An encyclopedia of Middle-earth and Numenor

Elros Tar-Minyatur

Elros and Elrond were the sons of Earendil and Elwing. Earendil was Half-elven: his mother Idril was an Elf and his father Tuor was a Man. Elwing's mother Nimloth was an Elf and her father Dior was the son of Beren – a Man – and Luthien – the daughter of an Elf and a Maia. Since Elrond and Elros were descended from both Elves and Men, they were counted among the Half-elven, or Peredhil.

Around 538, the sons of Feanor tried to steal the Silmaril that was in Elwing's possession. Many Elves were killed. Elros and Elrond were children at the time and Feanor's son Maglor spared their lives. According to one story, Maglor cared for the boys and fostered them for a while. But in another tale, the children were left in a cave behind a waterfall where they were later found - Elrond within the cave and Elros playing in the water.

Elwing escaped with the Silmaril and found Earendil who was at Sea in his ship Vingilot. They despaired that their children were lost and feared the boys would be killed. They did not return to Middle-earth but sailed instead to the Undying Lands where Earendil sought the help of the Valar in the war against Morgoth.

The Host of the Valar defeated Morgoth in the War of Wrath at the end of the First Age. Because they were Half-elven, Earendil and Elwing and their sons were given the choice whether to be counted among Elves or Men. Earendil, Elwing, and Elrond all chose the immortal life of the Elves, but Elros chose the mortal life of Men.

The Valar created the island of Numenor as a home for the Men who had fought alongside the Elves against Morgoth. Elros was appointed by the Valar to be the first King of Numenor. He was called Tar-Minyatur, meaning "First Ruler." Elros and his people sailed to Numenor in the year 32 of the Second Age. The ships were guided by Elros' father who sailed the heavens as the Star of Earendil in his ship Vingilot bearing the Silmaril.

Elros was 90 years old when he began his reign. He founded the city of Armenelos and built a tower and citadel there. Elros brought a number of heirlooms to Numenor from Middle-earth including the Ring of Barahir; the Bow of Bregor; Dramborleg, the Axe of Tuor; and Aranruth, the sword of Thingol.

Elros had four children. His eldest son and heir Vardamir Nolimon was born in the year 61. Elros also had a daughter named Tindomiel and two younger sons named Manwendil and Atanalcar.

The Men of Numenor were given long lifespans by the Valar, though they remained mortal. Elros lived the longest of all Numenoreans. He died in the year 442 at the age of 500 after ruling Numenor for 410 years. His son Vardamir Nolimon was 381 at the time. Although Vardamir Nolimon is counted as the second King of Numenor, he decided to pass the Sceptre to his son Tar-Amandil, whose reign officially began the next year in 443.

From Elros were descended a line of Kings and Queens that lasted 3,287 years until Numenor was destroyed in 3319 as a result of the actions of Ar-Pharazon, the last King. A group of the Faithful survived led by Elendil, who was also a descendant of Elros. Elendil and his sons Isildur and Anarion founded the Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor in Middle-earth. Aragorn, King Elessar, was a descendant of Elros through many generations and his wife Arwen was the daughter of Elrond.

Names & Etymology:
The name Elros is defined as "star foam" from el meaning "star" and ros meaning "foam, spray, spindrift." Tolkien later wrote an essay entitled "The Problem of Ros" about his difficulties reconciling the name Elros with the name Maedhros in which he intended the element ros to mean "red."

The Quenya form of Elros is Elerossë.

As King of Numenor, Elros took the Quenya name Tar-Minyatur. The prefix tar means "high" and was used by the subsequent Kings and Queens of Numenor. The word minyatur means "First Ruler" from minya meaning "first" and tur meaning "power, mastery."

Indilzar was the name of Elros in Adunaic, the language of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 314-15
The Silmarillion: "Of the Voyage of Earendil and the War of Wrath," p. 246-50, 254; "Akallabeth," p. 261; "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age," p. 286, 290; Index entry for Elros; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for el, minas, ros, and tur
Unfinished Tales: "A Description of the Island of Numenor," p. 169, 171 note 2; "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 208, 210 (genealogy); "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 218, 225 note 1
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Tale of Years," p. 348-49
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 164 note 10; "The Shibboleth of Feanor;" p. 348-49; "The Problem of Ros," p. 367-76
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #211 and note 4

Vardamir Nólimon

Vardamir Nolimon was a scholar. He gathered ancient lore from Elves and Men. He had four children: a son Amandil, a daughter Vardilme, and two more sons named Aulendil and Nolondil.

Elros Tar-Minyatur lived to the age of 500 - the longest life of any Numenorean. When Elros died in 442, Vardamir was already 381. He decided not to accept the kingship but instead passed the Sceptre directly to his heir Amandil. However, in the Scroll of Kings, Vardamir is listed as the second King of Numenor with a reign of one year, from 442 to 443. Tar-Amandil's reign officially began in 443 though he ruled from the time of Elros' death.

Vardamir Nolimon died in the year 471 at the age of 410.

Names & Etymology:
The name Vardamir is composed of Varda - one of the Valar whose name means "The Exalted" or "The Lofty" - and the word mir meaning "jewel." The name Nólimon - containing the word nólë meaning "study, lore, knowledge" - was given to Vardamir because of his scholarship.

Vardamir is the only ruler of Numenor not to use the prefix Tar or Ar meaning "high" and denoting "King, Queen" probably because he did not actually reign.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy); The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 218-20
The Silmarillion: Index entry for Varda; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for gul and mir
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315

Tar-Amandil

When Numenor's first ruler Elros Tar-Minyatur died in 442, Vardamir Nolimon chose not to succeed his father as King but instead passed the Sceptre directly to his son Tar-Amandil. Officially, Vardamir Nolimon was counted as the second ruler of Numenor with a reign of one year and Tar-Amandil's reign began the next year in 443. However, Tar-Amandil actually ruled from the time of Elros' death in 442.

Tar-Amandil had three children. His son and heir was Tar-Elendil and he also had a younger son Earendur and a daughter Mairen. Tar-Amandil passed the Sceptre to Tar-Elendil in 590 after a reign of 148 years (officially 147 years). He died thirteen years later in 603 at the age of 411.

Names & Etymology:
The name Amandil means "lover of Aman" in Quenya. Aman was the realm of the Valar in the West and its name means "blessed, free from evil." The ending -ndil means "devotion." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy), 217 note 26; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 218-19, 225 note 3
The Silmarillion: Index entries for Aman and Amandil; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for (n)dil
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315

Tar-Elendil

Tar-Elendil married late in life. He had two daughters - Silmarien born in 521 and Isilme born in 532 - and a son Meneldur born in 543. At the time, only males could rule Numenor so Meneldur was Tar-Elendil's heir even though he was his youngest child.

Silmarien's son Valandil became the first Lord of Andunie and from him were descended the Kings of Gondor and Arnor. Tar-Elendil gave the Ring of Barahir to Silmarien and it became an heirloom of the Kings of Arnor.

Tar-Elendil was a scholar like his grandfather Vardamir Nolimon. He made books containing the lore that Vardamir had gathered and he became known as Parmaite, the Book-handed.

Tar-Elendil received the Sceptre from Tar-Amandil in 590. During his reign in 600, the first voyage from Numenor to Middle-earth was achieved by Veantur, the Captain of the King's Ships. Veantur's daughter Almarian married Tar-Elendil's son Meneldur.

Tar-Elendil ruled for 150 years until 740 when he surrendered the Sceptre to his son Tar-Meneldur. Tar-Elendil died in 751 at the age of 401.

Names & Etymology:
The name Elendil means both "Elf-friend" and "Star-lover" in Quenya. The word elen means "star." The Elves were known as the Eldar, or "People of the Stars." The ending ndil means "devotion." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Tar-Elendil was called Parmaitë because he compiled books. The word parma means "book" in Quenya and the word maitë means "handed."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "A Description of the Island of Numenor," p. 171 and note 2; "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 175, 208, 210 (genealogy), 214 note 4, 215 note 15, 225 note 4; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 219; "Cirion and Eorl," p. 317 note 44; Index entry for Parmaite
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 268; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for el, elen and (n)dil
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315-16

Tar-Meneldur

Meneldur's name at birth was Irimon. He took the name Meneldur meaning "Heaven-servant" because he enjoyed studying the stars and their movements. He was also called Elentirmo, "Star-watcher." He built a tall tower to use as an astronomical observatory on the rocky heights in the northern region of Forostar. He preferred intellectual pursuits to physical activities, and he was a wise, gentle, and patient man.

Meneldur married Almarian who was the daughter of the mariner Veantur. They had three children: a son Aldarion born in 700, a daughter Ailinel born in 712, and another daughter Almiel born in 729.

Meneldur's son Aldarion took after his maternal grandfather Veantur and became a great mariner. At first, Meneldur was pleased that Aldarion had an interest to occupy him, but he soon became concerned that Aldarion loved the Sea more than Numenor. He reluctantly let his son accompany Veantur to Middle-earth 725. When Aldarion returned two years later, Meneldur perceived that his son was enamored of the Sea.

Tar-Meneldur received the Sceptre from his father in 740. At that time, he moved from his home in the Forostar to the house of the Kings in Armenelos. Tar-Meneldur was a good and wise King.

For a brief period after Tar-Meneldur became King, Aldarion remained at home to please his father. But soon he went to Sea again and father and  son became estranged. Tar-Meneldur restricted the felling of trees to make ships, but Aldarion found another source of timber in Middle-earth and established the port of Lond Daer nearby.

In the year 800 when Aldarion was 100 years old, Tar-Meneldur officially proclaimed him the King's Heir as was customary. He also gave Aldarion the title of Lord of the Ships and Havens of Numenor, but he commanded Aldarion to stop his voyages for a time.

In 806, Aldarion asked permission to set sail again and Tar-Meneldur grudgingly agreed. Upon Aldarion's return in 813, Tar-Meneldur expressed concern about his lack of interest in the land and people of Numenor and suggested he find a wife.

Tar-Meneldur was angry when Aldarion set out on another voyage in 816. He refused to allow the Queen or their daughters place the traditional Green Bough of Return on the prow of Aldarion's ship. The Bough was presented by a woman named Erendis who loved Aldarion. Aldarion brought Erendis a diamond when he returned from Middle-earth in 820. Tar-Meneldur was concerned because Aldarion would not commit to marrying her.

In 824, Tar-Meneldur forbade Aldarion to depart from Numenor again, but Aldarion defied him and embarked on another voyage. Tar-Meneldur revoked his son's title of Lord of the Ships and Havens, shut down his Guildhouse of Venturers and his shipyards, and stopped all harvesting of timber for ships. When Aldarion returned in 829 and learned what his father had done, he departed again immediately on a 14-year voyage.

Tar-Meneldur was greatly concerned by his son's long absence. When Aldarion finally came back in 843, Tar-Meneldur rebuked him but then pardoned him and made him Lord of the Ships and Havens again as well as Master of the Forests. Aldarion became betrothed to Erendis in 858 and Tar-Meneldur gave her land and a house in Emerie.

