Umbar: Difference between revisions

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(→‎Haradrim rule: Added more details about the attack by the Corsairs of Umbar on Gondor and Rohan in TA 2758 and added references)
(→‎Foundation and Númenórean Rule: Misinterpretation of the linked article in Unfinished Tales. It does not say that the southern colonies were absorbed by natives. It merely argues why Gandalf likely did not venture there.)
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{{claimed|[[User:Akhorahil|Akhorahil]]}}
{{disambig-two|the Haven of Umbar|Quenya word|[[Umbar (word)|umbar]]}}
{{disambig-two|the Haven of Umbar|Quenya word|[[Umbar (word)|umbar]]}}
{{location infobox
{{location infobox
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| towns=
| towns=
| inhabitants=Variously held by the [[Númenóreans]], the [[Black Númenóreans]], the [[Gondorians]], the [[Corsairs]] and the [[Haradrim]]
| inhabitants=Variously held by the [[Númenóreans]], the [[Black Númenóreans]], the [[Gondorians]], the [[Corsairs]] and the [[Haradrim]]
| created=First fortified in {{SA|2280}}<ref name=sa/>
| created=First fortified in {{SA|2280}}
| destroyed=
| destroyed=
| events=[[Ar-Pharazôn]] captures [[Sauron]]<br>[[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]<br>[[Kin-Strife]]<br>[[Corsair Wars]]
| events=[[Ar-Pharazôn]] captures [[Sauron]]<br>[[Kin-Strife]]<br>[[Corsair Wars]]<br>[[Surprise Attack on Umbar]]
}}
}}
'''Umbar''' was a great haven to the far south of [[Gondor]] in [[Middle-earth]].
'''Umbar''' was a realm<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}, statement of Damrod about Umbar</ref> to the far south of [[Gondor]] in [[Middle-earth]]. It was also the name of the cape and land-locked firth<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, footnote concerning Umbar in the entry for king Eärnil I</ref> and of the natural haven<ref>{{HM|UI}}, p. 466</ref> in this realm. It was probably also the name of a city in this realm.
 
==Geography==
==Geography==
Umbar was located south of the outflow of [[Anduin]] at the [[Bay of Belfalas]] in a convenient, useful natural haven. The great cape and land-locked firth formed the port. The [[Pre-Númenóreans|natives]] called it "Umbar" and the Númenóreans who discovered it, adopted its name.
Umbar was located south of the outflow of [[Anduin]] at the [[Bay of Belfalas]] in a convenient, useful natural haven. The great cape and land-locked firth formed the port. The [[Pre-Númenóreans|natives]] called it "Umbar" and the Númenóreans who discovered it, adopted its name.
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==History==
==History==
===Foundation and Númenórean Rule===
===Foundation and Númenórean Rule===
Like the earlier [[Lond Daer Ened|New Haven]] in [[Enedwaith]], and the later [[Pelargir]] on the [[Anduin]], Umbar was one of the trading ports at the southern coast of [[Middle-earth]], which became a base from which Númenórean influence spread over Middle-earth. In {{SA|2280}} it was made into a great fortress as a reaction to the growing threat of Sauron<ref name=sa>{{App|SA}}</ref> and became the strongest and most important.
It is possible that the bay of Umbar was discovered by [[Aldarion]], the son of the Númenórean king [[Tar-Meneldur]] when Aldarion scarcely escaped shipwreck in the Harad during a voyage with three ships<ref>{{UT|Wife}}, in the first quarter of the chapter</ref>, which lasted from {{SA|829}} to {{SA|843}}.<ref>{{UT|4a}}, ''Chronology'', first paragraph</ref>
 
[[Sauron]] chose [[Mordor]] as a stronghold to counter the threat of landings by the Númenoreans after he heard that Aldarion had become a great shipbuilder who sailed his ships to haven far down into the Harad.<ref>{{UT|Concerning}}, ninth paragraph</ref>
 
The Númenóreans came to Middle-earth as teachers and friends of the local population until the end of the reign of the Númenórean king [[Tar-Minastir]]<ref name=AfterMinastir>{{App|Numenor}}, entry after the entry for Tar-Minastir</ref> in {{SA|1869}}.<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XI ''Tar-Minastir''</ref>.
 
Approximately in {{SA|1800}} the Númenóreans begin to establish dominions on the coasts<ref>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year ''c.'' 1800</ref>, which possibly include Umbar. It is possible that the son of Tar-Minastir, [[Tar-Ciryatan|Ciryatan]] sailed to Umbar, because he voyaged south until he took the sceptre from his father.<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XII ''Tar-Ciryatan''</ref>
 
During the reign of the Númenórean kings [[Tar-Ciryatan]] and [[Tar-Atanamir]] the Númenóreans oppressed the men of Middle-earth and levied heavy tribute from the men of the coasts and their ships brought back metals and gems from Middle-earth.<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XII ''Tar-Ciryatan'' and entry XIII ''Tar-Atanamir''</ref>
 
During the reign of the Númenórean king [[Tar-Ancalimon]],<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XIV ''Tar-Ancalimon''</ref> Umbar was made into a great fortress of Númenor in {{SA|2280}}.<ref name=SA2280>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 2280</ref>


