Erukyermë
| Erukyermë | |
|---|---|
| Event | |
| Other names | Prayer to Eru |
| Location | Númenor |
| Date | Spring |
| Part of | The Three Prayers |
| Participants | Ruler of Númenor and his/her people |
| Description | Ceremony in which the Númenóreans ascended the Meneltarma and made an offering on its summit |
The Erukyermë was one of the Three Prayers held on the summit of the Meneltarma in Númenor (the others being the Erulaitalë and the Eruhantalë). The Erukyermë was held at the beginning of each spring. The ruling King or Queen, followed by a silent crowd, would climb the mountain on foot, and at its peak utter a prayer for the approaching year. Traditionally, three Eagles, known by the Númenóreans as the Witnesses of Manwë, would hover over the King and his people at this time.[1]
It was just after the Erukyermë of S.A. 883 that Tar-Meneldur, the sixth King of Númenor, surrendered the Sceptre to his son Aldarion.[2]
Since Erukyermë marked the beginning of a new year, this points to the existence of a separate calendar for religious purposes, beginning at vernal equinox. For civil matters the Edain started the year in the middle of winter, just after Yule, a tradition attested as far back as the First Age.[3]
Etymology[edit]
Erukyermë means "Prayer to Eru" in Quenya (cf. kyermë).[2]
A misreading of hy has been suggested, but the text is a typescript.[4]
See also[edit]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "A Description of the Island of Númenor"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife" (note 16)
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix D, "The Calendars"
- ↑ "A typescript made to this point was completed in January 1965." from J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, Introduction
