What Is The Island Of Númenor In 'The Rings Of Power'?
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This article contains spoilers for episode three and information from Tolkien’s work that may hint at future storylines. Don't read on if you are avoiding clues and hints about The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power.
The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power just introduced us to the star-shaped island of Númenor. Although it is only mentioned briefly in the Lord of The Rings, Tolkien writes about it extensively in the appendices, which falls within Amazon’s copyright. It is exciting that we have finally seen it brought to life as much of the original lore stems from this isle. Let’s look at the highlights and how it ties into the existing films.
Elrond’s Brother
Elrond’s brother is name-dropped many times on Númenor. He didn’t just assemble a vast library, he’s the descendant of the entire royal bloodline. That’s the real reason for all the Elvish statues in the city. Elrond and his brother Elros have mixed lineage, so the Valar gave them a choice as to which life they wished to lead. Elros chose to live as a mortal, albeit a very long-lived one. The Valar raised Númenor from the sea and Elros was its first king. The longevity was passed down to the rest of the royal family. However, The House of Elros has a bit of a complicated relationship with their Elvish roots, and although there were some pro-Elf rulers, from Ar-Adûnakhôr onwards they were gradually shut out.
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A Famous Family
Elendil, the sea captain who pulls Halbrand and Galadriel out of the water is no ordinary Númenórean sailor. In the books, he leads the survivors of Númenor to two new lands and ends up as ruler of both. He helped to forge the Last Alliance of Elves and Man, a mighty army of both races to stand against Sauron. His children are pretty famous as well.
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The grandiose architecture may look a little familiar as Galadriel sails into port. Cast your mind back to The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and the Gates of Argonath, the great stone kings holding their palms out, warning enemies from approaching Gondor. Not only was it made by the same race; the kings are Isildur and Anárion who both make their debut in episode three of The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power.
Isildur can be seen as a young boy, about to pass the trials for a future on the sea, completely unaware of what Tolkien has in store for him. He’s been on screen in the franchise before, wielding Narsil. At the beginning of The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, he cut the One Ring from Sauron’s finger. Isildur’s sword was reforged into Andúril, Aragorn’s weapon. Now, it’s quite likely that Amazon may retcon some of the content of the books, (they’ve already invented a sister) but what we can be certain of, is that Isildur will go on to do great things. In The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers, the deserted city of Osgiliath was once the capital of Gondor, and it was founded by this family.
The White Tree
According to Tolkien the island nation of Númenor does not have a happy ending. The prophecy that is mentioned in episode three of The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power says that if the white tree (Nimloth) were to die, then the line of kings would end, hence Queen Miriel’s comment about the leaves falling. Isildur steals a seed before it perishes and replants the tree in Minas Ithil (which becomes Minas Morgul) but moves it to Minas Tirith where it grows into the White Tree of Gondor.
The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power already hints at the political divide in Númenor. Ar-Pharazôn’s (her advisor) vision and the exclusion of the Elves are causing problems and it’s no surprise that the Queen doesn’t stay on the throne long. In the books, her successor, Ar-Pharazôn does not fare any better and places a search for immortality over caring for the populace. Sauron manages to corrupt the new King and persuades him to cut down and burn the Nimloth. He builds monuments to Morgoth and wages war on the Valar, the mystical race who gifted man the island in the first place. It does not go well, and the Valar sends storms so vicious it sinks beneath the waves.
Sauron is likely to be on Númenor at some point in the series to manipulate Ar-Pharazôn, in his ‘fair form’, with the portents in the prophecy about the arrival of the elf, the question must be asked, did Galadriel bring him with her?
Image Source: Looper
To Conclude…
A new book titled The Fall of Númenor is being released on 22nd November tying together Tolkien’s writings with some new artwork. But this release, timed for after the season finale in October could indicate that the series may be spending a lot of time on the isle, and it looks as if it could get dicey.
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Source(s): Slate, Lord Of The Rings Fandom [1], [2], The Ringer, CultureSlate