During the dissension arising when the Shadow fell on [[Númenor]], Umbar was the northernmost settlement of the [[King's Men]]; [[Sauron]], after trying to break the waxing Númenórean grip by instigation, attempted to attack the Númenórean havens and forts, invaded their coastlands, but Umbar resisted.<ref>{{PM|Second}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}</ref>
During the dissension arising when the Shadow fell on [[Númenor]], Umbar was the northernmost settlement of the [[King's Men]]; [[Sauron]], after trying to break the waxing Númenórean grip by instigation, attempted to attack the Númenórean havens and forts, invaded their coastlands, but Umbar resisted.<ref>{{PM|Second}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}</ref>
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Two Black Númenórean lords, [[Herumor]] and [[Fuinur]], were probably from Umbar, as at the end of [[Second Age]] they became very powerful amongst the [[Haradrim]], a neighbouring people. No doubt, Númenóreans of Umbar were enlisted with Sauron in {{SA|3429}}. Their fate is unknown, but they likely shared Sauron's defeat at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].
Two Black Númenórean lords, [[Herumor]] and [[Fuinur]], were probably from Umbar, as at the end of [[Second Age]] they became very powerful amongst the [[Haradrim]], a neighbouring people. No doubt, Númenóreans of Umbar were enlisted with Sauron in {{SA|3429}}. Their fate is unknown, but they likely shared Sauron's defeat at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]].


The rulers of Umbar retained much influence over the [[Haradwaith]] well into [[Third Age]]. Other southern settlements were absorbed by the native cultures of [[Harad]].<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
The rulers of Umbar retained much influence over the [[Haradwaith]] well into [[Third Age]]. The fate of other settlements of the Black Númenóreans further south of Umbar is unclear, but it is said that they were 'absorbed', and that no attempt was made to involve them in the wars. This could imply that they were simply too isolated, geographically and politically, and acting on their own behalf. Whatever befell them, they fell out of the picture of the West. <ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
 
Gondor's power, however, eclipsed that of Umbar as the Third Age progressed, and at one point, perhaps around the time of [[Tarannon Falastur]], Umbar acknowledged the sway of Gondor.<ref>{{TT|Window}}</ref> Tarannon had a diplomatic marriage to [[Berúthiel]], a Black Númenórean, perhaps from Umbar. During his reign, Tarannon extended the sway of Gondor along the southern shore-lands.


Gondor's power, however, eclipsed that of Umbar as the Third Age progressed, and at one point, perhaps around the time of [[Tarannon Falastur]], Umbar acknowledged the sway of Gondor.<ref>{{TT|Window}}</ref> Tarannon had a diplomatic marriage to [[Berúthiel]], a Black Númenórean, perhaps from Umbar. During his reign, Tarannon extended the sway of Gondor along the southern shore-lands.
===Umbar as part of Gondor===
===Umbar as part of Gondor===
in {{TA|933}} Gondor's King [[Eärnil I]] captured Umbar in a surprise attack after a siege by sea and land, although this was "at great cost." It became a great harbour and fortress of the power of Gondor. Ironically, it was outside Umbar where Eärnil with his ships and men perished in a great storm ({{TA|936}}).<ref name=ta>{{App|TA}}</ref><ref name="annals"/>
Gondor's King [[Eärnil I]] repaired the haven of Pelargir, built a great navy and besieged Umbar by land and by sea.<ref name=Earnil>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Eärnil I</ref> In {{TA|933}} he took Umbar.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 933</ref> Umbar was only taken at great cost, because its Black Núnmenorean inhabitants as descendants of the King's Men inherited their hatred of Gondor as a realm of the followers of Elendil<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, footnote relating to the entry for king Eärnil's taking of Umbar</ref> and probably defended Umbar vehemently. As a result of the capture of Umbar by Gondor, the Black Númenorean lords of Umbar were driven from Umbar and Umbar became a great harbour and fortress of the power of Gondor.<ref name=Earnil/> Only three years later, in {{TA|936}}),<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 936</ref> king Eärnil was lost at sea with many ships and men in a great storm off Umbar.<ref name=Earnil/>


For the following 500 years, Umbar was an important Gondorian city: not only as a major sea-port, but as the site of the submission of Sauron to Ar-Pharazôn, and so served as a proud reminder of the might of the Dúnedain of old.<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}</ref>
Eärnil's son [[Ciryandil]] continued to build ships.<ref name=Earnil/> During his reign the Men of the Harad led by the Black Númenorean lords that had been driven from Umbar came with a large force and besieged Umbar.<ref name=Earnil/> In {{TA|1015}} Ciryandil was killed in the siege of Umbar.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for the year 1015</ref>


Many Black Númenóreans had fled Umbar from the assault of {{TA|933}} to their subjects; [[Third Age 1015|82 years later]], in a vain attempt to recapture it, they came up with great power against the stronghold and [[Ciryandil]] is killed during that siege.<ref name="annals"/><ref name=ta/> This great power availed the Men Of Harad little, however, for despite investing and besieging the fortress of Umbar for 35 years, they failed to take it, as its supply was easily maintained "because of the sea-power of Gondor." In {{TA|1050}}, the late King Ciryandil's son [[Ciryaher]] defeated the [[Haradrim]] force by sending troops by land, crossing Harnen.<ref name="annals">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> All land south of Belfalas up to Harnen and the borders of Near Harad and coast-lands up to Umbar belonged to Gondor.  
The siege of Umbar lasted for many years, but Umbar could not be taken, because of the sea-power of Gondor<ref name=Ciryaher>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Ciryaher</ref>, probably because Umbar could be resupplied and reinforced with ships from Gondor by sea. Ciryandil's son [[Ciryaher]] took enough time to gather an army and a navy, came down by land crossing the river [[Harnen]] and by sea and utterly defeated the Men of the Harad<ref name=Ciryaher/> in {{TA|1050}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1050</ref> As a consequence, Ciryaher took the name Hyarmendacil "South-victor" and the kings of the Men of the Harad had to acknowledge the overlordsip of Gondor. During his reign the realm of Gondor extended south to the river Harnen and along the coast to the peninsula and haven of Umbar and the sonst of the kings of the Harad lived as hostages in the court of king Ciryaher.<ref name=Ciryaher/>


