The Rise of Gondor: Strength from the Fall of Numenor

When Numenor fell into the sea, leaving only a few survivors, the remnants of its population were driven to the continent of Middle-earth. Among these survivors were the Faithful of Numenor who sought to continue their reverence for the Valar and the Númenórean heritage. These Faithful played a crucial role in the emergence of the powerful kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor. This article explores how Gondor became so strong in the aftermath of the fall of Numenor.

Exodus of the Faithful

Following the fall of Numenor, the Crown came to distrust and persecute those who continued to revere the Valar. As Ar-Pharazon's plans to attack the Valar became clearer, a significant number of the Faithful decided to flee to the continent. This initially began as a trickle, which grew into a flood. In its final expedition, the Faithful sought refuge in Middle-earth, where they eventually established the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor under the leadership of Elendil and his sons, Isildur and Anarion.

Legacy of Numenor

The Numenoreans who settled in Middle-earth carried with them not just their legacy, but also the knowledge and advancements bestowed upon them by Sauron and the Valar. Despite Sauron's intentions, these "gifts" inadvertently resulted in the rise of Gondor. The Numenoreans were known for their tall ships, advanced technology, and their longevity, which contributed to their rapid growth and prosperity in Middle-earth.

Tall Ships and Advanced Technology

The Numenoreans were skilled sailors and engineers. They possessed tall ships that could navigate the treacherous seas of Middle-earth. This technology allowed them to maintain colonies and establish trade routes that would have appeared as magical to the people of Middle-earth. Their knowledge of the arts, sciences, and craftsmanship was far beyond that of the other races. The name Gondor, meaning "men of stone," reflects the extent of their technological advancement, referring to their ability to build with stone structures, something that few other races could achieve at that time.

Population and Survival

With a mix of established colonies and the Faithful arriving by ships, the Numenoreans began to establish Númenórean settlements. Their longevity, combined with their tenacity and ability to adapt quickly, allowed their population to grow rapidly. The Numenoreans had a human tendency to have large families following a period of hardship, which further contributed to their swift population growth. Moreover, their life expectancy meant that many of the founding members of Gondor remained active and influential for centuries. For example, Elendil, Isildur, and Anarion were still alive and vibrant during the War of the Last Alliance, a period estimated to be comparable to the time from the American Revolution to the Civil War or the age of Queen Victoria.

Final Expedition and Established Colonies

The final expedition of the Faithful was a catalyst for the formation of Gondor. With people like Elendil, Isildur, and Anarion leading them, the Numenoreans established themselves in what would become Gondor. They joined with the established colonies and established a strong foundation for their kingdom. The presence of these advanced people, along with their colonies and the knowledge they brought, contributed significantly to the rapid rise of Gondor as a powerful and influential realm in Middle-earth.

Conclusion

The rise of Gondor from the fall of Numenor was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Númenóreans. Their continued existence and the knowledge they possessed allowed them to thrive in a world where magic and technology were often intertwined. The story of Gondor is a reminder of how far-reaching the consequences of a single event can be, and how a few thousand people can shape the history of a world.