Tar-Meneldur encouraged Aldarion to marry Erendis within the usual three-year betrothal period, but Aldarion went on another voyage and the wedding was delayed until 870. In 877, Aldarion set out again without his father's blessing. He promised to return in two years but was gone for five years until 882.

Aldarion explained that he had been delayed because of a growing unrest in Middle-earth, and he brought Tar-Meneldur a letter from the Elven-king Gil-galad. Gil-galad warned Tar-Meneldur that a servant of Morgoth was gaining power - although he did not know at the time that it was Sauron. Tar-Meneldur realized that his son had been helping Gil-galad gather information and that he had built the port of Lond Daer in part as a defense against a possible invasion of Eriador from the East.

Tar-Meneldur could not decide whether to disrupt the peace of Numenor by preparing his people for war or to do nothing and risk allowing evil to spread. He decided it was time to pass the Sceptre to Aldarion, who had a better understanding of the troubles in Middle-earth. Most of the members of the Council of the Sceptre - except for Hallatan - tried to dissuade Tar-Meneldur but he was resolved. Aldarion became King of Numenor the next spring in 883.

Tar-Meneldur's reign lasted 143 years. Aldarion continued his voyages after he became King, but Tar-Meneldur refused to act as Regent in his absence, deferring the duty to Hallatan instead. Tar-Meneldur died in 942 at the age of 399.

Names & Etymology:
The name Meneldur means "Heaven-servant" in Quenya from menel meaning "the Heavens" and the ending -ndur meaning "to serve." He acquired the name because of his interest in astronomy. The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

He was also called Tar-Meneldur Elentirmo. The name Elentirmo means "star-watcher" in Quenya from elen meaning "star" and tir meaning "watch."

His birth-name Írimon is not defined but it may be related to the word írima meaning "lovely" (HoME V, p. 72).

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "A Description of the Island of Numenor," p. 167, 171; "Aldarion and Erendis," passim; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 219, 225 note 4; Index entry for Elentirmo
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for elen, menel, -(n)dur, tir
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Lost Road," p. 71-72 note 12 ("Firiel's Song")
Firiel's Song
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist

Tar-Aldarion

Aldarion's name at birth was Anardil. He became known as Aldarion, meaning "son of the trees," because he was interested in forestry and in cultivating trees for timber to use in building ships. Aldarion learned about ship-building and seamanship from his maternal grandfather Veantur who was the first mariner to sail from Numenor to Middle-earth.

When Aldarion came of age in 725, Veantur took him on a voyage to the Grey Havens to meet Gil-galad and Cirdan the Shipwright. From Cirdan, Aldarion learned much about building ships and seawalls. He also travelled throughout Lindon and Eriador.

Aldarion and Veantur returned to Numenor in 727. Veantur gave his ship Numerramar, the West-wings, to Aldarion. Aldarion returned to Lindon on his own in 730 and remained there for three years. He set out on another voyage in 735 and spent four years exploring the coasts of Middle-earth as far as the Bay of Belfalas.

In 740, Aldarion's father became King of Numenor. Aldarion remained at home for a time and concentrated on improving the havens and quays, but soon he resumed sailing. In 750, Aldarion founded the Guild of Venturers. Mariners from across Numenor joined the Guild and they called Aldarion the Great Captain.

Ships became larger in both draught and capacity and longer voyages were possible. The Guild kept records of their voyages on the ship Eambar which was their guildhouse as well as Aldarion's home. The Eambar was usually anchored off Tol Uinen in the Bay of Romenna.

Tar-Meneldur was unhappy with Aldarion's frequent absences from the land that he would one day rule. Aldarion became estranged from his father though his mother continued to support him. Tar-Meneldur set restrictions on the number of trees that could be harvested to build ships.

Aldarion responded by establishing the port of Vinyalonde (later Lond Daer) on the coast of Middle-earth near the vast forests of Minhiriath and Enedwaith. Trees were cut down for timber to be transported to Numenor or used to build ships in the shipyards at Vinyalonde. This pratice continued for centuries after Aldarion's time and eventually resulted in the deforestation of Minhiriath and Enedwaith.

Tar-Meneldur proclaimed Aldarion the King's Heir in the year 800 when he turned 100 years old as was traditional. Aldarion and his father were briefly reconciled. Tar-Meneldur gave Aldarion the title Lord of the Ships and Havens of Numenor, and Aldarion was able to resume cultivating the forests of Numenor for timber.

A woman named Erendis attended the feast when Aldarion became King's Heir. She became enamored of Aldarion and she joined Queen Almarian's household. Aldarion visited his mother before embarking on another voyage in 806 and he noticed Erendis' beauty and inner strength.

The voyage lasted seven years until 813. Aldarion brought gold and silver ores back to Numenor from Middle-earth. He built a new ship called Palarran, the Far-Wanderer and he planned another long voyage. Tar-Meneldur was angry and he would not allow his wife and daughters to place the customary Green Bough of Return - a branch of the oiolaire tree - on the prow of Aldarion's ship. Erendis brought the Bough in their place and Aldarion began to fall in love with her.

Aldarion departed in 816 and returned four years later in 820. The voyage was apparently shorter than he had planned because of his growing feelings for Erendis. He brought her a diamond though he was not ready to become betrothed to Tar-Meneldur's dismay.

Aldarion felt he was being pushed into marriage and he decided to set sail again. Tar-Meneldur forbade him to go but Aldarion defied him and departed with seven ships in 824. A cloaked woman brought Aldarion the Bough of Return on behalf of Erendis. Aldarion travelled to Vinyalonde and expanded his operations there. Two ships were built in the shipyards and a large cargo of timber was prepared for transport to Numenor.

Tar-Meneldur revoked the title of Lord of the Ships and Havens, he closed the shipyards of Romenna and the Guildhouse of the Venturers, and he halted the harvesting of trees for ship-building. When Aldarion returned in 829, he was angered and he set out on another voyage with three ships that same year. All the women of the King's household were prevented from bringing the Bough of Return to Aldarion upon his departure.

Aldarion sailed to Vinyalonde and then followed the coast southward farther than any Numenorean ship had ever gone. On his return journey, he encountered storms and strong winds and was nearly shipwrecked off the coast of Harad. When he reached Vinyalonde he found the haven ruined by the Sea and by hostile Men. His ships were driven back by high winds three times as they tried to turn west toward Numenor. Aldarion's ship was struck by lightning and lost its mast. The ships finally made it back to Numenor in 843.

Normally the ships of the Numenoreans were protected at Sea by the grace of the Valar. Tar-Meneldur believed that the hardships Aldarion had suffered were the result of his defiance and he rebuked his son. He then pardoned Aldarion and restored the title of Lord of the Ships and Havens and also made him Master of the Forests.

Aldarion began tending to the forests and harbors that had been neglected during his long absence. He oversaw the construction of sea-walls at Romenna and a light-tower called Calmindon on Tol Uinen in the Bay of Romenna.

Aldarion was reunited with Erendis and he began to court her. In 850, he took her on a voyage by ship around the coast of Numenor from Romenna to Andunie where Valandil, Lord of Andunie, held a feast for them. Aldarion agreed to accompany Erendis on a tour of the Inlands as well. Erendis told Aldarion that she did not want to share him with the Sea and they were estranged for a time. They were reconciled at the urging of their mothers and in the spring of 858 they became betrothed after attending the prayer of Erukyerme on Meneltarma.

It was customary for betrothed couples to marry within three years, but sea-longing overcame Aldarion once again. He planned another voyage and asked Erendis to accompany him. She refused because of her hatred and fear of the Sea. But she did not try to stop him - though she requested that he come back soon - and she brought him the Bough of Return when he embarked in 863.

Aldarion encountered problems that caused him to be away from Numenor for longer than he intended. The Men of Middle-earth were becoming increasingly hostile, and Aldarion heard of an evil lord gaining power. (Long after Aldarion's time it was learned that this was Sauron.) The Sea had again ruined Vinyalonde which Aldarion had worked to repair.

On the journey home, Aldarion's ships were swept northward to the Grey Havens by a strong wind. When they tried to return to Numenor they were forced farther northward into the frozen wastes. The Bough of Return on the prow of Aldarion's ship was withered by frost.

Aldarion finally reached Numenor in 869. The next year in 870 he married Erendis. Elves from the Undying Lands attended a feast that was held for them in Andunie by Valandil. In 873, Erendis gave birth to a daughter named Ancalime.

After his marriage, Aldarion remained in Numenor for a while and concentrated on cultivating the forests. Timber was in high demand for buildings and other things besides ships. He was careful to replant trees that had been cut down and he planned new forests of different kinds of trees including the great plantations of the Hyarrostar. It was at this time that he became commonly known by the name Aldarion, "son of the trees."

But Aldarion wanted to set sail again, not only because of his sea-longing but also because he felt that mastery of the Sea and exploration of new lands was important for Numenor's future. He built a new ship called Hirilonde, the Haven-finder, and he embarked in 877. He promised Erendis that he would return in two years. She was unhappy and did not bring him the Bough of Return, though the wife of Aldarion's captain did so.

Aldarion was gone for five years instead of two. He spent much of the time helping Gil-galad investigate the rise of the evil power in the East. Gil-galad suspected - correctly - that it was a servant of Morgoth. He realized that the Elves would one day need the help of the Men of Numenor, and he valued Aldarion's suggestions on defending Eriador.

When Aldarion returned to Numenor in 882, he learned that Erendis had taken Ancalime to live in her house in Emerie in the Inlands. He went there but found Erendis cold and unwelcoming. Ancalime did not recognize her father. Aldarion was annoyed and angry and he left the next day. He intended to leave Numenor and not return.

Tar-Meneldur meanwhile had read a letter sent to him from Gil-galad and he realized the important work his son had been doing abroad. He felt that Aldarion was better suited to deal with the growing troubles in Middle-earth so he decided it was time to pass the Sceptre to him. Aldarion was amazed by his father's decision but he accepted the responsibility.

Tar-Aldarion became the sixth ruler of Numenor in the spring of 883. Erendis refused to attend the official proclamation, and she and Aldarion were permanently separated. Ancalime divided her time between the royal household in Armenelos and her mother's home in Emerie.

Tar-Aldarion continued to undertake sea voyages after he became King. He departed from Numenor in 883 or 884 shortly after receiving the Sceptre. Hallatan of Hyarastorni served as Regent in his absence. Tar-Aldarion first went to the Grey Havens. He also travelled up the Greyflood as far as Tharbad and it is said that he met Galadriel who lived in nearby Eregion.

Tar-Aldarion maintained relations with Gil-galad. Sauron did not attack Eriador at that time in part due to the alliance between the Elves and the Men of Numenor. The fleets and the haven of Lond Daer built by Aldarion were an important factor centuries later during the War of the Elves and Sauron.

In 892, Tar-Aldarion changed the laws of succession so he could proclaim his daughter Ancalime the King's Heir. Before that time only men could rule Numenor. Under the new law, the eldest child of a ruler was the heir regardless of gender. Ancalime served as Tar-Aldarion's Regent several times during his voyages. In 985, while Tar-Aldarion was on his last voyage, Erendis died.

Tar-Aldarion surrendered the Sceptre to his daughter Tar-Ancalime in 1075. He died in 1098.