It was during this occupation when the Gondorians built a monument to Ar-Pharazôn on the highest hill above the Haven: a great [[white pillar]] crowned with a globe of crystal which shone as a star with the rays of the [[Sun]] or [[Moon]].
After the capture of Umbar by Gondor, the Gondorians built a great white pillar on the highest hill of the headland above the Haven as a monument of the submission of Sauron to the Númenorean king Ar-Pharazȏn. The pillar was crowned with a globe of crystal that reflected the rays of the sun and the moon and shone like a bright star that could be seen in clear weather even on the coasts of Gondor or far out upon the western sea.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry after the fligh of the sons of Castamir to Umbar</ref>


Umbar and the southern provinces experienced a rebellion during the [[Kin-strife|civil war]] of Gondor ({{TA|1437}}-{{TA|1447|n}}); together with the people of [[Pelargir]], Umbar supported the usurper [[Castamir]]. When the war had ended, Castamir's sons and their supporters left Pelargir and established themselves at Umbar; from that point on, Umbar remained an enemy of the King.<ref name="annals"/>
When king [[Valacar]] of Gondor grew old there was already rebellion in the southern provinces, because he had married a woman of an alien and lesser race and their son [[Eldacar]], the heir to the king, was considered by some to be not fit to rule.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Valacar</ref> After the death of king Valacar in {{TA|1432}} a [[Kin-strife|civil war]] began in Gondor.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1432</ref> The people of the great havens of Umbar and [[Pelargir]] and of the coasts supported the Captain of Ships, [[Castamir]], who was one of those nearest by blood to the crown.<ref name=Eldacar>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Eldacar</ref> In {{TA|1437}}<ref>{{App|South}}, entry for king Eldacar</ref> Castamir deposed Eldacar, who fled to his kinfolk in [[Rhovanion]].<ref name=Eldacar/> Ten years later, in {{TA|1447}}<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1447</ref> Eldacar returned from the north with a great army of Dúnedain from the northern parts of the realm and of Northmen, who had been in the service of Gondor and killed Castamir in a great battle at the crossings of the river [[Erui]]. However the sons of Castamir escaped to Pelargir and Eldacar besieged Pelargir.<ref name=Eldacar/>


===Corsairs of Umbar===
===Corsairs of Umbar===
[[Image:John Howe - Corsairs of Umbar.jpg|thumb|right|170px|[[John Howe]] - ''Corsair Ship'']]
In {{TA|1448}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1448</ref> after the sons of Castamir had gathered all the forces that they could in Pelargir, they sailed away to Umbar and established an independent lordship and refuge for all enemies of the king in Umbar.<ref name=Flight>{{App|Gondor}}, entry after the death of Castamir</ref> It is possible that the rebels took their wifes and families with them to Umbar, because they had held out long with others of their kin in Pelargir<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry with the death of Castamir</ref> and were able to gather people at Pelargir, because Eldacar had no ships to besiege Pelargir by sea.<ref name=Flight/> Umbar remained at war with Gondor for many lives of men and was a threat to the coastlands of Gondor and to all traffic on the sea. The region of [[Harondor|South Gondor]] became a debatable land between the kings of Gondor and the Corsairs of Umbar.<ref name=Flight/> As a result of the loss of Umbar the hold of Gondor upon the Men of the Harad was loosened.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry following the flight of the sons of Castamir to Umbar</ref>
Since {{TA|1448}}, the fleets of the secessionists established under the descendants of Castamir became known as the '"[[Corsairs of Umbar]]"', an independent realm; thus Gondor lost both its southern province and its naval power and came in constant war against the line of Castamir. Within two following centuries, Umbar attacked Gondorian ships and raided its coast at every opportunity, threatening the coastlands and all traffic on the sea and contested the possession of [[Harondor]].<ref name="Elendil"/>


Umbar would welcome exiles from Gondor who were suspected for treason or conspiring against the King.<ref name="annals"/> Umbar would also take to its side and absorb tributaries to Gondor in Harad.<ref name="Elendil"/> In {{TA|1540}}, King [[Aldamir]] fought with the rebelling kings of Harad.<ref name="Elendil"/>. The latter were defeated by his son [[Hyarmendacil II]] [[Third Age 1551|years later]].<ref name=ta>{{App|B2}}</ref>
After the Kin-strife often close relatives of the kings of Gondor who were suspected for treason or conspiring against the kings fled to Umbar and joined the rebels.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry following the death of king Eärnur</ref>


In {{TA|1634}}, Castamir's great-grandsons [[Angamaitë]] and [[Sangahyando]] raided [[Pelargir]], from Umbar, killing King [[Minardil]]; his heir [[Telemnar]] prepared a fleet against Umbar<ref name="Elendil"/> but could not retaliate as the kingdom was ravaged by the [[Great Plague]] of {{TA|1636}}.<ref name="annals"/>  
In {{TA|1540}}, King [[Aldamir]] was killed in a war with the Harad and the Corsairs of Umbar.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1540</ref>
 
