Corsairs of Umbar: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
(Added references with page numbers and removed speculative information that was in part based on information in unpublished earlier versions of what would become appendix A and B, Tolkien did not add this in the second edition of LOTR)
(28 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{people
{{people infobox
| name=Corsairs of Umbar
| image=[[File:John Howe - Corsairs 01.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:John Howe - Corsairs 01.jpg|250px]]
| name=The Corsairs of Umbar
| caption=Corsairs by [[John Howe]]
| dominions=[[Umbar]], [[Harad]]
| pronun=
| languages=various
| othernames=
| origin=Founded by the sons and supporters of [[Castamir|Castamir the Usurper]]
| location=[[Umbar]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=[[Gondorians]]
| language=
| members=[[Angamaitë]], [[Sangahyando]], [[Captain of the Haven]]
| lifespan=
| distinctions=
| height=
| height=
| length=
| hair=
| skincolor=Dark
| skin=
| haircolor=Dark
| clothing=
| feathers=
| weapons=
| distinctions=Sea-raiders and pirates
| lifespan=shorter than Númenórean (by the end of the [[Third Age]])
| members=[[Angamaitë]], [[Sangahyando]], [[Captain of the Haven]]
}}
}}
The '''Corsairs of Umbar''' were sea-raiders and pirates of the [[Umbar|Haven of Umbar]]. Umbar was an old [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] haven settled by the "[[King's Men]]" or Black Númenóreans,<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> a proud faction loyal to the King and opposed to the divine authority of the [[Valar]]. 
The '''Corsairs of Umbar''' were pirates that were based in the [[Umbar|Haven of Umbar]].


==History==
==History==
After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], the Umbar settlers further descended into evil, and were called the Black Númenóreans. They took to pillaging and piracy along the coasts of [[Gondor]]. During the [[Kin-strife]], the defeated rebels of Gondor fled to Umbar — by this time Umbar became the hated enemy of Gondor.<ref name="Gondor"/>
During the [[Kin-strife]], the defeated rebels of [[Castamir]] fled Gondor to Umbar — by this time Umbar became the hated enemy of Gondor and a welcome refuge for its enemies. Ever since they claimed [[Harondor|South Gondor]].<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>
 
They allied with the [[Haradrim]] against Gondor; in {{TA|1540}} King [[Aldamir]] was slain during that war.<ref name=ta>{{App|TA}}</ref>


By the time of the [[War of the Ring]], the Corsairs had mixed with the [[Haradrim]], becoming a mixed people where Númenórean blood was mostly gone. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], a fleet of Corsairs was raiding [[Lebennin]] when [[Aragorn]] captured their ships<ref>{{RK|V9}}</ref> and rowed them to [[Minas Tirith]] to relieve the siege of the city.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref>
[[Angamaite]] and [[Sangahyando]], the descendants of Castamir, led the Corsairs to ravage [[Pelargir]], killing King [[Minardil]] who was there ({{TA|1634}}). In the following years Gondor suffered by the [[Great Plague]] and Corsairs raided the Gondorian [[Outlands|coasts]] up to [[Anfalas]], until [[Umbardacil]] avenged Minardil's death, slew the last descendants of Castamir, drove away the Corsairs and retook Umbar ({{TA|1810}}).<ref name="Gondor"/><ref name=ta/>
 
Eventually, Umbar was taken by the [[Haradrim]]<ref name="Gondor"/>
 
During the reign of Steward Cirion ({{TA|2489}}-{{TA|2567|n}})<ref>{{App|South}}, ''Ruling Stewards'', year after Boromir and year after Cirion, p. 1039 </ref>, the Corsairs of Umbar attacked the coasts of Gondor.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, ''The Stewards'', p. 1053</ref>
 
In {{TA|2746}} the Corsairs were involved in a conflict with the fifteenth [[Princes of Dol Amroth|Prince of Dol Amroth]] and killed him.<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The House of Dol Amroth'', entry  for the 15th prince of Dol Amroth, p. 221</ref>
 