Names & Etymology:
Aldarion's name at birth was Anardil meaning "Sun friend" in Quenya from Anar meaning "the Sun" and the ending -ndil meaning "devoted to." His grandfather called him Anardilya with a suffix denoting endearment.

He was primarily known as Aldarion meaning "son of the trees" in Quenya from alda meaning "tree" and the masculine ending -ion meaning "son of." He was given this name because of his interest in forestry and timber cultivation for ship building. The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Aldarion was called the Great Captain by the Guild of Venturers. He was given the title Lord of the Ships and Havens of Numenor when he was proclaimed King's Heir. He was later made Master of the Forests.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "A Description of the Island of Numenor," p. 168, 171; "Aldarion and Erendis," passim; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 219-20; "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn," p. 236, 239, 253-54 note 7, 262-65; "The Druedain," p. 385-86 note 7; Index, entry for Anardil
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315-16
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for alda, nar, (n)dil
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for YO, YON

Tar-Ancalimë

Ancalime's father Aldarion was a mariner. In 877 when she was four years old, he went to Sea on a five-year voyage. Erendis was angry and unhappy and she took Ancalime away from the King's Court in Armenelos. They went to live in a white house in the pastureland of Emerie with only a few female servants.

Erendis spoke to Ancalime in Sindarin rather than in the Adunaic language of Numenor which Aldarion preferred. Ancalime was taught to read and write by her mother, and she learned about the history and lore of the land and people of Numenor. But there was little music or laughter in their home, and Erendis shared with Ancalime her bitterness toward men and she never spoke to her about Aldarion.

Ancalime rarely saw any men. She was not allowed to leave Emerie even to visit her grandparents. But Ancalime often left the house to roam on the downs, and sometimes she helped a shepherdess tend to the sheep.

Aldarion returned from Sea in 882 when Ancalime was nine years old. He had been gone so long that Ancalime did not recognize him. Aldarion and Erendis ended their marriage and were permanently separated. Ancalime divided her time between the royal household in Armenelos and her mother's home in Emerie.

Aldarion became King of Numenor in 883. In 892, he proclaimed Ancalime the King's Heir. This required a change to the laws of succession which had previously allowed only males to rule Numenor. Under the new law, the ruler's eldest child, whether male or female, was the heir.

Ancalime was only nineteen when she became the King's Heir. Previously, the King's Heirs had been named when they turned one hundred years old. She frequently served as Regent while her father was away from Numenor on voyages.

After her parents' disastrous marriage, Ancalime was not inclined to find a husband. She tried to avoid her suitors by disguising herself as a shepherdess on a farm near Hyarastorni. There she met a man calling himself Mamandil and she was intrigued by the songs he sang. Mamandil revealed that he was actually Hallacar, the son of Hallatan, Lord of Hyarastorni, and Ancalime was angry at being deceived.

Ancalime faced pressure to marry because of her position as King's Heir both from the Council of the Sceptre and from Soronto who was next in the line of succeesion after her. Initially there was a provision to the new succession law stating that a female must resign as heir if she didn't marry. Tar-Aldarion rescinded this provision at some point, but in the end Ancalime married Hallacar in the year 1000.

Ancalime had a son Anarion in 1003. She did not like being a wife or mother and she and Hallacar soon became estranged. She forbade her ladies in waiting to marry, though Hallacar secretly arranged for them to wed their lovers. She later forbade Anarion's daughters to marry after they gave up their places in the line of succession because of their fear and dislike of Ancalime.

Tar-Aldarion passed the Sceptre to Ancalime in 1075 and she became the first Ruling Queen of Numenor. She was proud and stubborn and she tended to do the opposite of what others advised. She pursued her own policies and neglected those of her father, including his alliance with Gil-galad and the Elves of Lindon.

Tar-Ancalime's reign lasted 205 years. She passed the Sceptre to her son Tar-Anarion in 1280 and she died in 1285.

Names & Etymology:
The name Ancalimë means "brightest one" in Quenya from ancalima meaning "brightest." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Ancalime was called Emerwen Aranel meaning "Princess Shepherdess." The word aranel means "princess." The word emerwen means "shepherdess" from emer apparently meaning "shepherd" or "sheep" and the feminine ending -wen meaning "maiden."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 190-212; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 219-20
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315-16
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297 (ancalima)

Tar-Anárion

Names & Etymology:
The name Anárion means "Sun son" in Quenya from Anar meaning "the Sun" and the masculine ending -ion denoting "son of." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 211-12, 217 note 28; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 220
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for NAR and YON

Tar-Súrion

Tar-Surion had a daughter Telperien and a son Isilmo. When Tar-Surion surrendered the Sceptre in 1556 after a 162-year reign, the elder child Telperien succeeded him. Tar-Telperien had no children so her heir was Isilmo's son Tar-Minastir. Tar-Surion died in 1574.

Names & Etymology:
The name Súrion means "wind son" in Quenya from súrë meaning "wind" and the masculine ending -ion denoting "son of." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 212, 217 note 28; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 220
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays by J.R.R. Tolkien: "A Secret Vice," p. 222 (súrë)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for YO, YON
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist

Tar-Telperien

Tar-Telperien did not marry and had no children so her heir was her nephew Minastir son of Isilmo. It is unclear when she surrendered the Sceptre to Minastir. According to one source (UT, p. 220) it was in 1731, the same year she died. But Tar-Minastir's reign apparently began earlier than that because he was King during the War of the Elves and Sauron from 1693 to 1701.

Names & Etymology:
The name Telperien contains the Quenya word telpë meaning "silver." Also written as Tar-Telperiën. The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 220, 226 note 8 and 9
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315

Tar-Minastir

According to one source (UT, p. 220), Tar-Telperien passed the Sceptre to Tar-Minastir in 1731. But this date appears to be incorrect because the major event of Tar-Minastir's reign was the War of the Elves and Sauron which lasted from 1693 to 1701.

In 1695, Tar-Minastir received a request for help from Gil-galad, the King of the Elves of Lindon on the west coast of Middle-earth. The Elves were under attack by Sauron who wanted their Rings of Power. Tar-Minastir assembled a fleet led by Admiral Ciryatur but it was delayed and did not reach the Gulf of Lune until 1700.

The Numenoreans helped the Elves drive Sauron's forces back from the River Lune on the border of Lindon. Sauron retreated to Tharbad on the Greyflood, or Gwathlo. Ciryatur sent ships to Lond Daer at the mouth of the Gwathlo and the Numenoreans defeated Sauron in the Battle of the Gwathlo in 1701. Sauron returned to Mordor and vowed to take revenge upon the Men of Numenor.

Tar-Minastir built a tall tower on Oromet, a hill near Andunie on the west coast of Numenor. He spent much of his time looking westward toward the Undying Lands from his tower. He was a friend of the Elves, but he also envied them. From his time onwards, the Numenoreans increasingly yearned for immortality.

In 1869, Tar-Minastir was persuaded against his will to surrender the Sceptre to his son Tar-Ciryatan. This was later seen as the first sign of the corruption of the Numenoreans that eventually led to their Downfall. Tar-Minastir died in 1873.

Names & Etymology:
The name Minastir means "tower watcher" in Quenya from minas meaning "tower" and tir meaning "watch." He was so named because he gazed westward from the tower he built on Oromet. The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 206; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 220-21, 223, 226 note 9; "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn," p. 239, 265
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 267, 269; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for minas and tir
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315-16
Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 364

Tar-Ciryatan

In 1869, Ciryatan forced his father to surrender the Sceptre before he was ready to do so. This was later seen as the first sign of the corruption of the Numenoreans that eventually led to their Downfall.

Tar-Ciryatan was known as the Shipbuilder. He built a great fleet and sent ships to Middle-earth to bring back metal and jewels. He began to oppress the Men of Middle-earth and demanded tribute from them to satisfy his greed for wealth.

Tar-Ciryatan passed the Sceptre to his son Tar-Atanamir in 2029 and he died in 2035.

Names & Etymology:
The name Ciryatan means "ship builder" in Quenya from cirya meaning "ship" and tan meaning "make, fashion." He was called the Shipbuilder. The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 221
The Silmarillion:"Akallabeth," p. 265
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for KIR and TAN

Tar-Atanamir

Tar-Atanamir and many other Numenoreans became increasingly resentful of their mortality. As Men, they were fated to die. What happened to Men after death was known only to Eru, their creator. Eru intended death as a gift, but the Numenoreans began to view it as a punishment.

The Numenoreans envied the Elves who were immortal and they wrongly believed that they too would become immortal if they lived in the Undying Lands as the Elves did. They began to speak out against the Ban of the Valar, which forbade them to sail westward to the Undying Lands.

Manwe, the chief of the Valar, sent messengers to Tar-Atanamir. They explained that the Undying Lands did not make mortals immortal, and they urged the Numenoreans to accept their fate. Tar-Atanamir did not dare to break the Ban, but he did not otherwise heed the advice of the messengers. The Men of Numenor became estranged from the Elves and the Valar.

The desire for immortality began to consume the Men of Numenor and it eventually led to their Downfall. Tar-Atanamir clung to life as long as he could. He refused to yield the Sceptre to his son as was customary, and he also did not voluntarily die before he became feeble and senile as the Numenoreans were capable of doing. He died in 2251 and his son Tar-Ancalimon succeeded him as King.

Note:
There is a discrepancy in the date of Tar-Atanamir's death. The correct date appears to be 2251, given in "The Tale of Years" in Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings. An alternate date of 2221 is given in "The Line of Elros" in Unfinished Tales.

Names & Etymology:
The name Atanamir appears to contain the Quenya words atan meaning "Man" and mir meaning "jewel." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor. He was called Atanamir the Great and he was also called Atanamir the Unwilling because he did not go easily to his death.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "A Description of the Island of Numenor," p. 169; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 218, 221, 226 note 10
The Silmarillion:"Akallabeth," p. 265-66
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315-16
Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 364

Tar-Ancalimon

During the reign of Tar-Ancalimon, the Men of Numenor became divided into two factions: the King's Men and the Faithful. The Faithful were also known as the Elendili, or Elf-friends. They did not break their ties with the Elves and the Valar, though they remained loyal to the rulers of Numenor.

The King's Men were the majority. They were not friendly with the Elves and many of them stopped using the Elvish languages. They did not heed the Valar, and after Tar-Ancalimon's reign the worship of Eru and the offering of first fruits on Meneltarma were neglected. From the time of Tar-Ancalimon, eagles - which were sacred to Manwe - no longer lived in the eyrie in the King's Court in Armenelos where they had dwelled for 2,000 years.

The people of Numenor became increasingly obsessed with immortality. Learned men tried unsuccessfully to find a way to prolong or restore life, and tombs became more elaborate. People focused on their own pleasure and on the accumulation of wealth.

The Numenoreans continued to expand into Middle-earth, and in 2280 the King's Men established the Havens of Umbar on the coast of Harad. The Faithful established their own haven at Pelargir in 2350.

Tar-Ancalimon died in 2386 and was succeeded by his son Tar-Telemmaite.

