The Fate of Numenoreans After the Downfall: From the Sea to Middle-earth

The tales of Middle-earth have been shaped by myths and legends that span from the annals of the Valar to the cataclysmic fall of Numenor. Numenor, a land rich in might and nobility, eventually met its demise. This essay explores the fate of its people, focusing on those who managed to escape the destruction and find a new home in Middle-earth.

Escape and Survival

Despite the overwhelming destruction of Numenor, it is worth noting that not all inhabitants met their demise. The majority of the population perished when the island sank into the abyss. However, a substantial number of those who were part of the Faithful escaped the fate of their fellow Numenoreans. These individuals heeded the warnings provided by the Valar and boarded ships to sail towards Middle-earth before the island's tragic downfall.

One notable survivor was Sauron, though through an undeniably evil means, as his body perished, and his spirit was forced to flee to Middle-earth. It is important to note that even among those on Númenor during the downfall, some were not present, such as Elendil and his loyal followers who were already at sea during the catastrophe.

Elendil, a leader among the Faithful, and his sons Isildur and Anárion, along with their loyal companions, managed to survive the tumultuous journey and safely reach Middle-earth. Their plight is captured in the poignant quote:

Et Erello Endorenna utúlien. Sinom maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn Ambar-metta.

'From the Great Sea of Middle-earth I come. Here I will abide and all my heirs until the ending of the world.'

The survival of Elendil and his sons marked the beginning of the return of Numenorean influence to Middle-earth, setting the stage for the future struggles and alliances that would shape the continent's history.

Diverse Settlements

After the fall of Numenor, the survivors established colonies across Middle-earth. Key among these were Umbar and Pelargir, which became bastions of Numenorean culture and power. Not all Numenoreans were evil, as;

there were also those who remained faithful and sought to maintain their noble heritage. These were the men and women who dwelled in Middle-earth, contributing to the rich tapestry of Middle-earth's history.

The King's Men, who were aligned with Sauron, also found refuge in Middle-earth. Despite their evil intentions, their presence and the influence of their black artistry left a lasting impact on the cultures and societies they encountered.

Consequences and Resurgence

The fall of Numenor brought about profound changes. The island's destruction was so vast that it affected the shape of the world itself. The realm of the Númenoreans was lost forever, with all its inhabitants drowned by the great wave that swallowed the island. The symbolic act of Numenor's submersion under the sea served as a metaphysical and physical boundary for the Numenoreans, clearly defined by their exile from the world of men.

Elendil and his sons, along with their followers, settled in various regions of Middle-earth. Elendil landed in Lindon with four ships, while Isildur and Anárion's vessels continued a separate path, eventually heading south. This settlement marked the beginning of a new era for Numenoreans in Middle-earth, a period of exile and resilience that would ultimately influence the destiny of Middle-earth and its inhabitants.

The legacy of Numenoreans continues to echo through the annals of Middle-earth. Their story, from their rise to power to their eventual downfall and resurgence, serves as a powerful narrative of pride, loyalty, and survival. The Numenoreans continue to inspire and intrigue, reminding us of the enduring impact of those who once ruled in the Golden West.