Silmarillion - Akallabêth

[Inziladun]

This is probably my favourite chapter of The Silmarillion.

I do see parallels between the Fall of Númenor and the "fall" of the Noldor in the First Age.

In both cases, Children of Ilúvatar were guided by the Valar to a land that was ostensibly free from external evil.

In both cases, external evil, in the form of "divine" spirits worked to move the Children against the Valar, with the aid of tools readily available in the hearts and minds of the targets.

And in both cases, some of the "fallen" were saved by faith, though at cost of losing pretty much everything they had.

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

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.

I really like the words of the emissaries sent by the Valar to Tar-Atanamir. which gives insight into the way the Eldar saw their own fate within Arda.

'[The Eldar] cannot escape, and are bound to this world, never to leave it so long as it lasts, for its life is theirs.'

And of mortality, they said:

'Thus you escape, and leave the world, and are not bound to it, in hope or in weariness. Which of us therefore should envy the others?'

I wonder how many of the Númenóreans were convinced by that speech of the folly of pursuing immortality? Surely some, because that was an excellent way of putting things into perspective.

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

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 desire of power beyond one's native abilities, and the ill effects thereof, is a constant motif in the books.

Ultimately, that was the impetus of the forging of the Rings of Power, and the reason they were accepted by the Free Peoples and used.

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

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!

As may be apparent, my favourite character in the chapter is Tar-Palantir. He tried against the odds, and too late, to set things right, and to be an example for the people to follow away from evil. At least he didn't live to see what happened to his daughter.

I'd like to have read more of the ways in which Sauron wormed his way into the hearts of the majority of the people, and the King. The Númenóreans were, among Men, the most learnéd of all regarding lore of Arda and its creation. That Sauron could talk them into attacking Valinor itself shows just how smooth and strong-willed he really was.