Names & Etymology:
The name Ancalimon means "brightest one" in Quenya from ancalima meaning "brightest." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "A Description of the Island of Numenor," p. 169; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 221, 224 note 1, 226 note 10
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 266-67
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297 (ancalima)

Tar-Telemmaitë

Names & Etymology:
The name Telemmaitëmeans "silver-handed" in Quenya from telem, a form of telpë meaning "silver," and maitë meaning "handed."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 221; "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields," p. 284 note 31
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for celeb
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist

Tar-Vanimeldë

Tar-Vanimelde succeeded her father after his death in 2526. She was the third and last Ruling Queen of Numenor. Tar-Vanimelde enjoyed music and dancing and she let her husband Herucalmo rule Numenor in her stead.

When Tar-Vanimelde died in 2637, Herucalmo withheld the Sceptre from their son Alcarin and continued to rule Numenor under the name Tar-Anducal. He is not counted as a rightful ruler of Numenor. Tar-Alcarin became the seventeenth ruler of Numenor after his father's death in 2657.

Names & Etymology:
The name Vanimeldë is composed of the Quenya vanima meaning "beauty" and melda meaning "beloved." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 221-22
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for BAN and MEL

Tar-Alcarin

When Tar-Vanimelde died in 2637, Herucalmo withheld the Sceptre from Alcarin and ruled Numenor for 20 years using the name Tar-Anducal. It was not until his father's death in 2657 that Alcarin took his rightful place as King. Tar-Alcarin ruled for 80 years, though officially his reign was 100 years long while Tar-Anducal's reign is not counted.

Tar-Alcarin died in 2737 and was succeeded by his son Tar-Calmacil.

Names & Etymology:
The name Alcarin means "the Glorious" in Quenya from alcar meaning "glory, brilliance." The prefix Tar means "high" and was used by the Kings and Queens of Numenor.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 222
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for aglar

Tar-Calmacil

Before he became King, Calmacil was a great sea captain. He expanded Numenor's territory along the coasts of Middle-earth. Sauron was angered by these incursions but he did not dare to attack the Numenorean settlements and instead expanded his power eastward into Rhun.

Tar-Calmacil became King after his father's death in 2737. Although he used the Quenya form of his name, the King's Men called him Ar-Belzagar in the Adunaic language of Numenor. This was the first time an Adunaic name was used for a ruler of Numenor.

Tar-Calmacil died in 2825 after a reign of 88 years. He was succeeded by his son Tar-Ardamin.

Names & Etymology:
The name Calmacil is composed of the Quenya words cal meaning "shine" and macil meaning "sword." He took this name because of the conquests he made.

The Adunaic name Belzagar probably has a similar meaning. The word azgara means "wage war" so it seems possible that there is a related word zagar meaning "sword." The Quenya prefix Tar- and the Adunaic Ar- denote "King."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 222-23, 226-27 note 11, 227 note 12
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for KAL and MAK
The History of Middle-earth, vol. IX, Sauron Defeated: "The Drowning of Anadune," p. 439 (meaning of azagar)
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Tar-Ardamin

Tar-Ardamin became King after his father's death in 2825 and ruled for 74 years. The King's Men called him by his Adunaic name which was Ar-Abattarik. He died in 2899 and was succeeded by his son Ar-Adunakhor.

Note:
Tar-Ardamin was mistakenly omitted from the list of Numenorean rulers in Appendix A of early editions of The Lord of the Rings.

Names & Etymology:
The Quenya name Ardamin may mean "tower of Arda" or "pillar of Arda" with min from mindon meaning "lofty tower" and Arda meaning "the Realm" or "the world." The Adunaic name Ar-Abattârik most likely means the same thing. The word târik means "pillar." The element abat is nowhere defined but may be the equivalent of Arda. The Quenya prefix Tar- and the Adunaic Ar- denote "King."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 222, 226-27 note 11, 227 note 12
The History of Middle-earth, vol. IX, Sauron Defeated: "The Drowning of Anadune," p. 429 (meaning of târik)
The Silmarillion: Index entries for Arda and Mindon Eldalieva; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for minas
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor
The Tolkien Language List

Ar-Adûnakhôr

Ar-Adunakhor was the first ruler of Numenor to take the Sceptre using an Adunaic name as his primary name. His father Tar-Ardamin and his grandfather Tar-Calmacil had both had secondary Adunaic names that were used by the King's Men. But Ar-Adunakhor did not dare abandon the tradition of having a Quenya name entirely, so his name was written as Tar-Herunumen in the Scroll of the Kings.

Both of his names meant "Lord of the West" - a title usually used only for one of the Valar, particularly Manwe. The Faithful who remained loyal to the Valar thought these names were blasphemous.

The Faithful were persecuted by Ar-Adunakhor. He refused to allow the Elvish languages to be taught or used, but the Faithful continued to do so in secret. The ships of the Elves no longer came openly to Numenor during his reign, though a few may have secretly visited the havens in the west where the Faithful dwelled.

Ar-Adunakhor's reign lasted 63 years. He died in 2962 at the age of 253 and was succeeded by his son Ar-Zimrathon.

Names & Etymology:
The name Adûnakhôr means "Lord of the West" in Adunaic from adûn meaning "west" and khôr meaning "lord." His Quenya name Herunúmen also means "Lord of the West" from heru meaning "lord" and númen meaning "west." The Quenya prefix Tar- and the Adunaic Ar- denote "King."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 222
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 267-68; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for andune and heru
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315-16
Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 364
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Ar-Zimrathon

Names & Etymology:
Also written as Ar-Zimrathôn. His Quenya name written in the Scroll of the Kings was Tar-Hostamir. The word hosta means "gather, collect" and mir means "jewel." He may therefore have been known for acquiring jewels. His Adunaic name Ar-Zimrathon probably has a similar meaning; the word zimra may mean "jewel." The Quenya prefix Tar- and the Adunaic Ar- denote "King."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 222
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays by J.R.R. Tolkien: "A Secret Vice," p.223
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Ar-Sakalthôr

Names & Etymology:
His Quenya name written in the Scroll of the Kings was Tar-Falassion from falassë meaning "shore, line of surf" and the masculine ending -ion. The name Ar-Sakalthôr likely has a similar meaning. The Quenya prefix Tar- and the Adunaic Ar- denote "King."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 268; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for falas

Ar-Gimilzôr

Ar-Gimilzor severed ties with the Elves and the Valar. Elves were forbidden to come to Numenor because he thought they were spying on behalf of the Valar. Numenoreans who associated with the Elves were punished. The Elvish languages were banned and the White Tree that had been a gift from the Elves was neglected. The worship of Eru upon the Hallow of Meneltarma was abandoned by Ar-Gimilzor. Manwe was aware of all these things and the Valar ceased protecting the people of Numenor.

Ar-Gimilzor oppressed the Faithful who remained loyal to the Elves and the Valar. He forced many of the Faithful to relocate from Andunie on the west coast to Romenna on the east coast so he could monitor their activities. A number of the Faithful departed to Middle-earth at this time and they were allowed to go as long as they did not return to Numenor.

Ar-Gimilzor's wife Inzilbeth was secretly one of the Faithful. She was related to the Lords of Andunie - leaders of the Faithful - through her mother Lindorie, sister of Earendur. Inzilbeth did not want to marry Ar-Gimilzor but she was unable to refuse and their marriage was unhappy. Their eldest son Inziladun shared his mother's sympathies for the Faithful, while their younger son Gimilkhad was like his father.

Inziladun was his father's heir according to law though Ar-Gimilzor would have preferred Gimilkhad to succeed him. When Ar-Gimilzor died in 3175, Inziladun became the second-to-last ruler of Numenor, using the name Tar-Palantir.

Note:
The date 3175 is given for the start of Tar-Palantir's reign in "The Tale of Years," Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings but this date was changed to 3177 in "The Line of Elros," Unfinished Tales.

Names & Etymology:
The name Gimilzôr contains the Adunaic word gimil meaning "stars." His Quenya name written in the Scroll of the Kings was Tar-Telemnar which means "silver flame" from telep meaning "silver" and nar meaning "flame." The Quenya prefix Tar- and the Adunaic Ar- denote "King."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223, 227 note 15
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 268-69; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for celeb (telep) and nar
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315
Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 364
The History of Middle-earth, vol. IX, Sauron Defeated: "The Drowning of Anadune," p. 427 (gimil)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 159
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Tar-Palantir

Inziladun was sympathetic to the Faithful who remained loyal to the Elves and the Valar while the majority of Numenoreans turned against them. Inziladun's mother Inzilbeth was secretly one of the Faithful and she was related to the Lords of Andunie who were leaders of the Faithful. But Ar-Gimilzor oppressed the Faithful and cut ties with the Elves and the Valar. Ar-Gimilzor's younger son Gimilkhad took after him, but according to the law of Numenor it was Inziladun the elder who became King when Ar-Gimilzor died in 3175.

As King, Inziladun did not use his Adunaic name as his father and several of his predecessors had done. Instead he took the name Tar-Palantir in Quenya, the language of the High Elves, like the earlier rulers of Numenor. Tar-Palantir means "He who looks afar" and he was far-sighted both in his vision and his insight. He also often visited the tower on Oromet near Andunie to look westward toward the Undying Lands from which the ships of the Elves used to come before Ar-Gimilzor banned them.

Tar-Palantir tried to repent for the deeds of his father and his predecessors. He ended the persecution of the Faithful and he offered prayers to Eru from the Hallow on Meneltarma. He tended the White Tree that had been a gift from the Elves and he prophesied that when the tree died the line of Kings would end. Tar-Palantir hoped to renew relations with the Elves and the Valar but it was too late.

Tar-Palantir was opposed by his brother Gimilkhad. Gimilkhad had taken over the leadership of their father's supporters - a party previously known as the King's Men though they were now against the King. The majority of Numenoreans sided with Gimilkhad and there was strife between the King's Men and the Faithful.

Tar-Palantir married late in life. His only child was a daughter named Miriel. When Tar-Palantir died of weariness and grief in 3255, Miriel should have succeeded him as Ruling Queen of Numenor. But Pharazon - son of Gimilkhad - forced Miriel to marry him and usurped the Sceptre from her, becoming Ar-Pharazon, the last King of Numenor.

Note:
The date 3175 is given for the start of Tar-Palantir's reign in "The Tale of Years," Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings but this date was changed to 3177 in "The Line of Elros," Unfinished Tales.

Names & Etymology:
The name Inziladûn is Adunaic meaning "Flower of the West" from inzil meaning "flower" and adûn meaning "west, westward." As King, he was referred to in Adunaic as Ar-Inziladûn but he used the Quenya nameTar-Palantir meaning "He who looks afar" from palan meaning "far, distant wide" and tir meaning "watch, guard." The Quenya prefix Tar- and the Adunaic Ar- denote "King."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223-24, 227 notes 13 and 15; Index entry for Tar-Palantir
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 269, 272; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for palan and tir
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315-16
Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 364
The History of Middle-earth, vol. IX, Sauron Defeated: "The Drowning of Anadune," p. 435 (adûn)
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Ar-Pharazôn

The Men of Numenor had become estranged from the Valar and the Elves as their desire for immortality grew. During the reign of Ar-Gimilzor, Elves were banned from Numenor and the Faithful who remained friendly with them were punished. Ar-Gimilzor was succeeded by his elder son Tar-Palantir who tried to renew ties with the Valar and the Elves, but it was too late. Gimilkhad took after his father and continued to oppose the Faithful during his brother's reign.