In {{TA|1551}}, his son<ref>{{App|South}}, entry for Hyarmendacil II (Vinyarion)</ref> [[Hyarmendacil II]] defeated the Men of the Harad<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1551</ref> and crushed Umbar.<ref name=ElendilC>{{PM|Elendil}}, manuscript C, The Heirs of Elendil, The Southern Line of Gondor: the Anarioni, 25. Minardil, p. 199</ref>
 
The leaders of the Corsairs of Umbar, Angamaitë and Sangayando, the great-grandsons of Castamir, learned through spies that [[Minardil]], the [[King of Gondor]], was in the [[Gondor]]ian port of [[Pelargir]] and that he suspected no peril since his father had crushed Harad and Umbar.<ref name=ElendilC/> In {{TA|1634}},<ref name=TA1634>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1634</ref><ref name=T4>{{PM|Third}}, manuscript T4, entry for the year 1634</ref> the Corsairs of Umbar, led by [[Angamaitë]] and [[Sangahyando]], made a raid up the river [[Anduin]], killed Minardil in Pelargir<ref name=Telemnar>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Telemnar</ref>, ravaged [[Pelargir]] and the coasts and escaped with great booty.<ref name=ElendilC/>


During the reign of king [[Telumehtar]], Minardil's great-grand nephew, the Corsairs raided the coasts of Gondor as far as the [[Anfalas]]. As a consequence, Telumehtar gathered his forces and took Umbar by storm<ref name=Telumehtar>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Telumehtar</ref> and drove out the Corsairs in {{TA|1810}}.<ref>{{TA|1810}}, entry for the year 1810</ref> In that war the last descendants of Castamir died and Telumehtar added the title Umbardacil to his name.<ref name=Telumehtar/>
During the reign of king [[Telumehtar]], Minardil's great-grand nephew, the Corsairs raided the coasts of Gondor as far as the [[Anfalas]]. As a consequence, Telumehtar gathered his forces and took Umbar by storm<ref name=Telumehtar>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Telumehtar</ref> and drove out the Corsairs in {{TA|1810}}.<ref>{{TA|1810}}, entry for the year 1810</ref> In that war the last descendants of Castamir died and Telumehtar added the title Umbardacil to his name.<ref name=Telumehtar/>
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===Haradrim rule===
===Haradrim rule===
It became a home for a new generation of 'Corsairs of Umbar', who must have been closely related to the Haradrim, if not even merely Southrons themselves. These new Corsairs were cruel slavers who often raided the coasts of [[Belfalas]] and [[Anfalas]] in Gondor: in {{TA|2746}}, for example, the 15th Prince of [[Dol Amroth]] fell defending [[Dor-en-Ernil]] against them.
In {{TA|2746}}, the 15<sup>th</sup> Prince of [[Dol Amroth]] was killed by the Corsairs of Umbar.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, The House of Dol Amroth, entry for the 15th prince of Dol Amroth</ref>


In {{TA|2758}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2758</ref> three great fleets of the Corsairs came up from Umbar and the Harad attacked Gondor and there was war on all the coasts of Gondor. In addition, the Corsairs landed in the mouths of the rivers [[Lefnui]] and [[Isen]] and joined the [[Dunlendings]], which were under the leadership of [[Wulf]], and invaded [[Rohan]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}, entry for steward Beren</ref><ref>{{App|Eorl}}, entry for king Helm</ref>
In {{TA|2758}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2758</ref> three great fleets of the Corsairs came up from Umbar and the Harad attacked Gondor and there was war on all the coasts of Gondor. In addition, the Corsairs landed in the mouths of the rivers [[Lefnui]] and [[Isen]] and joined the [[Dunlendings]], which were under the leadership of [[Wulf]], and invaded [[Rohan]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}, entry for steward Beren</ref><ref>{{App|Eorl}}, entry for king Helm</ref>
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===War of the Ring===
===War of the Ring===
During the [[War of the Ring]], Umbar had not fully recovered from this, but could still send 50 "great ships" and a number of smaller vessels "beyond count" to raid the coastlands of Gondor, and draw off major forces from the defence of Minas Tirith. They were once again defeated by Aragorn, and the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]]. With the Fall of [[Barad-dûr]], Umbar, weakened and defeated, finally lost its sovereignty and submitted to the crown of King Elessar.
During the [[War of the Ring]] folk of Umbar and Harad had sailed up the river Gilrain to the city of [[Linhir]] and fought against men of Lamedon who defended  the fords of the river. When Aragorn came there with the [[Oathbreakers|Army of the Dead]] both the defenders and the attackers fled to the east in the direction of [[Pelargir]]. The main fleet of Umbar consisting of fifty great ships and smaller vessels beyond count had sailed to Pelargir. Many of the rowing slaves that were chained to the oars of those ships were folk of Gondor that had been taken by the Corsairs of Umbar during raids. When the Army of the Dead came to the ships that were drawn up and to the ships that were anchored all the terrified mariners leaped overboard. Some ships had put off to try to escape down the river or to reach the far shore and many of the smaller craft were burning. Aragorn was able to capture the remaining ships, to man them with troops from Lebennin, the Ethir and Lamedon and to row and sail them up the river [[Anduin]] to relief the city of [[Minas Tirith]] from the siege by the troops of [[Sauron]].<ref>{{RK|Debate}}</ref>
 
