The Legacy of Numenoreans: From the Fall of Numenor to the Realms of Arnor and Gondor

The fall of Numenor marked a profound shift in the history of Middle-earth. The faithful survivors who managed to escape the cataclysm, including the Numenoreans who sided with Eru, the Valar, and the Elves, founded new realms on the continent, setting the stage for the political and cultural landscape that would shape the The Lord of the Rings and subsequent works.

Surviving the Cataclysm

The destruction of Numenor was catastrophic. The vast majority of the inhabitants, along with the island itself, were lost to the sea. However, a small group of loyalists, led by Elendil and his son Isildur, fled with their families and supporters on nine ships. These loyalists, descendants of the original settlers, included the faithful Numenoreans who rejected the corruption and technocracy of Ar-Pharaz?n and his council.

Founding Arnor and Gondor

The survivors who arrived in Middle-earth were greeted by existing Numenorean colonies and settlements. These settlements, particularly in the regions that would later become known as Gondor and Arnor, were already home to individuals of Numenorean descent. Among them, the good and loyal Numenoreans, like Elendil and Aranarth, continued the traditions of their ancestors, laying the groundwork for the new realms.

Elendil and his followers established the twin kingdoms of Aron in the north and Gondor in the south. These realms were intended to preserve the values of their Numenorean forebears, integrating their wisdom with the local cultures and developing into powerful nations that would play crucial roles in the conflicts of the Second and Third Ages.

Inside Gondor

Inside Gondor, the Numenorean forte of Tharbad, located on the Gwathlo river, continued to be an important military and strategic location. After the fall of Númenor, the resident Numenoreans and their supporters worked to maintain and expand the garrison, transforming it into a hub for commerce and defense. The presence of Numenorean settlers in this region also influenced the local language and culture, leading to a unique blend of Numenorean and local traditions. Over time, the region of Gondor retained its Numenorean heritage, with many Gondsorians claiming descent from the Exiles.

Ar-Pharaz?n’s Army and the Chosen Nine

In contrast to the loyalists and the Chosen Nine who escaped, Ar-Pharaz?n and his army perished in the cataclysm. Their fates are shrouded in myth and legend. According to legend, the power of Eru Intervened, causing the pass of the Calacirya to collapse, burying Ar-Pharaz?n and his army alive in the caves of the Forgotten.

However, the more likely scenario is that they were crushed and suffocated by the overwhelming force of the geological disaster. This event not only marked the end of the corruption of Numenor but also brought a terrible loss to the realm, including the deaths of untold numbers of civilian supporters and even innocent bystanders.

The Struggle of Destiny

The Struggle of Destiny, as it is often referred to, was a defining moment in the history of Middle-earth. It culminated in the Last Alliance, where Elendil and Isildur, along with their allies, marched north to meet Sauron in battle. The conflict was brutal and decisive, with the Alliance emerging victorious. However, the victory came at a terrible cost. While many were killed, Elendil and Isildur managed to defeat Sauron and end his first reign.

The Rise of Gondor

The story of Gondor illustrates the complex dynamics of power and loyalty in the wake of the fall of Numenor. The Numenorean factions that remained in established colonies, especially near the ancient port of Umbar, began to intermarry with the local peoples. Over time, these interactions led to the cultural and racial blending that characterized Gondorian society in the centuries that followed. The Black Númenoreans, as they came to be known, ultimately assimilated into the broader Gondorian populace, contributing to the cultural richness of the region.

Conclusions

The legacy of the Numenoreans is multifaceted. From the catastrophic fall of their island home to the founding of new kingdoms, their influence permeated Middle-earth. Through the ages, the Numenoreans, particularly the loyalists who escaped the cataclysm, shaped the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on the lands and peoples of Arnor and Gondor.