Pharazon was a strong and handsome man. He was proud and willful and he desired wealth and power. He became a great captain and he waged war on the Men of Middle-earth, gaining territory for Numenor along the coasts and acquiring riches for himself. After Gimilkhad's death in 3243, Pharazon returned to Numenor and became the leader of those opposed to Tar-Palantir and the Faithful.

Tar-Palantir died in 3255. His only child and heir was his daughter Miriel, who should have become the Ruling Queen of Numenor according to the laws of succession. But Pharazon forced Miriel to marry him - even though marriages between first cousins were not allowed - and he seized the Sceptre from her and proclaimed himself Ar-Pharazon, the twenty-fifth King of Numenor.

Ar-Pharazon was the mightiest ruler in the history of Numenor. He wanted to expand Numenor's domains in Middle-earth. But ever since Ar-Pharazon had returned to Numenor from Middle-earth, Sauron had been encroaching on Numenor's territory and had proclaimed himself King of Men. Sauron hated the Numeoreans - in part due to their role in his defeat in the War of the Elves and Sauron centuries earlier - and he wanted to drive them from Middle-earth.

Ar-Pharazon assembled a fleet and in 3261 he set out for Middle-earth with the purpose of subjugating Sauron. He did not want any ruler to be more powerful than himself and he intended to claim the title King of Men. His fleet landed at Umbar on the coast of Harad. The inhabitants of the coasts fled before Ar-Pharazon's forces and Sauron's servants refused to fight them.

Ar-Pharazon demanded that Sauron surrender to him and Sauron complied. Sauron realized that he could not defeat the Numeoreans by force so he plotted to destroy them from within. In 3262, Ar-Pharazon brought Sauron to Numenor as a prisoner.

But within three years, Sauron became Ar-Pharazon's most trusted advisor. Sauron used cunning and flattery to gain Ar-Pharazon's trust and he shared secret knowledge unknown to Men. He persuaded Ar-Pharazon that the world was his to conquer and that Morgoth, the Lord of the Darkness, would help him gain power and wealth. Sauron claimed that Eru did not exist but was only an invention of the Valar to make Men obey them, and he convinced Ar-Pharazon to worship Morgoth instead.

The Faithful rejected Sauron's teachings. Their leader was Amandil who had been friends with Ar-Pharazon in their youth. Ar-Pharazon had made Amandil one of his councillors, but now he dismissed Amandil from his position.

Ar-Pharazon made it a capital offense to visit the Hallow of Eru on Meneltarma. Sauron urged him to destroy Nimloth, the White Tree that had been given to the Men of Numenor by the Elves. Ar-Pharazon was reluctant to do so because Tar-Palantir had prophesied that the line of Kings would end when Nimloth died. But after a thief in disguise (Amandil's grandson Isildur) stole a fruit from Nimloth to preserve it, Ar-Pharazon had the White Tree cut down.

A great domed temple was built in Armenelos and Nimloth was burned on the altar. Then the Numenoreans began to perform human sacrifices to Morgoth in hopes of gaining immortality for themselves. Many of the victims were from among the Faithful. Men of Middle-earth were also captured and sacrificed as Ar-Pharazon's forces conquered their lands and seized their goods. The Men of Numenor were feared and hated in Middle-earth, and Ar-Pharazon became the greatest tyrant in the world since the time of Morgoth.

But Ar-Pharazon still feared his own mortality, and Sauron used this to bring about the Downfall of Numenor. He lied to Ar-Pharazon by telling him that he could achieve immortality if he went to the Undying Lands. The Men of Numenor were forbidden by the Valar to sail westward to the Undying Lands, but Sauron convinced Ar-Pharazon that it was his right to break the Ban of the Valar.

Ar-Pharazon began to build the Great Armament in 3310. Warning signs began to appear including storms, lightning, earthquakes, and smoke issuing from Meneltarma, but Ar-Pharazon did not heed them. In 3319, Great Eagles from the Undying Lands flew over Numenor as a final warning. In response, Ar-Pharazon boarded his ship the Alcarondas and gave the order for the Great Armament to embark.

The Great Armament came to the shores of the Undying Lands. Ar-Pharazon nearly repented when he saw the shining peak of Taniquetil, but his pride overcame his doubt. He went ashore and claimed the Undying Lands for himself. A great force of Numenoreans accompanied him.

Then Eru caused the Seas to open up and the Great Armament was destroyed and the island of Numenor was submerged underwater. The Faithful led by Amandil's son Elendil escaped to Middle-earth and founded the realms of Gondor and Arnor. The Undying Lands were removed from the Circles of the World so Men could not reach them.

Ar-Pharazon and his army were buried in a landslide. It is said that they remain imprisoned underground in the Caves of the Forgotten until the Day of Doom when the Last Battle will be fought against Morgoth.

Names & Etymology:
The name Pharazôn means "golden" from pharaz meaning "gold" in Adunaic, the language of Numenor. The prefix Ar- is the Adunaic equivalent of the Quenya Tar- denoting "King." He was also called Ar-Pharazon the Golden. His Quenya name, written in the Scroll of the Kings, was Tar-Calion. The Quenya word calion is derived from cálë meaning "light."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 269-80
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223-24
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 316-17
Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 364-65
Appendix E of The Lord of the Rings: "Writing and Spelling," p. 392
The History of Middle-earth, vol. IX, Sauron Defeated: "The Drowning of Anadune," p. 426
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 159-63; "The Tale of Years of the Second Age," p. 181-83
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #211

Ailinel

Names & Etymology:
The name Ailinel contains the Quenya word ailin meaning "lake, pool."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 179, 209, 210 (genealogy); "The Line of Elros," p. 220
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for AY

Almarian

Almarian and Tar-Meneldur had three children: a son Aldarion, born in 700 of the Second Age; a daughter Ailinel, born in 712; and a daughter Almiel, born in 729. The family originally lived in the Forostar in northern Numenor. They moved to Armenelos when Tar-Meneldur became King in 740.

Aldarion learned about ships and sailing from Almarian's father Veantur and he became a great mariner in his own right. Almarian supported her son's endeavors although her husband disapproved and wanted Aldarion to remain in Numenor.

In 800, Almarian invited a woman named Erendis to join her household. Almarian encouraged a romance between Erendis and Aldarion. When the King forbade Almarian to place the traditional Green Bough of Return on Aldarion's ship before a voyage in 816, Erendis asked the Queen's permission to bring it instead.

Erendis eventually became resentful of Aldarion's love of the Sea and they were briefly separated in 850. Almarian consulted with Erendis' mother Nuneth, and the Queen asked Erendis to return to Armenelos where the couple were reunited. They became betrothed in 858 and married in 870, but by 882 they were permanently separated. Almarian helped raise her granddaughter Ancalime who split her time between Erendis' house in Emerie and the royal court in Armenelos.

Tar-Meneldur surrendered the Sceptre to Aldarion in 883 and died in 942. Almarian's date of death is not known.

Names & Etymology:
The name Almarian appears to contain the Quenya word almarë meaning "blessings, good fortune, bliss."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 176-80, 183, 187-88, 202, 208, 210 (genealogy), 211; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p.  219
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for GALA

Almiel

Names & Etymology:
The name Almiel contains the Quenya word almië meaning "blessedness, blessings, good fortune, bliss." The feminine ending -iel denoting "daughter of" in Quenya was apparently rejected by Tolkien at one point but exists in several names.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 179, 210 (genealogy)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for GALA and YEL

Amandil

Amandil became the eighteenth Lord of Andunie. Andunie was a haven on the west coast of Numenor. The Lords of Andunie were high-ranking nobles who were descended from Silmarien, the daughter of the fourth King Tar-Elendil. They served on the Council of the Sceptre and they were loyal to the rulers of Numenor, but they were also among those who remained friendly with the Elves and faithful to the Valar.

Amandil was the leader of the Faithful in the years leading up to the Downfall of Numenor. The Elves gave Amandil seven palantiri which could be used to see and communicate from afar.

In his youth, Amandil was friends with Pharazon, the son of the King Ar-Gimilzor's second son Gimilkhad. In 3255, Pharazon married his own cousin Miriel who was the rightful heir to the throne and usurped the Sceptre from her.

Ar-Pharazon took a fleet to Middle-earth and demanded the surrender of Sauron who was extending his domain into the Numenorean territories on the coasts. Sauron submitted and allowed himself to be brought to Numenor in 3262 because he intended to corrupt the Numenoreans from within. He convinced Ar-Pharazon to worship Morgoth, the Lord of the Darkness. The Faithful were persecuted and many were sacrificed to Morgoth.

Amandil alone of the King's councillors remained uncorrupted by Sauron. He was dismissed from his position. He retreated to Romenna on Numenor's east coast where many of the Faithful lived and he gathered others to him.

Amandil learned that Sauron wanted to destroy Nimloth, the White Tree that had been a gift to Numenor from the Elves. Amandil's grandson Isildur risked his life to steal a fruit from the tree before it was cut down and burned. Amandil planted the fruit and blessed it and a sapling grew that later became the White Tree of Gondor.

In 3310, Ar-Pharazon began to build the Great Armament to attack the Undying Lands in a misguided attempt to gain immortality. Amandil decided to make a plea to the Valar as his ancestor Earendil had done. The Valar had forbidden the Men of Numenor to come to the Undying Lands but Amandil was willing to risk punishment on behalf of the Faithful.

Amandil told Elendil to gather their people and possessions on ships and be prepared to leave Numenor. Amandil set out with three servants in a small ship either in 3310 or in 3316. They first sailing eastward to avoid detection by Ar-Pharazon and then turned westward toward the Undying Lands.

Amandil and his companions were never seen again. It is not known what became of them or whether they ever reached the Undying Lands. When Ar-Pharazon launched his attack in 3319, Numenor was not spared and the island and its people drowned beneath the Sea. But the ships of the Faithful were blown eastward by a great wind to Middle-earth where Elendil and his sons founded the Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor.

Names & Etymology:
The name Amandil means "lover of Aman" in Quenya. Aman was the realm of the Valar in the West and its name means "blessed, free from evil." The ending -ndil means "devotion."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 268-80; "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age," p. 292; Index entries for Aman and Amandil; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for (n)dil
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 219
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 156, 159-63; "The Tale of Years of the Second Age," 175, 183, , 187 note 22; "The Heirs of Elendil," p. 191
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 316

Ardamir

Names & Etymology:
The name Ardamir means "jewel of the World" in Quenya from Arda meaning "the World" and mírë meaning "jewel."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: Index, entry for Arda; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for mir

Atanalcar

Names & Etymology:
The name Atanalcar is composed of the Quenya words atan meaning "Man" and alcar meaning "glory, brilliance."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: Index, entry for Atani; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for aglar

Aulendil

Names & Etymology:
The name Aulendil means "friend of Aule" - one of the Valar - in Quenya. Aulendil was also a name used by Sauron.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for (n)dil

Axantur

Axantur had a daughter named Lindisse and two sons: Ardamir and Cemendur. Cemendur's grandson Hallacar married Tar-Ancalime, seventh ruler of Numenor. Axantur's date of death is not known.