The Corsairs took a long time to prepare a great fleet. In {{TA|2758}} three fleets sailed from Umbar and [[Harad]] and landed at many places along the coasts of Gondor and even at the mouth of the river [[Isen]]<ref name=Beren>{{App|Stewards}}, ''The Stewards'', entries about Steward Beren and Steward Beregond, p. 1054</ref> and in the mouth of the river [[Lefnui]]<ref name=Helm>{{App|Eorl}}, entries about King Helm, p. 1066</ref>. The troops from Umbar and Harad supported the Dunlendings who were led by Wulf to invade Rohan from the west over the river Isen and down from Isengard.<ref name=Helm/> Before the spring of {{TA|2759|n}}, [[Beregond (Steward of Gondor)|Beregond]] defeated the Corsairs of Umbar and the Men of Harad that had invaded Gondor and subsequently sent troops to Rohan to help the Rohirrim to defeat the invaders.<ref name=Beren/> As a result the Dunleandings were driven from Rohan and from Isengard.<ref>{{App|Eorl}}, entries about King Fréaláf, p. 1067</ref>
 
In the time of [[Ecthelion II]], a man under his service known as [[Thorongil]], warned him that the Corsairs were a great peril for the [[Southern Fiefs]]. With a small fleet, Thorongil made a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|surprise attack]], burning a great part of their ships and overthrowing the [[Captain of the Haven]].<ref name=Stewards>{{App|Stewards}}, ''The Stewards'', entries about Steward Ecthelion II, p. 1055</ref>
 
During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], a fleet of Corsairs was raiding [[Lebennin]] when [[Aragorn]] captured their ships<ref>{{RK|Debate}}</ref> and rowed them to [[Minas Tirith]] to relieve the siege of the city.<ref name=pelennor>{{RK|Battle}}</ref>
 
It is possible that the threat posed by the Corsairs of Umbar to the coastlands of Gondor and to sea traffice was completely subdued during the reign of King Elessar<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entries about the reign of King Eldacar, p. 1047</ref> in a war between the forces of Gondor led by King Elessar supported by the cavalry of the Rohan led by King Éomer on the distant fields of the South.<ref>{{App|Mark}}, ''Third Line'', last paragraph, p. 1071</ref>
 
==Culture==
The corsairs's fleet included [[Wikipedia:Dromon|dromunds]], and ships with deep hulls and many oars and with black sails.<ref name=pelennor/> Others were recognizable by their red sails, adorned with a black star or eye.<ref>{{webcite|website=TS|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/2015/11/tolkiens-annotated-map-of-middle-earth-transcribed|articlename=Tolkien’s annotated map of Middle-earth transcribed|dated=10 November 2015|accessed=11 November 2015}}</ref>
 
==Inspiration==
The Corsairs were possibly inspired by the [[Wikipedia:Barbary Pirates|Pirates of the Barbary Coast]].<ref>[[John M. Bowers]], ''[[Tolkien's Lost Chaucer]]'' (2019) p. 170</ref> [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] described in his [[Guide to the Names in The Lord of the Rings|notes for the translation of names in The Lord of the Rings into other languages]] that the Corsairs "are imagined as similar to the Mediterranean corsairs: sea-robbers with fortified bases".<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 755</ref>


==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Corsairs are from the [[Mordor]] faction, and are equipped with knives and fire-bombs.
:Corsairs are from the [[Mordor]] faction, and are equipped with knives and fire-bombs.
'''2014: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
'''2014: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Corsairs were led by four brothers who falsely call themselves the Heirs of [[Castamir]]. These were Azruthor, Dolgimil, Azgarzôr, and the leader Balakhôr the Scourge. The player negotiated with a Corsair named Jajax, who ended up siding with the player against the Heirs and their followers.
:The Corsairs were led by four brothers who falsely call themselves the Heirs of [[Castamir]]. These were Azruthor, Dolgimil, Azgarzôr, and the eldest Balakhôr the Scourge. The player negotiated with a Corsair named Jajax, who ended up siding with the player against the Heirs and their followers.
{{references}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Black Númenóreans]]
[[Category:Black Númenóreans]]
[[Category:Haradrim]]
[[Category:Haradrim]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[de:Korsaren]]
[[de:Korsaren]]
[[fi:Umbarin Merirosvot]]
[[fi:Umbarin Merirosvot]]

Revision as of 16:06, 23 August 2022

Corsairs of Umbar
People
John Howe - Corsairs 01.jpg
Corsairs by John Howe
General Information
OriginsFounded by the sons and supporters of Castamir the Usurper
LocationsUmbar
RivalriesGondorians
MembersAngamaitë, Sangahyando, Captain of the Haven

The Corsairs of Umbar were pirates that were based in the Haven of Umbar.