After the [[War of the Ring]] the newly crowned king of the [[Reunited Kingdom]], [[Elessar]], made peace with the peoples of Harad.<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> It is possible that king Elessar completely subdued Umbar<ref name=Flight/> in a war on the far fields of the South with the aid of king Éomer and the cavalry of the Mark.<ref>{{App|Mark}}, Third Line, last paragraph</ref>


==Culture==
==Culture==
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==See also==
==See also==
* [[Corsairs of Umbar]]
* [[Corsair Wars]]
* [[Corsair Wars]]


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20201116031156/http://www.guildcompanion.com/scrolls/2003/feb/rethinkingumbar.html Rethinking Umbar] by [[Chris Seeman]]
* [https://nolondil.tumblr.com/post/174550667841/who-is-a-n%C3%BAmen%C3%B3rean Who Is a Númenórean?] by Nolondil (Ellie Keener)
* [https://middle-earth.xenite.org/were-the-corsairs-of-umbar-numenoreans/ Were the Corsairs of Umbar Numenoreans?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
* [https://middle-earth.xenite.org/what-is-the-meaning-of-umbar-the-city-name/ What is the meaning of Umbar (the City Name)?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
* [http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2013/04/05/was-umbar-the-only-haven-sauron-controlled/ Was Umbar the Only Haven Sauron Controlled?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
* [http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2013/04/05/was-umbar-the-only-haven-sauron-controlled/ Was Umbar the Only Haven Sauron Controlled?] by [[Michael Martinez]]



Revision as of 00:28, 14 November 2021

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This article is about the Haven of Umbar. For the Quenya word, see umbar.
Umbar
Haven
Turner Mohan - Umbar.jpg
"Umbar" by Turner Mohan
General Information
Other namesCity of the Corsairs
LocationThe coasts of Middle-earth, to the south of Gondor and west of Harad
TypeHaven
DescriptionNatural harbour of enclosing rock used as a seaport
People and History
InhabitantsVariously held by the Númenóreans, the Black Númenóreans, the Gondorians, the Corsairs and the Haradrim
CreatedFirst fortified in S.A. 2280
EventsAr-Pharazôn captures Sauron
Kin-Strife
Corsair Wars
Surprise Attack on Umbar
GalleryImages of Umbar

Umbar was a realm[1] to the far south of Gondor in Middle-earth. It was also the name of the cape and land-locked firth[2] and of the natural haven[3] in this realm. It was probably also the name of a city in this realm.

Geography

Umbar was located south of the outflow of Anduin at the Bay of Belfalas in a convenient, useful natural haven. The great cape and land-locked firth formed the port. The natives called it "Umbar" and the Númenóreans who discovered it, adopted its name.

Umbar was the nearest to Gondor of the southern realms. It may ultimately have stretched all along Harnen as far as the Ephel Dúath up to the edge of Khand.[4]

History

Foundation and Númenórean Rule

It is possible that the bay of Umbar was discovered by Aldarion, the son of the Númenórean king Tar-Meneldur when Aldarion scarcely escaped shipwreck in the Harad during a voyage with three ships[5], which lasted from S.A. 829 to S.A. 843.[6]

Sauron chose Mordor as a stronghold to counter the threat of landings by the Númenoreans after he heard that Aldarion had become a great shipbuilder who sailed his ships to haven far down into the Harad.[7]

The Númenóreans came to Middle-earth as teachers and friends of the local population until the end of the reign of the Númenórean king Tar-Minastir[8] in S.A. 1869.[9].

Approximately in S.A. 1800 the Númenóreans begin to establish dominions on the coasts[10], which possibly include Umbar. It is possible that the son of Tar-Minastir, Ciryatan sailed to Umbar, because he voyaged south until he took the sceptre from his father.[11]

During the reign of the Númenórean kings Tar-Ciryatan and Tar-Atanamir the Númenóreans oppressed the men of Middle-earth and levied heavy tribute from the men of the coasts and their ships brought back metals and gems from Middle-earth.[12]

During the reign of the Númenórean king Tar-Ancalimon,[13] Umbar was made into a great fortress of Númenor in S.A. 2280.[14]

During the dissension arising when the Shadow fell on Númenor, Umbar was the northernmost settlement of the King's Men; Sauron, after trying to break the waxing Númenórean grip by instigation, attempted to attack the Númenórean havens and forts, invaded their coastlands, but Umbar resisted.[15][16]

It was at Umbar that Ar-Pharazôn the Golden landed in S.A. 3261 to challenge Sauron and journeyed 7 days with banner and trumpet.[17] Umbar remained a symbol of Númenórean pride ever after.

While Sauron was in Númenor and the Shadow and dissidence became greater, Umbar was one of the fortresses and dwellings upon the coasts, inhabited by the King's Men and servants in Middle-earth to his will; these evil lords concentrated mostly to the south, far from the dominion of Gil-galad.[17] Umbar must have been an important point of deportation of slaves and taxes to Númenor.

After the Downfall of Númenor, Umbar remained in the hands of the Númenóreans, in essence a realm-in-exile alongside Arnor and Gondor. But unlike these others, Umbar had been used by the Black Númenóreans, who were not friendly to the Elves or to their fellow Faithful Númenórean survivors.