Names & Etymology:
The name Axantur is composed of the word axan meaning "law, rule, commandment" (adapted to Quenya from Valarin, the language of the Valar) and tur meaning "power, mastery."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "Quendi and Eldar," p. 399 (meaning of axan)
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for tur
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist

Beregar

In 800, Beregar travelled to Armenelos to attend a feast in honor of the appointment of Aldarion as the King's Heir. Beregar brought Erendis with him and she became enamored with Aldarion at first sight. In 843, Aldarion visited Beregar's house and informed Beregar of his wish to marry Erendis.

Erendis married Aldarion but she was unhappy with his frequent absences at Sea. She set free the pair of birds the Elves had given her as a symbol of her union with Aldarion. On their way back to the Undying Lands, the birds briefly stopped at the house of Beregar and Nuneth, who realized their daughter was unhappy but could not help her. Erendis became reclusive and did not allow her daughter Ancalime to visit her grandparents.

Beregar's date of death is not known. His granddaughter Ancalime became Ruling Queen of Numenor in 1075.

Names & Etymology:
The meaning of Beregar is uncertain. The first element may be from the Sindarin root ber meaning "valiant."

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 177, 181, 183, 185, 190, 193-94
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for BER

Caliondo

Names & Etymology:
The name Caliondo may contain calion derived from cálë meaning "light," or it may contain ondo meaning "rock."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
Quenya-English Wordlist

Cemendur

Cemendur had a daughter Irilde, born in 700, and a son Hallatan, born in 711. Hallatan became an important landowner and lord of Hyarastorni in the Inlands of Numenor. It is not clear whether he inherited the land from his father Cemendur. Hallatan's son Hallacar married Ancalime, the seventh ruler of Numenor.

Cemendur's date of death is not known.

Names & Etymology:
The name Cemendur means "Earth servant" in Quenya from cemen or kemen meaning "earth, soil" and the ending -ndur meaning "to serve."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for kemen and -(n)dur
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297 (-ndur)

Ciryatur

Ciryatur's main force came to the Gulf of Lune and the Men of Numenor helped the Elves drive back Sauron's forces. Sauron retreated to Tharbad where he had reinforcements. But Ciryatur had also sent ships to the port of Lond Daer at the mouth of the Greyflood, or Gwathlo, and he put a force ashore to attack Sauron from the rear. Sauron was defeated in the Battle of the Gwathlo in 1701 and returned to Mordor.

Names & Etymology:
The name Ciryatur means "ship master" in Quenya from cirya meaning "ship" and tur meaning "power, mastery."

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn," p. 239, 261
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for kir and tur

Eärendur (I)

Names & Etymology:
The name Eärendur is Quenya meaning "Sea servant" or "(professional) mariner" from Eär meaning "the Sea" and the ending ndur meaning "to serve."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 208, 210 (genealogy)
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297 footnote

Eärendur (II)

The names of Earendur's father and his son are not known. His grandson was Numendil, the seventeenth Lord of Andunie. Earendur had a sister Lindorie who was the mother of Inzilbeth, wife of Ar-Gimilzor.

Names & Etymology:
The name Eärendur is Quenya meaning "Sea servant" or "(professional) mariner" from Eär meaning "the Sea" and the ending ndur meaning "to serve."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 268
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 159, 164 note 14
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #297 footnote

Elatan

Elatan and Silmarien had a son Valandil, born in 630 of the Second Age. Valandil became the first Lord of Andunie and from him were descended Elendil and the Kings of Gondor and Arnor.

Elatan's birth and death dates are not known.

Names & Etymology:
The name Elatan contains the Quenya words el meaning "star" and atan meaning "Man." He was called Elatan of Andúnië.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 210 (genealogy)
Quenya-English Wordlist

Elentir

Elentir loved Miriel, the daughter and rightful heir of Tar-Palantir, and they may have been betrothed. According to some versions of the story, Miriel rejected Elentir in favor of her cousin Pharazon. But in the published account, Miriel was forced to married Pharazon against her will and he usurped the Sceptre from her.

Ar-Pharazon's actions resulted in the destruction of Numenor and the deaths of most Numenoreans including Miriel, though some escaped with Amandil's son Elendil. Elentir's fate is unknown.

Names & Etymology:
The name Elentir means "star watcher" in Quenya from elen meaning "star" and tir meaning "watch."

Sources:
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 159-63, 165 note 18
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for elen and tir

Erendis

Erendis was slender, graceful, and beautiful with dark hair and grey eyes. She was not of the line of Elros, and therefore she had a shorter lifespan than those of royal blood. But she was descended from the House of Beor - one of the three Houses of the Edain who fought Morgoth during the First Age and were given the realm of Numenor.

In 800, Erendis and her father came to Armenelos to attend a feast celebrating the appointment of Aldarion as King's Heir. Erendis was enamored of Aldarion at first sight. Aldarion's mother Queen Almarian invited Erendis to join her household.

Aldarion was a mariner and in 806 he embarked on a voyage. When he came to say farewell to his mother, he first took notice of Erendis and her beauty and inner strength. Erendis fell in love with him and rejected all other suitors, though she did not think she was high-born enough to marry the future King of Numenor.

In 816, Aldarion set out on another voyage against the wishes of his father Tar-Meneldur who thought he should remain in Numenor. Tar-Meneldur forbade Queen Almarian and her daughters to bring the traditional Green Bough of Return to place on the prow of Aldarion's ship. Erendis brought the Bough of Return instead, and Aldarion began to fall in love with her.

When he returned in 820, Aldarion brought Erendis a diamond. Tar-Meneldur urged his son to consider marriage but this made Aldarion more resistant. He embarked on another voyage in 824 and Erendis sent a woman to bring the Bough of Return in her name.

Tar-Meneldur tried to thwart his son's shipbuilding and seafaring endeavors, provoking Aldarion to set out on another lengthy voyage in 829. After ten years, Erendis feared he would not return and she went home to the Westlands. Aldarion finally returned after fourteen years in 843. He encountered Erendis in the Westlands and realized he loved her, but Erendis was reluctant to marry him because she felt he loved the Sea more.

In 850, Erendis agreed to accompany Aldarion on a voyage by ship around the coasts of Numenor. In Andunie, Lord Valandil held a feast for them and he toasted Erendis as "Uineniel, Daughter of Uinen, the new Lady of the Sea." Erendis rejected the title since she viewed the Sea as a rival.

The couple travelled to Emerie in the grassy Inlands of Numenor where Erendis said she would prefer to live. She told Aldarion that she did not want to share him with the Sea and they parted. Erendis was resistant to compromise but she loved Aldarion and at the urging of both their mothers they were reconciled.

In the spring of 858, after attending the prayers of Erukyerme on Meneltarma, Aldarion and Erendis were betrothed. Erendis wore the diamond that Aldarion had given her years ago on a silver band around her forehead and she was called Tar-Elestirne, Lady of the Star-brow. Tar-Meneldur gave her land and a white house in Emerie as a betrothal gift.

It was customary to marry within three years of betrothal, but Aldarion was overcome with the desire to return to the Sea. He asked Erendis to accompany him but she refused. She told Aldarion that he should go, but she asked him to come back soon. When he embarked in 863, Erendis brought Aldarion the Bough of Return.

Aldarion encountered troubles in Middle-earth and was away for longer than he had planned. His ships were driven into the icy northern waters and the Bough of Return was frozen. He returned to Numenor in 869, and although Erendis was intially chilly toward him she agreed to marry him the next year.

Aldarion and Erendis were married in Armenelos in 870. Elves from the Undying Lands attended a wedding feast held in Andunie. The Elves gave Erendis a pair of grey birds with golden beaks and feet. The birds were mated for life and only sang when they were together.

Erendis bore a daughter named Ancalime in 873. She hoped that Aldarion would want a son to be his heir and would therefore remain at home. But in 877 Aldarion announced his intention to embark on another voyage. Erendis was angry and she demanded that he return in two years. This time she did not bring or send the Bough of Return.

Erendis moved away from the seacoast to the white house in Emerie, where she kept Ancalime isolated from others and from men in particular. She had only female servants and she made the shepherds and farmhands live in a separate house. Erendis had grown bitter towards men and she instilled these feelings in her daughter and never mentioned Aldarion. She dismissed the pair of birds that the Elves had given her and they flew back to the Undying Lands.

Erendis taught Ancalime herself. She rarely used the Adunaic language of Numenor but instead spoke with her daughter in Sindarin as the Numenoreans of the Westlands did. There was little laughter or music in their home.

When Aldarion was expected home in 879, Erendis did not return to Armenelos though she had their house there prepared. By 880, Aldarion had not yet returned and Erendis had the house in Armenelos shut again.

Aldarion finally came back after five years in 882. He had again been unintentionally delayed by the growing unrest in Middle-earth - later learned to be caused by Sauron. Erendis did not meet him or send word, and the house in Armenelos remained closed.

Aldarion rode to the house in Emerie and found Erendis cold and unwelcoming. She did not eat dinner with him and she made him sleep in a guest-room. Ancalime did not recognize her father. Erendis had hoped that Aldarion would show remorse so that she could forgive him, but instead he left abruptly the next day and did not return.

When Tar-Meneldur learned of the troubles in Middle-earth he decided that Aldarion had a better understanding of the situation and he passed the Sceptre to him. Aldarion became King of Numenor in 883.

Erendis had thought that Tar-Meneldur was her ally because he had supported her during Aldarion's absences, and she was dismayed by this turn of events. She refused a summons to come to Armenelos for Aldarion's official proclamation as King, though she was compelled to send Ancalime.

Both Tar-Meneldur and Aldarion were unmoved by her actions. Aldarion felt that she should have demanded to be treated like a Queen as was her due instead of giving up and retiring to obscurity. Aldarion and Erendis were permanently separated, and Ancalime divided her time between her mother's house in Emerie and the royal court in Armenelos.

As Ancalime grew older, she had little time for her mother. Erendis became lonely and bitter. In 985, when Erendis was about 214 years old she wanted to see Aldarion again, but when she reached the port of Romenna she found he was away on a voyage. She died there in mysterious circumstances in the same waters that she viewed as a rival for her husband's love.

Names & Etymology:
The name Erendis may mean "lonely wife" from er meaning "one, alone" and indis meaning "wife, bride."

