Númenórean helmet

Númenórean helmet by J.R.R. Tolkien
Númenórean helmet

J.R.R. Tolkien illustrated a conch-like Númenórean helmet, which is featured on the cover of some editions of Unfinished Tales.

Portrayal in adaptations

• 

  “Helmet of Anárion”

• 

  “Battle at Sea” by Angus McBride, depicting Vargaelas

• 

  “Warlord's Challenge” by Angus McBride, depicting Sangarunya

1984-1997: Middle-earth Role Playing:

Helmets of this design are usually referred to as being “Karma helms” or “of the Númenórean karma design”.

Anárion's Crown-helm, Isildur's Crown-helm (which was the initial Crown of Gondor), and the Crown-helm of Elros are also noted to be of the karma design, described as resembling a stylized fish with a white-scaled ridge, though the materials of the actual helm differed. Anárion and Isildur had helms of black ithilnaur, inlaid with ivory and gold (Anárion) or silver (Isildur). The helm of Elros, however, was of blue ithilnaur inlaid with silver and adamant. The Mouth of Sauron's “Helm of the Dark”, a black helmet trimmed with dark gems and glittering scales, was designed after the karma helmets of kings.

Corsair Vargaelas' helmet was described as being of the karma design, and so was warlord Sangarunya's silver-gold helmet.

Tar-Ciryatan's Sea-helm, later worn by his son Mûrazôr, was a variation that ended in a crown-shaped crest. This variation was associated with Uinendil (S. “Followers of Uinen”) captains of Númenor.