Two Black Númenórean lords, Herumor and Fuinur, were probably from Umbar, as at the end of Second Age they became very powerful amongst the Haradrim, a neighbouring people. No doubt, Númenóreans of Umbar were enlisted with Sauron in S.A. 3429. Their fate is unknown, but they likely shared Sauron's defeat at the hands of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

The rulers of Umbar retained much influence over the Haradwaith well into Third Age. The fate of other settlements of the Black Númenóreans further south of Umbar is unclear, but it is said that they were 'absorbed', and that no attempt was made to involve them in the wars. This could imply that they were simply too isolated, geographically and politically, and acting on their own behalf. Whatever befell them, they fell out of the picture of the West. [18]

Gondor's power, however, eclipsed that of Umbar as the Third Age progressed, and at one point, perhaps around the time of Tarannon Falastur, Umbar acknowledged the sway of Gondor.[19] Tarannon had a diplomatic marriage to Berúthiel, a Black Númenórean, perhaps from Umbar. During his reign, Tarannon extended the sway of Gondor along the southern shore-lands.

Umbar as part of Gondor

Gondor's King Eärnil I repaired the haven of Pelargir, built a great navy and besieged Umbar by land and by sea.[20] In T.A. 933 he took Umbar.[21] Umbar was only taken at great cost, because its Black Núnmenorean inhabitants as descendants of the King's Men inherited their hatred of Gondor as a realm of the followers of Elendil[22] and probably defended Umbar vehemently. As a result of the capture of Umbar by Gondor, the Black Númenorean lords of Umbar were driven from Umbar and Umbar became a great harbour and fortress of the power of Gondor.[20] Only three years later, in T.A. 936),[23] king Eärnil was lost at sea with many ships and men in a great storm off Umbar.[20]

Eärnil's son Ciryandil continued to build ships.[20] During his reign the Men of the Harad led by the Black Númenorean lords that had been driven from Umbar came with a large force and besieged Umbar.[20] In T.A. 1015 Ciryandil was killed in the siege of Umbar.[24]

The siege of Umbar lasted for many years, but Umbar could not be taken, because of the sea-power of Gondor[25], probably because Umbar could be resupplied and reinforced with ships from Gondor by sea. Ciryandil's son Ciryaher took enough time to gather an army and a navy, came down by land crossing the river Harnen and by sea and utterly defeated the Men of the Harad[25] in T.A. 1050.[26] As a consequence, Ciryaher took the name Hyarmendacil "South-victor" and the kings of the Men of the Harad had to acknowledge the overlordsip of Gondor. During his reign the realm of Gondor extended south to the river Harnen and along the coast to the peninsula and haven of Umbar and the sonst of the kings of the Harad lived as hostages in the court of king Ciryaher.[25]

After the capture of Umbar by Gondor, the Gondorians built a great white pillar on the highest hill of the headland above the Haven as a monument of the submission of Sauron to the Númenorean king Ar-Pharazȏn. The pillar was crowned with a globe of crystal that reflected the rays of the sun and the moon and shone like a bright star that could be seen in clear weather even on the coasts of Gondor or far out upon the western sea.[27]

When king Valacar of Gondor grew old there was already rebellion in the southern provinces, because he had married a woman of an alien and lesser race and their son Eldacar, the heir to the king, was considered by some to be not fit to rule.[28] After the death of king Valacar in T.A. 1432 a civil war began in Gondor.[29] The people of the great havens of Umbar and Pelargir and of the coasts supported the Captain of Ships, Castamir, who was one of those nearest by blood to the crown.[30] In T.A. 1437[31] Castamir deposed Eldacar, who fled to his kinfolk in Rhovanion.[30] Ten years later, in T.A. 1447[32] Eldacar returned from the north with a great army of Dúnedain from the northern parts of the realm and of Northmen, who had been in the service of Gondor and killed Castamir in a great battle at the crossings of the river Erui. However the sons of Castamir escaped to Pelargir and Eldacar besieged Pelargir.[30]

Corsairs of Umbar

In T.A. 1448,[33] after the sons of Castamir had gathered all the forces that they could in Pelargir, they sailed away to Umbar and established an independent lordship and refuge for all enemies of the king in Umbar.[34] It is possible that the rebels took their wifes and families with them to Umbar, because they had held out long with others of their kin in Pelargir[35] and were able to gather people at Pelargir, because Eldacar had no ships to besiege Pelargir by sea.[34] Umbar remained at war with Gondor for many lives of men and was a threat to the coastlands of Gondor and to all traffic on the sea. The region of South Gondor became a debatable land between the kings of Gondor and the Corsairs of Umbar.[34] As a result of the loss of Umbar the hold of Gondor upon the Men of the Harad was loosened.[36]

After the Kin-strife often close relatives of the kings of Gondor who were suspected for treason or conspiring against the kings fled to Umbar and joined the rebels.[37]

In T.A. 1540, King Aldamir was killed in a war with the Harad and the Corsairs of Umbar.[38]

In T.A. 1551, his son[39] Hyarmendacil II defeated the Men of the Harad[40] and crushed Umbar.[41]

The leaders of the Corsairs of Umbar, Angamaitë and Sangayando, the great-grandsons of Castamir, learned through spies that Minardil, the King of Gondor, was in the Gondorian port of Pelargir and that he suspected no peril since his father had crushed Harad and Umbar.[41] In T.A. 1634,[42][43] the Corsairs of Umbar, led by Angamaitë and Sangahyando, made a raid up the river Anduin, killed Minardil in Pelargir[44], ravaged Pelargir and the coasts and escaped with great booty.[41]