She was called the Lady of the Westlands, the White Lady of Emerië, and the Mariner's Wife or Indis-i-Ciryamo. She was also called Tar-Elestirnë meaning "Lady of the Star-brow" because she wore a diamond on a band around her head. She rejected the name Uinéniel meaning "Daughter of Uinen" because she hated the Sea. Uinen, the Lady of the Seas, was a Maia in the service of the Vala Ulmo, Lord of Waters.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: Introduction, p. 8; "Aldarion and Erendis," passim; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 219, 224-25 note 1; "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields," p. 284 note 32
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for ERE and NDIS
Encyclopedia of Arda (meaning of Erendis)

Gimilkhâd

Gimilkhad was proud and willful. He took after his father Ar-Gimilzor who severed all ties with the Elves and the Valar and ruthlessly opposed the Faithful who remained loyal to them. Gimilkhad's mother Inzilbeth was secretly one of the Faithful and Inziladun shared her sympathies. Ar-Gimilzor wanted Gimilkhad to succeed him but since Inziladun was the elder son it was he who became King using the name Tar-Palantir.

Tar-Palantir stopped the persecution of the Faithful and he tried unsuccessfully to renew relations with the Elves and the Valar. Gimilkhad became the leader of those who opposed the Faithful. Under Ar-Gimilzor and his predecessors, this group had been called the King's Men but now they were against the King.

When Gimilkhad died in 3243, his son Pharazon took his place as leader of the opposition. After Tar-Palantir's death in 3255, Pharazon forced the King's daughter and heir Miriel to marry him and usurped the Sceptre from her, becoming the twenty-fifth and last ruler of Numenor.

Names & Etymology:
The name Gimilkhâd is in the Adunaic language of Numenor. The word gimil means "stars."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223-24, 227 note 14
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 269
The History of Middle-earth, vol. IX, Sauron Defeated: "The Drowning of Anadune," p. 427 (gimil)
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Gimilzagar

Names & Etymology:
The name Gimilzagar contains the Adunaic word gimil meaning "stars." The word zagar may mean "sword" from azgarâ meaning "wage war." His father's Adunaic name was Ar-Belzagar which may correspond to his Quenya name Tar-Calmacil where macil means "sword."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 227 note 12
The History of Middle-earth, vol. IX, Sauron Defeated: "The Drowning of Anadune," p. 427 (gimil), 439 (azgara)
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Hallacar

Hyarastorni was in Emerie in the grassy Inlands of Numenor. The land was used for grazing sheep. Erendis, the wife of Tar-Aldarion, also had a home in Emerie and she lived there with her daughter Ancalime. Ancalime became known as Emerwen Aranel - Princess Shepherdess - because of her wild rural upbringing.

Ancalime was the King's Heir and she was very beautiful. She had numerous suitors but she was reluctant to marry largely due to the unhappy marriage of her parents. She tried to hide from her suitors on a farm near Hyarastorni disguised as a shepherdess.

Hallacar learned she was there and contrived to meet her disguised as a shepherd named Mamandil. He sang old songs written by the ancestors of the Numenoreans who raised sheep in Eriador and he sang love songs using the names Emerwen and Mamandil. Hallacar told Ancalime that he loved her but when he revealed his true identity she became angry and declared that she had no intention to marry.

But as King's Heir, Ancalime was under pressure to wed and she eventually agreed to marry Hallacar in the year 1000. Their son Anarion was born in 1003. Ancalime disliked being a wife and mother and there was strife in their marriage.

Ancalime tried to dominate Hallacar and she took his lands and home in Emerie away from him because she did not want her husband to be a farm steward. In revenge, Hallacar arranged weddings for her ladies in waiting even though Ancalime had forbidden them to marry. At the wedding feast, Hallacar mocked Ancalime in front of the guests and announced that she would have to sleep alone since she disdained her shepherd husband. Ancalime was enraged and she hated Hallacar from then on.

Hallacar died in 1211.

Names & Etymology:
The name Hallacar may mean "tall helmet" in Quenya. The word halla means "tall." The element car may be from carma - or karma - meaning "helmet." Hallacar called himself Mámandil probably meaning "shepherd" from máma meaning "sheep" and the ending -ndil meaning "devoted to."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 209-12; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 220
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for (n)dil
Appendix E of The Lord of the Rings: "Writing and Spelling," p. 401 note 1 (halla)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "Quendi and Eldar," p. 395 (máma)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Making of Appendix A," p. 260 (karma)
Quenya-English Wordlist

Hallatan

Hallatan was an important landowner. Hyarastorni was located in Emerie in the grassy Inlands of Numenor. The land was used for grazing sheep, and Hallatan was referred to as the Sheep-lord of Hyarastorni. Hallatan was well-liked by his people and he was chosen to represent the Inlands on the Council of the Sceptre which advised the King.

In 882, King Tar-Meneldur told the Council that he intended to pass the Sceptre to his son Aldarion. Tar-Meneldur felt that Aldarion was better suited to deal with the rise of an evil power in Middle-earth (later learned to be Sauron). Hallatan admired Aldarion and he agreed with the King's decision, though the other Council members tried to dissuade Tar-Meneldur.

Aldarion received the Sceptre the next year in 883. He was a mariner and he decided to make another sea voyage shortly after he became King in 883 or 884. No King had ever left Numenor during his reign so there was no precedent for dealing with the situation. Hallatan was appointed as Regent during the King's absence, either by the Council or by Tar-Aldarion.

Hallatan's son Hallacar married Aldarion's daughter Ancalime in 1000. Tar-Ancalime became the first Ruling Queen of Numenor in 1075 and she was succeeded by her son Tar-Anarion who was the grandson of Hallatan.

Names & Etymology:
The name Hallatan means "tall man" in Quenya from halla meaning "tall" and atan meaning "man." He was called the Sheep-lord of Hyarastorni.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 195, 197-99, 204, 206, 209-11, 216-17 note 23, 220
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist

Hatholdir

Names & Etymology:
The name Hatholdir is composed of the Sindarin words hathol meaning "axe" or "broadsword blade, axe blade" and dîr meaning "man."

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for SYAD

Henderch

Names & Etymology:
The meaning of Henderch is unknown. It may contain the Sindarin word hen or hend meaning "eye."

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 196-99
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for KHEN

Herucalmo

Vanimelde became the sixteenth ruler of Numenor in 2526, but she was uninterested in being the Ruling Queen and she let Herucalmo rule in her name. After she died in 2637, Herucalmo withheld the Sceptre from his son and continued to rule under the name Tar-Anducal. His reign lasted 20 years, but he is not counted as a rightful ruler of Numenor. He died in 2657 and his son Alcarin finally became the seventeeth ruler of Numenor.

Names & Etymology:
The name Herucalmo means "lord of light" in Quenya from heru meaning "lord" and cal meaning "light" and the ending -mo. The name Anducal means "light of the west" from andu meaning "west" and cal meaning "light."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 222
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for andune, heru, and kal
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "Quendi and Eldar," p. 400 (-mo ending)
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist

Îbal

Names & Etymology:
The name Îbal is probably in the Adunaic language of Numenor but the meaning is unknown.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 194-95, 198, 207

Inzilbêth

Inzilbeth and Ar-Gimilzor had two sons. The elder son Inziladun, born in 3035 of the Second Age, took after his mother. When he became King under the name Tar-Palantir he tried to renew ties with the Valar and the Elves but it was too late. The younger son Gimilkhad, born in 3044, took after his father and opposed the Faithful. Gimilkhad's son Ar-Pharazon usurped the Sceptre from Tar-Palantir's daughter Miriel and became the twenty-fifth and last King of Numenor.

Note:
According to one source, Inzilbeth's father was Gimilzagar, second son of Tar-Calmacil, but this must be incorrect since it would put her several generations earlier than her husband.

Names & Etymology:
The name Inzilbeth contains the Adunaic word inzil meaning "flower." The ending bêth means "expression, saying, word" or "sayer."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 268-69
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223, 227 notes 12 and 13
The History of Middle-earth, vol. IX, Sauron Defeated: "The Drowning of Anadune," p. 427
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 159-60, 162
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Írildë

Names & Etymology:
The name Írildë was originally the Quenya form of the Sindarin Idril though the Quenya form was later changed to Itaril or Itarillë meaning "sparkling brilliance."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for ril
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Shibboleth of Feanor," p. 345-46, 363 note 42 (Itaril)
J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull: "Patterns and Devices," p. 192-93 (Idril/Irildeo)

Isilmë

Names & Etymology:
The name Isilmë means "moonlight" in Quenya.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 210 (genealogy)
The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays by J.R.R. Tolkien: "A Secret Vice," p. 223
Quenya-English Wordlist

Lindissë

Names & Etymology:
The name Lindissë is composed of the Quenya word lindë meaning "singing, song" and the feminine ending issë.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Quenya Corpus Wordlist

Lindórië

Inzilbeth married Ar-Gimilzor, the twenty-third ruler of Numenor. They had two sons: Tar-Palantir and Gimilkhad. Tar-Palantir became the twenty-fourth ruler of Numenor, and he tried to repent the corrupt ways of his predecessors, but it was too late. Gimilkhad's son Ar-Pharazon seized the Sceptre and defied the Valar, leading to the Downfall of Numenor.

Names & Etymology:
The name Lindórië contains the Quenya word lindë meaning "singing, song" or possibly linda meaning "fair, beautiful." The ending órië could be derived from órë meaning "rising."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 268
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for LIN, LIND, and ORO
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 159
Quenya-English Wordlist

Mairen

Names & Etymology:
The meaning of the name Mairen is uncertain. The first element could be the Quenya word mai meaning "well." The second element could be derived from the root ren meaning "recall, have in mind." The Quenya-Engilsh Wordlist suggests "well remembered" or "(of) good memory" as possible translations.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
Quenya-English Wordlist

Malantur

Names & Etymology:
The name Malantur may be derived from the root malat meaning "gold." The ending ntur means "lord, ruler."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 208, 210 (genealogy)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Shibboleth of Feanor," p. 366 note 61 (malat)
Quenya-English Wordlist

Manwendil

Names & Etymology:
The name Manwendil means "friend of Manwe" in Quenya. Manwe was the chief of the Valar. The ending -ndil means "devotion."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for -(n)dil

Míriel

Miriel may have originally been betrothed to Elentir, the son of Numendil, Lord of Andunie. Elentir was the brother of Amandil, who was friends with Miriel's cousin Pharazon. Pharazon was the son of Tar-Palantir's younger brother Gimilkhad.

When Tar-Palantir died in 3255, Miriel should have become the twenty-fifth ruler of Numenor. But Pharazon forced Miriel to marry him - even though marriages between first cousins were not allowed - and he usurped the Sceptre from her.

As King, Ar-Pharazon was a tyrant. He sought to expand Numenor's domains in Middle-earth, and to that end he challenged Sauron. Ar-Pharazon brought Sauron to Numenor as a prisoner in 3262. Sauron used his guile to convince Ar-Pharazon to attack the Undying Lands in a misguided attempt to gain immortality. Ar-Pharazon set sail with a fleet in 3319, and in response Eru destroyed Numenor with a great wave.

As Numenor sank beneath the Sea, Tar-Miriel tried to ascend to the summit of Meneltarma. The mountaintop was sacred to the worship of Eru and Ar-Pharazon had forbidden anyone to go there. She was overtaken by the wave before she reached the peak and she was the last of all the people of Numenor to drown. The mountaintop is said to have remained above the Sea as the Isle of Meneltarma though it was never found.

Note:
In some versions of the story, Miriel is said to have rejected Elentir in favor of Pharazon, but in the published account she was forced to marry Ar-Pharazon against her will.

Names & Etymology:
The name Míriel means "jewel woman" in Quenya. The word mírë means "jewel." The feminine ending -iel denoting "daughter of" in Quenya was apparently rejected by Tolkien at one point but exists in several names.

Her Adunaic named was Zimraphel. The word zimra may mean "jewel."

As Ar-Pharazon's Queen she was called Ar-Zimraphel or Tar-Miriel. The prefixes Ar in Adunaic Tar in Quenya mean "high." The rulers of Numenor used this title. It may be that all royal consorts were accorded this title as well, or Miriel may have been granted the privilege because of her position as the rightful heir.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
The Silmarillion: "Akallabeth," p. 269-70, 279; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for mir
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 190; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 224, 227 note 15
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for YEL
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 154-55, 159-63; "The Tale of Years of the Second Age," p. 181
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 315-16
Adunaic - The Vernacular of Numenor

Nessanië

Names & Etymology:
The name Nessanië is derived from Nessa - one of the Valar whose name means "young." The ending -nië may be derived from ní meaning "woman."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for NETH and NI

Nolondil

Names & Etymology:
The name Nolondil may mean "friend of knowledge" from nólë meaning "lore, knowledge" and -ndil meaning "friend, devoted to."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for -(n)dil
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entry for NGOL

Númendil

Names & Etymology:
The name Númendil means "friend of the West" in Quenya from númen meaning "west" and the ending -ndil meaning "devotion."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 223
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The History of the Akallabeth," p. 159, 161-62, 165 note 18
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for andune and (n)dil

Núneth

Erendis fell in love with Aldarion, the heir of Tar-Meneldur, but she was unhappy with Aldarion's frequent voyages away from Numenor. In 850, Aldarion and Erendis had a disagreement and were separated. Nuneth recognized the importance of the Sea to Aldarion and she counselled her daughter that she needed to compromise. Nuneth worked with Aldarion's mother, Queen Almarian, to help the couple reconcile.

Erendis married Aldarion in 870 and had a daughter Ancalime in 873. Aldarion embarked on another voyage in 877 and Erendis released the pair of birds that the Elves had given her as a symbol of their marriage. The birds stopped at the home of Nuneth and Beregar on their way back to the Undying Lands. Nuneth realized what had happened but knew she could not help her daughter.

Erendis became reclusive and did not allow Ancalime to visit her grandparents. She and Aldarion were permanently separated in 882.

Nuneth's date of death is not known. Her granddaughter Ancalime became the ruler of Numenor in 1075.

Names & Etymology:
The name Núneth appears to be Sindarin, composed of nún from annûn meaning "west" and the feminine ending -eth.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 183, 186, 190-91, 193, 198

Orchaldor

Names & Etymology:
The name Orchaldor appears to contain the Sindarin word orchal meaning "tall" or "superior, eminent" and the ending dor - a variation of taur meaning "high, noble."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 210 (genealogy)
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for KHAL2, ORO, and TA/TA3
The History of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Wanderings of Hurin," p. 305 note 48 (Orchal)

Oromendil

Names & Etymology:
The name Oromendil means "friend of Oromë" or "devoted to Oromë." Oromë was one of the Valar. The ending -ndil means "devotion."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for (n)dil

Silmarien

At the time, a woman could not become the ruler of Numenor so Tar-Meneldur was their father's heir. The law was changed in 892 during the reign of Tar-Meneldur's son Tar-Aldarion whose daughter Tar-Ancalime succeeded him.

Silmarien married a man named Elatan from Andunie, a haven on the west coast of Numenor. Their son Valandil was born in 630. Valandil became the first Lord of Andunie.

The Lords of Andunie were high-ranking nobles and members of the Council of the Sceptre. Later they were leaders of the Faithful who resisted the corruption that led to the Downfall of Numenor. The last Lord of Andunie was Amandil whose son Elendil led the Faithful to Middle-earth and founded the Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor after Numenor was destroyed in 3319.

Two important heirlooms of the Kings of Arnor were passed down through many generations from Silmarien. The Ring of Barahir was given to Silmarien by her father. The Ring was a token of friendship between Elves and Men that had originally been given to Barahir - father of Beren - by Finrod Felagund in the First Age. The Ring of Barahir was saved from the destruction of Numenor and was eventually inherited by Aragorn.

Silmarien wore a band of mithril set with a white gem around her head. This treasure was also brought to Middle-earth from Numenor by Elendil. It became known as the Elendilmir and it was used in place of a crown by the Kings of Arnor. The Elendilmir was lost when Isildur was slain and a copy was made, but the original was later recovered by Aragorn.

Note:
Silmarien's birthdate is listed incorrectly as 548 in "The Tale of Years" in early editions of The Lord of the Rings.

Names & Etymology:
The name Silmarien is derived from silima - the substance of which the Silmarils were made. The word sil means "shine." Sometimes written as Silmariën.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 316
Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings: "The Tale of Years," p. 364
Unfinished Tales: "A Description of Numenor," p. 171-72 note 2; Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 208, 210 (genealogy), 215 note 15; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 219, 225 note 4; "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields," p. 277, 284 note 32
The Silmarillion: "The Akallabeth," p. 268

Soronto

In 892, Tar-Aldarion changed the laws of succession so that his daughter and only child Ancalime could be his heir. Soronto was next in the line of succession after Ancalime. It is not clear what Soronto's position was before the law was changed. According to one source (UT, p. 220) he was Tar-Aldarion's direct heir as his nearest male relative. But another source (UT, p. 208) states that only males of male descent could inherit - which would eliminate Soronto as the son of Aldarion's sister - and that it was only under the new law that Soronto became eligible to rule Numenor.

Either way, Soronto was apparently unhappy with the situation. He tried to pressure Ancalime to give up her place to him, especially when she delayed marrying and producing heirs. It is said that she eventually got married in order to spite Soronto. Ancalime became ruler of Numenor and was succeeded by her son Tar-Anarion, putting an end to Soronto's hopes of being King.

Names & Etymology:
The name Soronto comes from the Quenya word soron meaning "eagle."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 208-11; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 220, 225-26 note 5
The Simarillion: "Appendx - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for thoron

Tindómiel

Names & Etymology:
The name Tindómiel probably means "daughter of twilight" in Quenya. The word tindómë means "starry twilight." The feminine ending -iel meaning "daughter of" in Quenya was apparently rejected by Tolkien at one point but exists in names such as Uineniel meaning "daughter of Uinen."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 182 ("Uineniel"); "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 210 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for tin
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for SEL-D and YEL
The Tolkien Language List
Wiktionary of Tolkien's Languages

Ulbar

When Ulbar learned of the deeds of the Venturers he left home and went to Sea with the Great Captain Aldarion. Ulbar accompanied Aldarion on a voyage from 877 to 882 of the Second Age. Upon their return, Ulbar's wife welcomed him and the shepherds had a celebration. Aldarion's wife Erendis was cold and unwelcoming, so Aldarion gave a ruby ring from Gil-galad intended for Erendis to Ulbar's wife instead.

Names & Etymology:
The name Ulbar is probably in the Adunaic language of Numenor but its meaning is not known.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 195-99

Valandil

Valandil became the first Lord of Andunie. He represented the western region of Andustar on the Council of the Sceptre which advised the King. He was the nephew of the King Tar-Meneldur and the cousin of Aldarion, the King's Heir.

In 850, Valandil hosted a feast for Aldarion who came to Andunie with Erendis, the woman he was courting. Valandil proposed a toast to Erendis and called her "Lady of the Sea," but Erendis was not pleased because she viewed the Sea as a rival for Aldarion's attention. After Aldarion and Erendis were married in 870, Valandil held another feast for them which was attended by Elves from the Undying Lands.

The name of Valandil's son and heir is not known. From Valandil were descended seventeen more Lords of Andunie, the last of whom was Amandil, father of Elendil. When Numenor was destroyed in 3319, Elendil escaped and founded the Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor in Middle-earth.

Names & Etymology:
Valandil means "friend of the Valar" or "devoted to the Valar." The element ndil means "devotion."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173, 182, 189, 208, 210 (genealogy), 215 note 15, 216-17 note 23; "The Line of Elros: Kings of Numenor," p. 219
Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings: "The Numenorean Kings," p. 316
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for val and (n)dil

Vardilmë

Names & Etymology:
The name Vardilmë probably means "devoted to Varda." Varda was one of the Valar. The ending dilmë may be a feminine form of ndil meaning "devotion."

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
Quenya-English Wordlist

Vëantur

In 600 of the Second Age, Veantur achieved the first voyage from Numenor to Middle-earth. His ship was the Entulesse, meaning "Return." He sailed to the Grey Havens and met Gil-galad, the High King of the Elves who lived in Lindon on the west coast of Middle-earth. A friendship and alliance began between the Men of Numenor and the Elves of Lindon.

Veantur also went to the Tower Hills and met with twelve representatives of the Men of Eriador. Veantur and his mariners were surprised to find that the Men of Eriador were not very different from themselves and that their languages had common elements. The Numenoreans had previously believed that the only Men remaining in Middle-earth were the descendants of Morgoth's evil servants.

Veantur remained in Middle-earth from the spring of 600 to the fall of 601, when he returned to Numenor. Afterwards Numenor became a great seafaring power and ships embarked on voyages of exploration and discovery.

Veantur had a daughter named Almarian who married Tar-Elendil's son Tar-Meneldur. Their son Aldarion was born in 700. Veantur taught his grandson about ships and sailing.

In 725, Veantur took Aldarion to Middle-earth in a ship named the Numerramar, or "West-wings." At the Grey Havens, Aldarion met Cirdan the Shipwright who instructed him in seamanship. Veantur and Aldarion returned to Numenor in 727.

Veantur did not go to Sea again. He gave the Numerramar to Aldarion who became a great mariner before he succeeded Tar-Meneldur as King of Numenor.

Names & Etymology:
The name Vëantur may mean "Sea master" in Quenya. The word vëa was used to mean "Sea" in early writings, though the word for "Sea" was later changed to ëar. Another meaning of vëa is "adult, manly, vigorous." The word tur means "power, mastery, victory."

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "A Description of Numenor," p. 171; "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 173-75
The Silmarillion: "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for ear and tur
The History of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies," entries for TUR and WEG
The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays by J.R.R. Tolkien: "A Secret Vice," p. 213-16 (vëa = sea)

Yávien

Names & Etymology:
The name Yávien appears to contain the Quenya word yávë meaning "fruit" and the feminine ending -ien.

Genealogy:
See the Family Tree below.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 210 (genealogy)
Quenya-English Wordlist

Zamîn

Zamin was not daunted by Erendis like the other servants were and she spoke more freely than they did. When Erendis's daughter Ancalime wanted to avoid unwanted suitors, Zamin helped her run away to a farm near Hyarastorni disguised as a shepherdess. It was there that Ancalime met her future husband Hallacar.

Names & Etymology:
The name Zamîn appears to be in the Adunaic language of Numenor. The meaning is unknown.

Sources:
Unfinished Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 194-97, 209

Dates are Second Age unless noted.

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