History

During the Kin-strife, the defeated rebels of Castamir fled Gondor to Umbar — by this time Umbar became the hated enemy of Gondor and a welcome refuge for its enemies. Ever since they claimed South Gondor.[1]

They allied with the Haradrim against Gondor; in T.A. 1540 King Aldamir was slain during that war.[2]

Angamaite and Sangahyando, the descendants of Castamir, led the Corsairs to ravage Pelargir, killing King Minardil who was there (T.A. 1634). In the following years Gondor suffered by the Great Plague and Corsairs raided the Gondorian coasts up to Anfalas, until Umbardacil avenged Minardil's death, slew the last descendants of Castamir, drove away the Corsairs and retook Umbar (T.A. 1810).[1][2]

Eventually, Umbar was taken by the Haradrim[1]

During the reign of Steward Cirion (T.A. 2489-2567)[3], the Corsairs of Umbar attacked the coasts of Gondor.[4]

In T.A. 2746 the Corsairs were involved in a conflict with the fifteenth Prince of Dol Amroth and killed him.[5]

The Corsairs took a long time to prepare a great fleet. In T.A. 2758 three fleets sailed from Umbar and Harad and landed at many places along the coasts of Gondor and even at the mouth of the river Isen[6] and in the mouth of the river Lefnui[7]. The troops from Umbar and Harad supported the Dunlendings who were led by Wulf to invade Rohan from the west over the river Isen and down from Isengard.[7] Before the spring of 2759, Beregond defeated the Corsairs of Umbar and the Men of Harad that had invaded Gondor and subsequently sent troops to Rohan to help the Rohirrim to defeat the invaders.[6] As a result the Dunleandings were driven from Rohan and from Isengard.[8]

In the time of Ecthelion II, a man under his service known as Thorongil, warned him that the Corsairs were a great peril for the Southern Fiefs. With a small fleet, Thorongil made a surprise attack, burning a great part of their ships and overthrowing the Captain of the Haven.[9]

During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, a fleet of Corsairs was raiding Lebennin when Aragorn captured their ships[10] and rowed them to Minas Tirith to relieve the siege of the city.[11]

It is possible that the threat posed by the Corsairs of Umbar to the coastlands of Gondor and to sea traffice was completely subdued during the reign of King Elessar[12] in a war between the forces of Gondor led by King Elessar supported by the cavalry of the Rohan led by King Éomer on the distant fields of the South.[13]

Culture

The corsairs's fleet included dromunds, and ships with deep hulls and many oars and with black sails.[11] Others were recognizable by their red sails, adorned with a black star or eye.[14]

Inspiration

The Corsairs were possibly inspired by the Pirates of the Barbary Coast.[15] J.R.R. Tolkien described in his notes for the translation of names in The Lord of the Rings into other languages that the Corsairs "are imagined as similar to the Mediterranean corsairs: sea-robbers with fortified bases".[16]

Portrayal in adaptations

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

Corsairs are from the Mordor faction, and are equipped with knives and fire-bombs.

2014: The Lord of the Rings Online:

The Corsairs were led by four brothers who falsely call themselves the Heirs of Castamir. These were Azruthor, Dolgimil, Azgarzôr, and the eldest Balakhôr the Scourge. The player negotiated with a Corsair named Jajax, who ended up siding with the player against the Heirs and their followers.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "The Realms in Exile", "The Southern Line: Heirs of Anarion", Ruling Stewards, year after Boromir and year after Cirion, p. 1039
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", The Stewards, p. 1053
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil", The House of Dol Amroth, entry for the 15th prince of Dol Amroth, p. 221
  6. 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards", The Stewards, entries about Steward Beren and Steward Beregond, p. 1054
  7. 7.0 7.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl", entries about King Helm, p. 1066
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl", entries about King Fréaláf, p. 1067
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards", The Stewards, entries about Steward Ecthelion II, p. 1055
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Last Debate"
  11. 11.0 11.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entries about the reign of King Eldacar, p. 1047
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl", "The Kings of the Mark", Third Line, last paragraph, p. 1071
  14. "Tolkien’s annotated map of Middle-earth transcribed" dated 10 November 2015, The Tolkien Society (accessed 11 November 2015)
  15. John M. Bowers, Tolkien's Lost Chaucer (2019) p. 170
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings" in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 755