Exploring The Map Of Middle Earth, Including Númenor

As a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" series, I have always been fascinated by the intricate details of the world he created. One of the most captivating aspects of the series is the map of Middle Earth, which includes the lost island of Númenor. In this article, we will dive deeper into the map and explore the history and significance of Númenor.

The Map of Middle Earth

The map of Middle Earth is a detailed depiction of the fictional world in which the events of "The Lord of the Rings" take place. It is divided into several regions, including The Shire, Rohan, Gondor, and Mordor. The map also includes rivers, mountains, and forests, which are all integral to the story. The map is not only a visual representation of the world, but it also serves as a guide for the characters as they navigate their way through Middle Earth.

The Lost Island of Númenor

Númenor is an island located in the Great Sea to the west of Middle Earth. It was once a powerful kingdom, ruled by the descendants of the Edain, a group of humans who fought against the dark lord Morgoth during the First Age. The Númenóreans were blessed with long life and great wisdom, and they became a powerful seafaring nation. However, their pride and arrogance eventually led to their downfall, and the island sank into the sea. The survivors of Númenor founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor in Middle Earth.

Exploring the History of Númenor

Númenor was founded by the Edain who had fought alongside the elves and the Valar (angelic beings) in the First Age. They were given the island as a reward for their bravery and loyalty. The Númenóreans built a great civilization, and their kings were renowned for their wisdom and justice. However, as their power grew, they became more and more arrogant. They began to resent the elves and the Valar, whom they saw as inferior to themselves. They also began to explore the limits of their mortality, seeking to extend their lives beyond their natural span.

As a result of their pride, the Númenóreans began to turn away from the Valar and the elves. They became isolationist and turned their backs on Middle Earth. Their kings became tyrants, and they began to enslave the peoples of Middle Earth, including the men of Gondor and Rohan. The Númenóreans also began to worship the dark lord Morgoth, whom they saw as the true lord of Middle Earth. This caused a rift between the Númenóreans and the elves, who saw Morgoth as the embodiment of evil.

The Downfall of Númenor

The Valar, who had created Middle Earth, saw the corruption of the Númenóreans and intervened. They sent a great wave to destroy Númenor, sinking the island into the sea. Only a few Númenóreans survived, including Elendil and his sons, who founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor. The survivors of Númenor were known as the Dúnedain, or Men of the West. They were blessed with long life and great wisdom, and they became the protectors of Middle Earth.

Question and Answer

Q: Why did the Númenóreans turn away from the Valar and the elves?

A: The Númenóreans became arrogant and saw themselves as superior to the Valar and the elves. They also began to resent the fact that they were mortal and sought to extend their lives beyond their natural span.

Q: Who were the survivors of Númenor?

A: The survivors of Númenor were known as the Dúnedain, or Men of the West. They founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor and became the protectors of Middle Earth.

Conclusion

The map of Middle Earth is a fascinating depiction of a complex and intricate world. The inclusion of Númenor adds depth and history to the story, and it serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and arrogance. The downfall of Númenor is a cautionary tale, and it emphasizes the importance of humility and respect for others. As we continue to explore the world of Middle Earth, let us not forget the lessons that can be learned from its history.