]] held the Eldar in friendship. From the island of Tol Eressëa white ships sailed towards the [[Bay of Andúnië]], bringing with them many gifts: birds, flowers, and healing herbs. They also brought a branch from [[Celeborn, White Tree|Celeborn]], the White Tree of Tol Eressëa, and it grew at the court of the king of [[Armenelos]].

As the fear of death crept into the hearts of the Dúnedain, the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar became envied for their immortality. [[Tar-Atanamir]] was the first to speak against the Eldar and the Ban of the Valar. Little by little the Númenóreans abandoned the use of the [[Eldarin]] tongues. It was during the time of his son, King [[Tar-Ancalimon]], that the two parties were formed, the Elf-friends and the King's Men. The twentieth king, Ar-Adûnakhôr openly chose an Adûnaic name and began to persecute the Faithful, punishing all those who would speak the Elven tongues openly. In the end the Eldar came no more to the land of Númenor.

==Dominion over the Men of Middle-earth==

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

As the shadow spread over Númenor, their attitude towards the men of Middle-earth changed. It was during the reign of [[Tar-Ciryatan]] that the oppression began. With a great fleet he sailed to Middle-earth, bringing numerous treasures back to Númenor. Later more lands were occupied, plundered or forced to pay heavy tribute in return for the lives of their inhabitants. Towards the end of the kingdom, when their religion had changed and human sacrifices were made towards [[Melkor]], many of the victims were people of Middle-earth taken as prisoners. Because of these acts they were looked upon in fear, called the "Death" itself and the Men of Middle-earth trembled at the sight of a mighty Númenórean ship on the waters of [[Belegaer]]. However, the Faithful shared not the behavior of the King's Men and though they also built a port in Middle-earth, named Pelargir, it was not for the sake of plundering, but meant to be a haven far from those of the opposing party.

==Sauron's Influence==

The only daughter of the king [[Tar-Palantir]], a friend of the Eldar who tried to restore the old ways, was [[Tar-Míriel]]. According to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|New Law]] she had the right to inherit the throne, but her cousin Pharazôn forced her into marriage, and took the Sceptre for himself, becoming known as Ar-Pharazôn the Golden, the most proud and powerful of all the kings. He desired not only immortality as the ones before him had, but also the dominion over the entire world. For this he gathered a great fleet and opposed the greatest opponent in the path of his task: Sauron.

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

==Downfall==
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave.jpg|thumb|left|''Queen Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

Pharazôn's attempt to reach Valinor and his previous preparations for war with the Eldar raised the anger of [[Manwë]] who sent his eagle-shaped storm clouds to Númenor. Lightning struck the land, including the temple of Melkor, where human sacrifices were made. Because Sauron himself stood in their path and was not hurt by them, the Númenóreans were deceived even more into thinking he was their rightful god.

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

==Epilogue==

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

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

==References==

*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]]
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix F]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Men]]
*''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Akallabêth]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[A Description of the Island of Númenor]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Fall of Númenor]]
*''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Lost Road]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The History of the Akallabeth ]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Tale of Years of the Second Age ]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Heirs of Elendil]]
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[Tal-Elmar (chapter)|Tal-Elmar]]

==See Also==
*[[Númenor]]
*[[King of Númenor]]
*[[Akallabêth]]

[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:Númenor|Númenor]]
[[Category: Númenóreans| Númenóreans]]

Inzilbêth

2010-03-31T20:02:12Z

213.7.30.124:

{{numenorean
| image=
| name=Inzilbêth
| othernames= Lotequë
| birth=
| rule=
| death=
| age=
| party=The [[Faithful]]
| language=
| gender=Female
| height=
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| spouse=[[Ar-Gimilzôr]]
| children=[[Inziladûn]], [[Gimilkhâd]]
|}}
'''Inzilbêth''' was a queen (though not a [[Ruling Queen of Númenor|Ruling Queen]]) of [[Númenor]]. She was the daughter of [[Lindórië]] and the niece of [[Eärendur, Lord of Andúnië|Eärendur]], Lord of Andúnië. Though she was taken to wife by [[Ar-Gimilzôr]], Inzilbêth was secretly an Elf-friend and a member of the [[Faithful]] party, whom her husband strongly opposed. Her son, [[Tar-Palantir]], followed her teachings when he became King of Númenor.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Inzilbeth}}
[[Category:House of Elros]]
[[category:Adûnaic names]]
[[Category:Faithful of Númenor]]