White pillar

From Tolkien Gateway
This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.
White pillar
Monument
General Information
LocationHighest hill of the headland above the Haven of Umbar
TypeMonument
DescriptionTall white pillar crowned with a globe of crystal

The white pillar was a monument erected upon the highest hill of the headland overlooking Umbar. The great pillar was white with a crystal globe set on top. The globe absorbed the rays of the Sun or the Moon and shone like a star that could, in clear weather, be seen far out to sea or even upon the south coasts of Gondor.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

In S.A. 3261 the Númenórean King Ar-Pharazôn landed at Umbar and humbled the might of Sauron.[2] Although Ar-Pharazôn's reign represented the darkest times of Númenor, culminating in disaster, Elendil and his exiled followers remembered the landing with pride; they erected the white pillar in memory of the event, commemorating the power of their race, and the humiliation of the Dark Lord.

At the end of the Kin-strife between the factions of Eldacar and Castamir, the sons of the usurper sailed with their followers from Pelargir to Umbar in T.A. 1448, removing the city from Gondor's control.[3] After Umbar fell under the domination of Sauron's servants the memorial of his humiliation was destroyed.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"