Silmarillion - Akallabêth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 10-03-2011, 06:18 AM

Rereading this chapter was an overwhelming experience for me! It's long, yet there is so much history packed into those pages, that it seems too brief to do the tale justice. Wouldn't it have been interesting to read a whole book about Númenor?!

The beginning recaps some of the past history of Arda, setting the scene for what is to come. We discover that the defeat of Morgoth did not put an end to the evil in the world, though it took time for the seeds to grow. In continuation of the events of the Silmarillion, we learn of the fates of Elros and Elrond. The history of the Dúnedain is given here as well.

There is a good deal about the different fates of the Children - the (virtually) endless life of the Eldar and the Gift of death for Men. We find out that death is only seen negatively due to the misinterpretation given to it by the forces of evil.

It seems to me that two characteristics cause the downfall of Númenor: dissatisfaction and pride. The latter has often been seen to bring Elves to fall in the Silmarillion. Now we see how envy and the desire for something that is not intended for those wanting it can wreak havoc. There is also a third element involved in this tragedy - the lust for power. The Númenóreans, who first came to Middle-earth as benevolent givers of wisdom and aid, become ruthless takers.

The story of the Faithful then leads up to the later events in the LotR, with Aragorn's history, Sauron's background, and a brief mention of the Rings of Power. We also find information about the White Tree.

The mythological story that is told here ends with the changing of the world - in my opinion, one of the most interesting aspects of Tolkien's Legendarium. The transformation of a flat to a round earth is a fascinating concept! I'm glad that Tolkien's later changes did not come into this chapter.

How does this part of the mythology affect you? Which of the many characters that show up fascinate you most? Which stories would you have liked to hear more of? I look forward to reading your thoughts!

10-03-2011, 06:18 AM	#1
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Silmarillion - Akallabêth Rereading this chapter was an overwhelming experience for me! It's long, yet there is so much history packed into those pages, that it seems too brief to do the tale justice. Wouldn't it have been interesting to read a whole book about Númenor?! The beginning recaps some of the past history of Arda, setting the scene for what is to come. We discover that the defeat of Morgoth did not put an end to the evil in the world, though it took time for the seeds to grow. In continuation of the events of the Silmarillion, we learn of the fates of Elros and Elrond. The history of the Dúnedain is given here as well. There is a good deal about the different fates of the Children - the (virtually) endless life of the Eldar and the Gift of death for Men. We find out that death is only seen negatively due to the misinterpretation given to it by the forces of evil. It seems to me that two characteristics cause the downfall of Númenor: dissatisfaction and pride. The latter has often been seen to bring Elves to fall in the Silmarillion. Now we see how envy and the desire for something that is not intended for those wanting it can wreak havoc. There is also a third element involved in this tragedy - the lust for power. The Númenóreans, who first came to Middle-earth as benevolent givers of wisdom and aid, become ruthless takers. The story of the Faithful then leads up to the later events in the LotR, with Aragorn's history, Sauron's background, and a brief mention of the Rings of Power. We also find information about the White Tree. The mythological story that is told here ends with the changing of the world - in my opinion, one of the most interesting aspects of Tolkien's Legendarium. The transformation of a flat to a round earth is a fascinating concept! I'm glad that Tolkien's later changes did not come into this chapter. How does this part of the mythology affect you? Which of the many characters that show up fascinate you most? Which stories would you have liked to hear more of? I look forward to reading your thoughts! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...' Last edited by Estelyn Telcontar; 10-04-2011 at 07:04 AM.