During the reign of king Telumehtar, Minardil's great-grand nephew, the Corsairs raided the coasts of Gondor as far as the Anfalas. As a consequence, Telumehtar gathered his forces and took Umbar by storm[45] and drove out the Corsairs in T.A. 1810.[46] In that war the last descendants of Castamir died and Telumehtar added the title Umbardacil to his name.[45]

Umbar was again held for a while by the kings of Gondor, but was again lost in the new evils that soon befell Gondor and fell into the hands of the Men of the Harad.[45] It is possible that Umbar was held by the kings of Gondor at least until T.A. 1975. In T.A. 1899[47] king Calimehtar was free from other dangers when he led an army out of Ithilien to the plain of Dagorlad[48] , because the peoples of Harad were at this period engaged in wars and feuds of their own.[49] From T.A. 1899 to T.A. 1944 Gondor enjoyed a respite from war.[50] In T.A. 1944[51] the southern army of Gondor was smaller, because the danger from the south was held to be smaller,[52] because assistance from Umbar for an attack on Ithilien by enemies proceeding from Near Harad was not avaible.[53] In the autumn of T.A. 1973 king Eärnil felt himself sufficiently secure to be able to send aid to Arthedain and sent an army of power for a war of great kings, although it was just a small force of the whole might of Gondor, on so many ships that they could scarcely find harbourage, although they filled the Grey Havens, Harlond and Forlond.[54] It seems unlikely that king Eärnil would have felt sufficiently secure to send away so many ships from Gondor to the aid of Arthedain if he would have feared an attack on Gondor by ships from Umbar. It seems unlikely that Gondor would not have been able to hold Umbar when it still had a fleet and a mighty army, because Umbar could not be taken in the past in the days of Ciryaher during a siege by the Men of Harad that lasted for many years, because of the sea-power of Gondor.[55]

Haradrim rule

In T.A. 2746, the 15th Prince of Dol Amroth was killed by the Corsairs of Umbar.[56]

In T.A. 2758,[57] three great fleets of the Corsairs came up from Umbar and the Harad attacked Gondor and there was war on all the coasts of Gondor. In addition, the Corsairs landed in the mouths of the rivers Lefnui and Isen and joined the Dunlendings, which were under the leadership of Wulf, and invaded Rohan.[58][59]

In T.A. 2885, Umbar supported the Haradrim who claimed Harondor, although this had long "been a debatable land between the Corsairs and the Kings", and when Sauron declared himself openly in T.A. 2951

After the second arising of Sauron, Umbar fell under the domination of his servants and the great white pillar that had been built on the highest hill of the headland above the haven by the followers of Elendil as a monument for the humiliation of Sauron by Ar-Pharazon was thrown down.[60]

In T.A. 2980, Aragorn served steward Ecthelion II as a captain in disguise under the name Thorongil, gathered a small fleet, attacked Umbar by night, burned a great part of the ships of the Corsairs, overthrew the Captain of the Haven in a battle upon the quays and then withdrew his fleet with small losses.[61]

War of the Ring

During the War of the Ring folk of Umbar and Harad had sailed up the river Gilrain to the city of Linhir and fought against men of Lamedon who defended the fords of the river. When Aragorn came there with the Army of the Dead both the defenders and the attackers fled to the east in the direction of Pelargir. The main fleet of Umbar consisting of fifty great ships and smaller vessels beyond count had sailed to Pelargir. Many of the rowing slaves that were chained to the oars of those ships were folk of Gondor that had been taken by the Corsairs of Umbar during raids. When the Army of the Dead came to the ships that were drawn up and to the ships that were anchored all the terrified mariners leaped overboard. Some ships had put off to try to escape down the river or to reach the far shore and many of the smaller craft were burning. Aragorn was able to capture the remaining ships, to man them with troops from Lebennin, the Ethir and Lamedon and to row and sail them up the river Anduin to relief the city of Minas Tirith from the siege by the troops of Sauron.[62]

After the War of the Ring the newly crowned king of the Reunited Kingdom, Elessar, made peace with the peoples of Harad.[63] It is possible that king Elessar completely subdued Umbar[34] in a war on the far fields of the South with the aid of king Éomer and the cavalry of the Mark.[64]

Culture

Politics and rule

While the Faithful boasted the ethnic purity of the line of their rulers (to the amount of resulting even in a Kin-strife), Umbar allowed their race to swiftly dwindle and merge with the Pre-Númenóreans.[65]

No "King of Umbar" is mentioned to rise, though the Black Númenóreans, who, regarding the Heirs of Elendil as usurpers, certainly considered themselves the representatives of the last legal King of Númenor. One can suppose as a possible explanation that they considered themselves something akin to the temporary Stewards of Gondor, ruling in the true King's absence, until Ar-Pharazôn would return from the West to restore his evil kingdom.[4] It is notable that all four known rulers of Umbar come in pairs, suggesting that perhaps Umbar was traditionally ruled by a duumvirate.

Language

In the course of the Third Age Westron had become the native language of nearly all Men that lived within the borders of the old kingdom of Gondor, including all along the coasts from Umbar northward and inland as far as the Ephel Dúath. At the time of the War of the Ring Westron was still the native tongue in this area.[66][67]

Other versions of the legendarium

The Havens of Umbar and the City of the Corsairs appeared near the bottom edge of the General Map of Middle-earth that was included in earlier editions of The Lord of the Rings, but that is absent from modern editions, which regrettably map a slightly smaller area of the Westlands. A label Havens of Umbar is written on the land south of the bay of Umbar. A label UMBAR runs from the land to the south of the bay of Umbar to the north-eastern end of the bay of Umbar. There is a black square with the label City of the Corsairs at the southern branch of the landward end of the bay of Umbar.

On the First Map of The Lord of the Rings the bay of Umbar runs from its entrance in the south-west to its landward end in the north-east. There is no indication where the City of the Corsairs or the fortress of Umbar is located. A label UMBAR on the area between this unnamed river and a river with the label R. Harnen that runs from three sources in the south-western foothills of the Ephel Dúath to the same position as its mouth on the General Map of Middle-earth has been struck-through. There is an unnamed small island near to the entrance to the bay of Umbar and another unnamed small island near the northern end of the peninsula that forms the northern part of the bay. Haven of Umbar is written in the Belegaer near the bay of Umbar and UMBAR is written on the land to east of the bay with the label running from the south-west to the north-east crossing the unnamed river.

Etymology

Umbar is a name of forgotten origin that was doubtless descended from the days before the ships of the Númenóreans sailed the sea.[68] As such it is in one of the pre-Númenórean languages. Despite the coincidental similarity, the name Umbar is not related to the Quenya word for fate umbar.[69]

See also

External links

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit", statement of Damrod about Umbar
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", footnote concerning Umbar in the entry for king Eärnil I
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Unfinished index for The Lord of the Rings", in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 466
  4. 4.0 4.1 http://lalaith.vpsurf.de/Tolkien/Fr_Umbar.html
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife", in the first quarter of the chapter
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife", "Notes", Chronology, first paragraph
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn", ninth paragraph
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Númenor", entry after the entry for Tar-Minastir
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry XI Tar-Minastir
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age", entry for the year c. 1800
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry XII Tar-Ciryatan
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry XII Tar-Ciryatan and entry XIII Tar-Atanamir
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor", entry XIV Tar-Ancalimon
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age", entry for the year 2280
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VI. The Tale of Years of the Second Age"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "V. The History of the Akallabêth"
  17. 17.0 17.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Akallabêth: The Downfall of Númenor"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Istari"
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Window on the West"
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Eärnil I
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 933
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", footnote relating to the entry for king Eärnil's taking of Umbar
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 936
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for the year 1015
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Ciryaher
  26. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1050
  27. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry after the fligh of the sons of Castamir to Umbar
  28. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Valacar
  29. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1432
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Eldacar
  31. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "The Realms in Exile", "The Southern Line: Heirs of Anarion", entry for king Eldacar
  32. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1447
  33. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1448
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry after the death of Castamir
  35. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry with the death of Castamir
  36. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry following the flight of the sons of Castamir to Umbar
  37. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry following the death of king Eärnur
  38. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1540
  39. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "The Realms in Exile", "The Southern Line: Heirs of Anarion", entry for Hyarmendacil II (Vinyarion)
  40. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1551
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil", manuscript C, The Heirs of Elendil, The Southern Line of Gondor: the Anarioni, 25. Minardil, p. 199
  42. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1634
  43. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VIII. The Tale of Years of the Third Age", manuscript T4, entry for the year 1634
  44. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Telemnar
  45. 45.0 45.1 45.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Telumehtar
  46. T.A. 1810, entry for the year 1810
  47. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age" entry for the year 1899
  48. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan", "(i) The Northmen and the Wainriders", sixth paragraph
  49. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan", "Notes", note 9
  50. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan", "(i) The Northmen and the Wainriders", seventh paragraph
  51. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 1944
  52. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan", "(i) The Northmen and the Wainriders", eleventh paragraph
  53. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan", "Notes", note 14
  54. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Eärnil II
  55. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Ciryaher
  56. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil", The House of Dol Amroth, entry for the 15th prince of Dol Amroth
  57. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 2758
  58. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards", entry for steward Beren
  59. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl", entry for king Helm
  60. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for king Eldacar
  61. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards", entry for steward Ecthelion II and entry for steward Denethor II
  62. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Last Debate"
  63. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King"
  64. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl", "The Kings of the Mark", Third Line, last paragraph
  65. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named annals
  66. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F, "The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age", first and second paragraph
  67. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "X. Of Dwarves and Men", "The Atani and their Languages", penultimate paragraph and its preceeding paragraph
  68. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F, "The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age", "Of Men", sixth paragraph
  69. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix E, "Writing", "The Fëanorian Letters", Note, The names of the letters
Route of the Fellowship of the Ring
Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Rohan · Edoras · Hornburg · Isengard · Dunharrow · Paths of the Dead · Gondor · Hill of Erech · Lamedon · Linhir · Lebennin · Pelargir · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Boromir
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen
Frodo and Sam
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Emyn Muil · Dead Marshes · Black Gate · Ithilien · Henneth Annûn · Cross-roads · Morgul Vale · Stairs of Cirith Ungol · Cirith Ungol · Shelob's Lair · Tower of Cirith Ungol · Mordor · Morgai · Plateau of Gorgoroth · Mount Doom · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Gandalf
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Celebdil† · Lothlórien · Fangorn Forest · Edoras · Hornburg · Isengard · Rohan · Anórien · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Merry
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Emyn Muil · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Wellinghall · Derndingle · Isengard · Hornburg · Dunharrow · Drúadan Forest · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Pippin
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Amon Hen · Parth Galen · Emyn Muil · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Wellinghall · Derndingle · Isengard · Rohan · Anórien · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Gondor · Cair Andros · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard