I'm looking forward to seeing the downfall of Numenor and with it, Ar-Pharazon. The sinking is something I always wanted to see in a show or film. (There was a fan animation like a video game once, but that's not official).
I am fairly convinced, given his life, that Tuor was granted the blessing of the Eldar from Eru himself upon sailing to Vallinor in the First Age, allowing Tuor to remain there forever. I imagine Tuor probably heard of the Numenoreans arriving in Vallinor in force, and he said something like, "Guys, you're doing it wrong."
I think that the people of Numenor had their own culture and history and having been isolated from Middle Earth for hundreds or thousands of years were simply not interested in the events of Middle Earth, until they made their first colonies in the south lands. They were probably very proud and felt superior to relate to the elves and dwarves, while the men of the south lands were much less evolved than they were. In their arrogance they probably didn't study the history of Middle Earth...
It reminds me of the first episode of The Sandman on Netflix. Some novice wizard captures the Lord of Dreams Morpheus yet he doesn't understand the gravity of what he did by doing that and when he finally breaks free it's a bloodbath.
Sauron was pushing against an open door. Like the Frenchman said, it's easy enough to get them to do what they want to do... He told Pharazon what he wanted to hear. And I think Pharazon knew he'd defeated and captured a Maia. Which could only have swelled his already swollen ego. He was a sociolopath with a throne. As history shows, the most dangerous kind.
I prefer the original version that Tar-Miriel was forced into marriage and yielding the sceptre. It makes her character more tragic and less deserving of the gruesome end.
Also, the couple never had any kids. Granted, this doesn't prove anything, but it points in the direction of a loveless marriage, much like in the case of Aldarion and Erendis.
@@untruelie2640 It would have been more tragic if they had kids. A bit like Andromache from the Trojan War where she was forced to become a concubine of her enemy and have his kids.
Given Tolkien used Egyptian history this fits - WARNING Incest WAS considered normal among Egyptian royalty new evidence is it did happen but was rare but given JRR's time it matches that he'd assume decadent rulers and incest - George RR Martin would be proud
Pretty sure she will wind up being a Miriel-Sue. I know I know, even Isildur wouldn't have gone for such low hanging fruit. Be sure and tip your waitress, folks.
Yes, it is the quintessential story of hybris. The Númenorians had everything that humans could ever hope to achieve, yet they threw it away and became followers of evil itself. This was provably the worst betrayal in the history of Arda and the subsequent punishment was equally bad... "...and they didn't speak of Elenna anymore, of Andor, the gift that was taken away again [...] they spoke of Mar-nu-Falmar, the one overpowered by the waves, of Akallabêth, the Downfallen..."
Tolkien was a great scholar of many history books and surely he read Plato's Timaeus and Critias in which we ege fragments of the story of Atlantis, a vast ocean empire that supposedly existed about 15000 years ago on Earth. An egyptian priest told Solon, an ancestor of Plato the story of the people of the Atlantic, who fell to corruption and came to make war on the kingdoms of the Mediterranean at that time. They managed to conquer Europe all the way to Tyrrhenia (present day Croatia) and N Africa all the way to Lybia. But they were stopped by the great armies of the Hellenes and unified peoples of the Balkans. They were defeated and driven back into the Atlantic and all the countries they had conquered were restored to the rightful people as the Hellenes graciously liberated all from the yoke of the Atlantiens and helped them recover after the great war. This is only the gist of it, the egyptian priest say a lot more about their fall and periodic cataclysms and how humanity was reseeded by the gods. Interesting stuff. If you want to learn more about the Atlantiens i recommend those two books: Timaeus and Critias, by Plato. Anyway, this is where Tolkien was inspired to write his story of Numenor.
“Ar-Pharazôn hardened his heart, and he went aboard his mighty ship, Alcarondas, Castle of the Sea. Many-oared it was and many-masted, golden and sable; and upon it his throne was set. Then he did on his panoply and his crown, and let raise his standard. He gave the signal for the raising of the anchors. And in that hour, the trumpets of Númenor outrang the thunder.” - “Akallabêth,” _The Silmarillion,_ p. 333
When you talked of The Golden the imagery struck me as very Pharoah-like, but it wasn't until you mentioned the people of Númenor "hardened their hearts" that I realized the tale of Ar-Pharazôn is very inspired by Pharoah Rameses in the story of the biblical Exodus. Even his name: Pharoah-Ra/Ar-Pharazôn. The stubborn and proud king of a great land, a great monument built by slaves at his decree, warnings from the divine which only strengthen his resolve against Eru/God. Suffering comes to the innocent and guilty alike because of the king's choice to oppose Eru/God, and only the people faithful to Eru/God are passed over. But in this version of the story the Red Sea swallows the entirety of Egypt, rather than just the king's men, and only a handful of the faithful are spared this horrible fate. I can't wait to see this story brought to life in Rings of Power, especially if they lean into the Prince Of Egypt/Ten Commandments parallels!
The Númenóreans of Gondor were proud, peculiar, and archaic, and I think are best pictured in (say) Egyptian terms. In many ways they resembled ‘Egyptians’ - the love of, and power to construct, the gigantic and massive. And in their great interest in ancestry and in tombs. (But not of course in 'theology’ : in which respect they were Hebraic and even more puritan…) I think the crown of Gondor (the S. Kingdom) was very tall, like that of Egypt, but with wings attached, not set straight back but at an angle. The N. Kingdom had only a diadem the difference between the N. and S. kingdoms of Egypt. Letter by JRR Working on a lore vid will drop a link when done
I also agree with Egyptian references; however, Tolkien still opted for first cousing to make an incestous story...despite all the egyptian clues...BUT THEN HE WENT THAT ROAD WITH HURIN'S CHILDREN!!! not fair Tolkien...not fair...
I'm almost certain Sauron is one of the 23 pictures but in his Eldar/human form. My guess, it is the map/scroll/(blueprint for a nice and cozy temple of Melkor) picture.
@@JayJay5244 ah they will ruin it anyway by all that inclusion. I mean you have people of the south and east anyway, but hey we need a poc eldar and what else. And hey, he also has superpowers and can catch arrows out of the air 😂. I mean they could have introduced some dope black numenorians which are opposed to their faction. Also introducing them as mixed couple from the beginning which is so stupid, because it goes against all odds of the Tolkien history. Like, hey that happened like 3 times in total, but hey lets go and throw it into the mix. Especially since they gonna kill off her in the first season anyway, brcause of the timejumps. Probably she magically turns into an eldar by intervention the valar... But I might overcritize here and it can be a funny story. Looking forward to see what they did with the dwarves.
@@Thormil576 Really depends on how much lore they actually will use. Looking forward to seeing him as the lord of the gifts. I actually have no clue in which form he appears while he is captured by/consulting the Numenorians.
Sauron having the monument to Pharazon destroyed really shows how little he cared for all he manipulated,how they all ultimately meant nothing to him After all those years of flattery and seduction of Pharazon he moves on from his old puppet immediately
He never "cared" obviously, but Sauron was humiliated and laid low by him, of course he would get rid of a reminder to men and himself that he could be defeated.
The detail of the history of this world is incredible! I could only wish and hope that Amazon pays attention to this and doesn't try to take cheap shortcuts.
This was amazinggggggggg Every video you make is perfect! You`re the best tolkien channel, my friend. From start to end and all within it: the pictures, the voices, the music, how long the quates are, even the number of ads during the video.. You`re the best! thanks!
Thanks for this summary on the end of Numenor! It's nice to have it before the Amazon show airs. I'm looking forward to more content about the second age to be prepared.
The sketches paintings watercolors etc flowed wonderfully with your telling of this tale actually sit and watch all the transitions this time all there are work all of your artwork damn appreciated
Ar-Pharazôn is, at least in my vision, one of the most sinister characters Tolkien ever wrote. A king that allowed evil to thrive in his heart, to the point of ordering human sacrifices and openly blaspheming against what essentially were the gods of Middle-Earth, even declaring open war on them. Perhaps its because of my catholic upbringing, but blasphemy, moreso the more blatant ways that Ar-Pharazôn and the númenoreans practiced, even worshipping Melkor, who's pretty much Satan, is a really sinister and terrible thought for me.
Satanic worship almost never includes human or animal sacrifice, only insane psychopaths practice such things. In fact most satanists are very peaceful people.
A crucial distinction must be made between theistic Satanists and athiestic Satanists. The former literally worship the Devil and do horrible and cruel things in his name. The latter basically just use the version of Lucifer from Paradise Lost as an anti-authoritarian leader as inspiration for their philosophy of rebellion against the idea of God, often emphasizing a naturalistic worldview and the value of the self rather than adherence to any ruling power. Nearly everyone you will encounter who claim the label of Satanists will be the athiestic type. The theistic Satanists are unfortunately secretive and duplicitous much like their master, it's very unlikely you'll meet one who freely confesses to be so.
In all honesty, given Sauron's character, I wouldn't be surprised if Sauron was the one that dispersed his forces, knowing that he could not take on Numenór directly and had to use other means to bring it to heel. Sauron is an excellent judge of character, so he would already know that Pharazon would easily be swayed, all he needs to do is appear to humble himself and then work his magic once Pharazon appears to have fallen for the ruse.
I can’t figure out how the authors managed to deal with the story of Ar Pharazon and Sauron in a compressed timeline. I hope they will be able to to render the the tragic evolution which will eventually bring about the destruction of Numenor
I think it has more to do with the quality of how it is done than the time they take to tell the story, as in Tolkien's writing it's really just a few short paragraphs. Yet he manages to convey the magnitude and serious of the events through is writing. And you're right I HATE how they're compressing the timeline.
@@hodgrix I also think that the "less is more" approach when it comes to these matters really helps as we tend to fill in the gaps or at least have less to go off to really criticize it in any sort of way. At least the way I felt when I was reading about these events it felt more like history rather than a story. The amazon show will obviously not have the same treatment and regardless of the compressed timeline will have a vast greater amount of material under the scrutiny of the fans.
"Ar-Pharazon the Golden was the proudest and most powerful of all the King's, and no less than the kingship of the world was his desire." -- The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A
Man I think that I've never in my life been more excited than now, waiting for tomorow's trailer!! I hope to see Ar-Pharazon in his full glory and proud, but also in his most darkest ambitions!! Nerd, another great video, hope to see you on the live stream!!!
Ar pharazon the king who brought sauron on chains. Also the king who reason to the Sack of numenor. Brilliant video. I also watched your videos by downloading. We always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.
The Great Armament is one of my most favorite parts of Middle Earth history and this should be epic to see in one of the Rings of Power seasons. A seemingly unstoppable force taken out by Eru himself, but I do I wonder if Sauron knew the Númenórean armada would be destroyed as quickly as it did upon reaching the Undying Lands or was he just as surprised as they were, at the swiftness of destruction.
Sauron was there when Eru brought the world into existence and the Valar built it under his power. He knew exactly how it would go. He was surprised by the island sinking tho
Seemingly is obviously the key word, of course, since if the Valar had no issue harming let alone killing any of the Children of Ilúvatar (there being rules put in place against such acts by Eru), their duty being to assist and not harm the Elves & Men as Matt stated in the video, then Ar-Pharazôn and the Númerórean armament would've been completely annihilated by the Valar, akin to ants (Númenóreans) trying and inevitably failing to face off against the tide (the Valar). Plus, there's also the Eldar dwelling in Valinor for the Valar to be concerned about, since they couldn't risk harming or killing any of the Elves there in the Undying Lands, especially given that the Valar have a track record of causing cataclysmic destruction on an immense scale whenever they are involved even when they probably try their utmost in limiting said destruction as much as they can. Hell, Ossë, a Maia, could've just sunk the Númerórean armada when they were sailing to Valinor and sink the island upon which Númenor was located since he did raise it up out of the sea if he too had no qualms in doing so on both occasions (due to the aforementioned rules).
Sauron knew what he was doing for sure! He set Ar-Pharazon up to fail. I guess he weren't counting on losing his "Annatar Form" though. 😛The Destruction of Numenor was, I think, one of Sauron's greatest achievements in the Second Age.
Sauron was counting on their destruction. He knew that breaking the Ban of the Valar was punishable by death, as a similar account is shown when Eärendil and Elwing travel to Aman in the First Age. Namo (Mandos) wants them executed for entering the Undying Lands, but since they went there suing for pardon and assistance in defeating Morgoth, they were forgiven and allowed to remain in Aman. In Pharazôn's case, because he went there to make war upon the Valar and broke the Ban (which was set forth by Eru, and enforced by the Valar), they were entombed. This, Sauron did not take into account, that harming the Children of Illuvatar was outside of the Valar's authority. By all means, the sinking of Númenor and breaking of the world surprised Sauron, and he ended up losing his ability to take on fair forms, as divine punishment from Eru himself.
I actually like the alternate account more. It gives Miriel more agency in her fate than just being a sad, tragic maiden. We also have so few female villains in Tolkien's works. There is Beruthiel, the female vampire creature from the first age tha never gets page-time and Ungoliant + Shelob (if you count monstrous spiders). The one problem with the changed account would be that she is mostly doing it, because she has the hots for Pharazon and willingly gives her authority to him. Still, I feel the idea had potential.
I can't wait to see Iluvatar drop the mountains on the invading Numenorian and the destruction of Numenor should be colossal and jaw dropping. September 2nd will be the best birthday gift EVER!
It's a shame Divine Intervention stopped Ar-Pharazon's invasion, it would have been interesting to see The King's Men do battle with the forces of Valinor.
Mhmm... Remember that they managed to defeat Morgoth (one of their own) and all of his forces several times? These are the powers of the world, not just some petty warlords. They could've annihilated the Númenorians, but their role was not to rule over the Children of Illúvatar, so they weren't allowed to harm them. At least not on this scale.
it would be interesting indeed and we don't know how great their force was. Since their host against Sauron was so huge and mighty that even the Orcs betrayed him, i would say it was a host comparable to the great armies of the first age... but then again the host of Valinor was so great it could defeat the countless orcs of Morgoth, Dragons, Balrogs, etc... Not to mention the Valar themself like Tulkas might be fighting... They would definitely defeat the Numenoreans, but i think the destruction would be terrible and the Valar would not risk that.
@@randombruv5062 ah it would be boring. I mean yeah, Fingolfin taught us that even a "lesser" being could wound a Valar... but the way Ingwe is portrayed... he would beat Sauron, Turin, Glorfindel, Fingolfin, Tuor, every great warrior and hero that we know. Ingwe is just the beast at arms. Edit: ah shit, i confused Ingwe and Eonwe, sorry
Damn, Ar-Pharazon really showed up to heaven and went "Hey, if none if you literal gods are brave enough to step up and do anything about it, this is all mine! I own it!" Guess you get what you pay for...
5:20 You forgot to mention that Sauron's mocking of Ar-Pharazon's mighty fleet. He raised the sea like a mountain and cast the great armada out of the sea: "Guards were set at the haven of Moriondë in the east of the land, where the rocks are dark, watching at the king’s command without ceasing for the ships’ return. It was night, but there was a bright Moon. They descried ships far off, and they seemed to be sailing west at a speed greater than the storm, though there was little wind. *Suddenly the sea became unquiet; it rose until it became like a mountain, and it rolled upon the land. The ships were lifted up, and cast far inland, and lay in the fields.* Upon that ship which was cast highest and stood dry upon a hill there was a man, or one in man’s shape, but greater than any even of the race of Númenor in stature. ‘He stood upon the rock and said: ‘This is done as a sign of power. For I am Sauron the mighty, servant of the Strong” (wherein he spoke darkly). “I have come. Be glad, men of Númenor, for I will take thy king to be my king, and the world shall be given into his hand.” And it seemed to men that Sauron was great; though they feared the light of his eyes. To many he appeared fair, to others terrible; but to some evil." [J.R.R Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien, The Lost Road and Other Writings, p.73-74]
It was the perfect plan, the Númerorians had a so vast and skillfull army that only Morgoth and his legions could go against it, Sauron didn't stand a chance, but because of Ar-Pharazôn pride instead of handing over Sauron to the Valar he plagued the biggest nation/kingdom of man to utter destruction, because even the elves being so wise and powerfull, the only military power in the second age that could put Sauron at bay was the numenorians, and Sauron plan was flawless, destroying from the inside the only enemies he could not win against, the last alliance was powerfull but Númenor in full military power could not need any of the elves aid to finish off Sauron armies
Good point! It would have made a lot more sense for Pharazon's fleet to have delivered Sauron to the shores of Valinor, albeit done out of hubris, as evidence to the Valar that they deserve compensation or more favor for accomplishing something that their immortal siblings (the elves) failed to do.
I actually like the "newer" version where Tar-Miriel yields the sceptre to Pharazon. In the published version Pharazon is a usuper, which would imply that he should have had difficulty getting the Numenorians to acknowledge him as their rightful King. Tolkien places a huge emphasis on rightful lineage and rulership, even for kings who go bad (e.g. Feanor) so this seemed odd to me. Of course in the "new" version I expect that the second he got the sceptre he would have "turned" on Miriel, leading to the same effect in the end.
This would be true for the most part. But Miriel and her father were of the faithful. Who were the minority. Pharazon was of the Kingsman. This the majority would of been fine with him taking the throne. He also gave the people great treasures that made him very popular. So it's probably one of the few times the people of a land in Tolkien's works would of not complained about pharazon rise to the throne.
I'll be interested to see what they choose do to in the series. Will be also interesting to watch Sauron's corruption of Ar Pharazon. Truth be told, I'm excited most for Elendil. Thank you NOTR for another great video. The gf & I are hooked
I always thought when they stepped foot on Valinor I thought they got killed and buried instantly, but I didn't know they stepped onto Valinor and lived for a while and made camp on the continent. I wonder what the elves of Valinor thought of mortal men entering the Blessed Realm unapposed for a while knowing that this was forbidden. I wonder how it felt to be on Valinor as a mortal man, if it was only for a while and how holy and magical it must have felt and if it affected them being on the Holy Continent.
Even though they are not dead and trapped. They are like the dead men of the white mountains that aragorn summoned. Only they will serve the valor at the final battle.
@@DirkPiddlemark Good on you for having an open mind. We have wanted more Lord of the Rings content for years, and this is the salty reception it gets? Get out of these types of videos and let us enjoy our content in peace without you naysayers. You’ve seen one teaser trailer, a couple of teaser images, and you already call it trash? Sounds to me like somebody’s mind has been warped. Go back to enjoying the original movies. They will always still be there. We will enjoy the new Lord of the Rings content while you gripe and complain that it’s bad when you’ve never even seen it.
@@rookcapcoldblood2618 that's all a you thing. I have never asked for more than the existing literature and the Bakshi film & Jackson's first trilogy. Tolkien is the most important author I've read second only to St Ignatius. It's the pinnacle and can only be diminished just like everything else. I absolutely positively will never see a second of this abomination.
I’ve read them Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and the Silmarillion over the last couple of years at bedtime, and they are captivated by the storytelling, characters and the incredible prose. They also love ships and pirates and knights and all that, so Middle Earth is right up their alley. Also incredibly entertaining for me! Although I’ve read all three stories more times than I care to admit, this is my one and only opportunity to read them OUT LOUD, and act as the narrator, as well as all the characters, while at the same time sharing these gems with my children. Truly magical for me.
Amandil’s last conversation with his son, Elendil, before he departs from Numenor into the West in attempt to make a plea to Manwe and the Valar is heart-wrenching.
@@quaffdowngin I think he knew that numenor was doomed and his plea was for the faithful and his son and grandsons to live, which although the island was destroyed, the 9 ships survived albeit badly damaged, his plea was answered
Bro, your reading of Sauron's lines sounds so similar to the guy who did the voice on GirlNextGondor's Sauron video. Very similar choices/ inflections.
Who would inherit the sceptre of Numenor, given the childless marriage of Ar-Pharazôn and Tar-Miriel, if Akallabêth did not happen? Great work, as always a top part of my Saturday entertainment!
I would love for a what if type video about what would have happened had Miriel become queen, would she have followed in her fathers footsteps? Would she have been deceived by Sauron aswell? Could she have saved Numenor from Moral ruin? Imo at least Numenor wouldnt have been destroyed because that only happened because of the invasion of Aman
To think humankind's most bitter enemy, who was at war with Pharazon for almost a century went from prisoner to head counselor in three years. Three years, chief? That's all it took? That head must be crazy good
The first version of Tar-Mariel is more tragic as she was forced into marriage despite being one of the faithful, had she ascended to the throne perhaps the fall of Numenor might not have happened. And it is said that Tar-Mariel went up the slopes of Meneltarma as the great wave approached to drown the entire landmass and she then perished in the waves, unwilling to ever leave Numenor, and in one version it said that Uinen, a Maia, tried to save Mariel but couldn't and so Uinen wept and caused the seas to surge even more.
One question for all: Who is your favourite non-king of Númenor? My favourite non-king is Amandil. He was Elendil's father and despite of the Ban He sailed westward to ask Valar to help people of Númenor and stop Sauron.
I would love to see Numenor at the height of its power. The Great Armada assembled. So mighty and vast that the forces of Sauron desert him and Sauron himself simply surrenders. It’s probably the single greatest military and naval power of Men in the history of Arda. Would love to see it depicted on screen.
I wonder what role Ar-Pharazon and his army would of played in Dagor Dagorlad, if Tolkien has kept it canon? I know at first glance that seems unlikely because the Numenorians were still mortal but it is said in the Silmarilion that they were trapped in the caves of the forgotten till the end of the world. It's easy to think they would side with Morgoth and Sauron but maybe a couple of thousand years trapped under mountains with nothing but their past mistakes to look upon might make them repentant and fight for the Valar.
@@thomasmuandersontheneousul4184 The line in The Hobbit is "It is not unlikely that they invented some of the machines that have since troubled the world, especially the ingenious devices for killing large numbers of people at once, for wheels and engines and explosions always delighted them, and also not working with their own hands more than they could help; but in those days and those wild parts they had not advanced (as it is called) so far." That could be read to say that goblins survived into our steam era, or that they were part of a previous industrial revolution that somehow inspired ours.
Hot take but as a huge ASOIAF fan, the whole period from the destruction of the Two Trees to the Fall of Númenor is much more interesting than LotR. It actually presents morally ambiguous and interesting characters that have deep inner conflict.
The story of the fall of Númenor is so tragic. The place once was so honourable back in the days of Elros Tar-Minyatur. It had lost far more than just its home island. It had lost its initial spark.
In the LOTR the numenorians don’t have facial hair like Aragon Denothor and Faramir, so how come in depictions of old numenorians they have beards? Is it because the royal house was of hador and not Beor?
I think it's just an often overlooked thing. Personally, I didn't think anything of it until the new Nature of Middle-earth book that said Aragorn, Pharazon, and others didn't have facial hair bc of their elven ancestry. Even Viggo had his rather impressive beard at the end of ROTK. It's just an easy way to convey passage of time/age for a mortal race, I think.
This info came to light in the recent "The Nature of Middle-earth", a book that was released after decades of artists illustrating things as they envisioned. Not saying you are judging them wrong, but it is not fair to point to them and say "This is wrong! Redo it!"
@@Alexs.2599 Aragorn, in the late Third Age, still had no beard. This trait endured in the Númenórëans and their distant descendants even after the Fall and after thousands of years.
What then happened to him and his people in Valinor? How does he end? Does he see the destruction of the world? Which effect could that have on him? Is he even angrier at the Valar or does he have a moment of realization that he is the one who brought doom to his people? Maybe even regret? That’s something I would really like to see in the show!
Okay, I am sorry to be off subject. But I have been binge watching these, and who here also is in love with Debbie, The Patreon supporter? I look forward to hearing that name! But seriously, Excellent Videos!
Sauron: "Speaking of Melkor the Greats accomplishments, there was that time he became the chief council of the greatest of Elves and tempted him to fight against his own kind. Eventually leading to a foolish gambit at conquest and his death." Ar-Pharazon: "That's totally not a red flag, please tell me more."
Not having read the Silmarillion yet, I am left to wonder about the practicalities of Sauron's deceipt. He seems to have preyed mostly on Ar-Pharazôn's fear of death (and desire for power), suggesting the Valar owed their immortality to the lands they roamed. However, Sauron himself would not have aged, would he? Did this not rouse suspicion in Ar-Pharazôn? Did Sauron continuously change his appearance to fake aging? Or did Sauron perhaps look like an Elf? Or did Ar-Pharazôn really just miss the fact that the guy telling him the Valar know the secret to immortality but won't share it, doesn't seem to age at all? 😅
All Sauron would have to say is, "Yes, I've gotten a piece of it. And I am happy to tell you how to get a piece yourself. The Valar do not permit it, and they hate me for what morsel I have managed, but I am not a king as mighty as Ar-Pharazaon. You, and your vast armies and fleets, could do better than I."
But Sauron and the other Valar/Maiar are not unique in not ageing, the Elves do not either generally speaking. If he was going by the guise of Annatar, Ar-Pharazôn might have assumed he was just an Elf.
I hope they(Amazon) will film epic fight Isildur vs. Guard of the Tree. This could cost Isildur his life, but He went there, because He knew that Tar-Palantír's words were truth.
We wish the series follows the book as much as possible and of course with a high expectations that the team (makers of the rings of power) would transfer the chapters of silmarillion into a great cinema..
Gotta say, first, love your videos! New subscriber here! Two, it's interesitng how Ar-Pharazon had a love hate relationship with Amandil despite their differences. But alas, it was not enough to stave off an entire nation heading to its doom. It's very Biblical in a sense of a chosen nation corrupting itself despite attempts to save it. Also, do you have a video on Queens of Numenor like Tar-Miriel? I'm curious on how Queens or female leaders are done in Tolkien's works? Could you do a general video on that?
I'm planning to do one on the Queens of Numenor. Miriel was never actually Queen, but I'll either include her in that or do one of her on her own. The *Ruling* Queens mostly come during large stretches where we have very few notes on any of the rulers. There's only a handful of Numenorean rulers that have sizable stories.
The reason for them not portraying the story of gand Tar-Miriel faithfully is that it doesn't work with the narrative of the strong woman. They wanted Tar-Miriel to be independent and a ruler of her own, who is instead getting deposed by a man. Most likely because it evokes the image of racism and populists like Trump. Hence, in the series, they made Miriel a woman of colour, and Arondir the only seen black elf. It awakes so much more imagery when a white man insults Arondir for being an elf with "pointy ears" - while his color is what they want us to see.
Are you looking forward to seeing Ar-Pharazôn in the Rings of Power show? Which version of Tar-Míriel do you think they will adapt?
who are not looking forward to the Rings of Power
I'm looking forward to seeing the downfall of Numenor and with it, Ar-Pharazon. The sinking is something I always wanted to see in a show or film. (There was a fan animation like a video game once, but that's not official).
I think they will choose the version from the Silmarillion
Yes. Very
They will definitly pick the version from thepeople of middle earth
I am fairly convinced, given his life, that Tuor was granted the blessing of the Eldar from Eru himself upon sailing to Vallinor in the First Age, allowing Tuor to remain there forever. I imagine Tuor probably heard of the Numenoreans arriving in Vallinor in force, and he said something like, "Guys, you're doing it wrong."
The main problem is that when Ar-Pharazôn took Sauron as his prisoner, he clearly had no idea what he was or who he was actually dealing with.
I think that the people of Numenor had their own culture and history and having been isolated from Middle Earth for hundreds or thousands of years were simply not interested in the events of Middle Earth, until they made their first colonies in the south lands. They were probably very proud and felt superior to relate to the elves and dwarves, while the men of the south lands were much less evolved than they were. In their arrogance they probably didn't study the history of Middle Earth...
It reminds me of the first episode of The Sandman on Netflix. Some novice wizard captures the Lord of Dreams Morpheus yet he doesn't understand the gravity of what he did by doing that and when he finally breaks free it's a bloodbath.
Sauron was pushing against an open door. Like the Frenchman said, it's easy enough to get them to do what they want to do... He told Pharazon what he wanted to hear. And I think Pharazon knew he'd defeated and captured a Maia. Which could only have swelled his already swollen ego. He was a sociolopath with a throne. As history shows, the most dangerous kind.
It's a tradition that when "Nerd of the Rings" publishes a video we drop everything and sit and watch.
I prefer the original version that Tar-Miriel was forced into marriage and yielding the sceptre. It makes her character more tragic and less deserving of the gruesome end.
Also, the couple never had any kids. Granted, this doesn't prove anything, but it points in the direction of a loveless marriage, much like in the case of Aldarion and Erendis.
@@untruelie2640 It would have been more tragic if they had kids. A bit like Andromache from the Trojan War where she was forced to become a concubine of her enemy and have his kids.
EXACTLY
Given Tolkien used Egyptian history this fits -
WARNING
Incest WAS considered normal among Egyptian royalty
new evidence is it did happen but was rare but given JRR's time it matches that
he'd assume decadent rulers and incest - George RR Martin would be proud
Pretty sure she will wind up being a Miriel-Sue. I know I know, even Isildur wouldn't have gone for such low hanging fruit. Be sure and tip your waitress, folks.
I actually get so sad when I listen to the story of the fall of Numenor..like it is a real historical event 😞 Great video..thank you!
Yes, it is the quintessential story of hybris. The Númenorians had everything that humans could ever hope to achieve, yet they threw it away and became followers of evil itself. This was provably the worst betrayal in the history of Arda and the subsequent punishment was equally bad...
"...and they didn't speak of Elenna anymore, of Andor, the gift that was taken away again [...] they spoke of Mar-nu-Falmar, the one overpowered by the waves, of Akallabêth, the Downfallen..."
It's also basically the story of Atlantis, but on Arda. 🙂
Ditto
@@untruelie2640 well they wanted immortality like the ainur and the elves
Tolkien was a great scholar of many history books and surely he read Plato's Timaeus and Critias in which we ege fragments of the story of Atlantis, a vast ocean empire that supposedly existed about 15000 years ago on Earth.
An egyptian priest told Solon, an ancestor of Plato the story of the people of the Atlantic, who fell to corruption and came to make war on the kingdoms of the Mediterranean at that time. They managed to conquer Europe all the way to Tyrrhenia (present day Croatia) and N Africa all the way to Lybia. But they were stopped by the great armies of the Hellenes and unified peoples of the Balkans. They were defeated and driven back into the Atlantic and all the countries they had conquered were restored to the rightful people as the Hellenes graciously liberated all from the yoke of the Atlantiens and helped them recover after the great war.
This is only the gist of it, the egyptian priest say a lot more about their fall and periodic cataclysms and how humanity was reseeded by the gods. Interesting stuff. If you want to learn more about the Atlantiens i recommend those two books: Timaeus and Critias, by Plato.
Anyway, this is where Tolkien was inspired to write his story of Numenor.
Yes great man been wanting this one for ages. Hoping for Elendil now :) This channel is amazing
Elendil will certainly get his own video as well! Thanks for enjoying NOTR!
@@NerdoftheRings can't wait!
I can only imagine what the interactions between Sauron and Pharazon’s Faithful brother were like during those council meetings.
Loved your reading of Sauron's lines, the perfect balance of "fair" and evil temptation!
He sounds so camp though?
“Ar-Pharazôn hardened his heart, and he went aboard his mighty ship, Alcarondas, Castle of the Sea. Many-oared it was and many-masted, golden and sable; and upon it his throne was set. Then he did on his panoply and his crown, and let raise his standard. He gave the signal for the raising of the anchors. And in that hour, the trumpets of Númenor outrang the thunder.”
- “Akallabêth,” _The Silmarillion,_ p. 333
I can totally imagine the scene in front of my eyes!
Visuals in the words.. beautifully explained
When you talked of The Golden the imagery struck me as very Pharoah-like, but it wasn't until you mentioned the people of Númenor "hardened their hearts" that I realized the tale of Ar-Pharazôn is very inspired by Pharoah Rameses in the story of the biblical Exodus. Even his name: Pharoah-Ra/Ar-Pharazôn.
The stubborn and proud king of a great land, a great monument built by slaves at his decree, warnings from the divine which only strengthen his resolve against Eru/God. Suffering comes to the innocent and guilty alike because of the king's choice to oppose Eru/God, and only the people faithful to Eru/God are passed over.
But in this version of the story the Red Sea swallows the entirety of Egypt, rather than just the king's men, and only a handful of the faithful are spared this horrible fate.
I can't wait to see this story brought to life in Rings of Power, especially if they lean into the Prince Of Egypt/Ten Commandments parallels!
The Númenóreans of Gondor were proud, peculiar, and archaic, and I think are best pictured in (say) Egyptian terms. In many ways they resembled ‘Egyptians’ - the love of, and power to construct, the gigantic and massive. And in their great interest in ancestry and in tombs. (But not of course in 'theology’ : in which respect they were Hebraic and even more puritan…) I think the crown of Gondor (the S. Kingdom) was very tall, like that of Egypt, but with wings attached, not set straight back but at an angle. The N. Kingdom had only a diadem the difference between the N. and S. kingdoms of Egypt.
Letter by JRR
Working on a lore vid will drop a link when done
pharaoh*
I also agree with Egyptian references; however, Tolkien still opted for first cousing to make an incestous story...despite all the egyptian clues...BUT THEN HE WENT THAT ROAD WITH HURIN'S CHILDREN!!! not fair Tolkien...not fair...
additionally, i agree it sounds similar to Red Sea incident...Then the destruction of Beleriand also aligns with Noah's Arc story
Great video Matt! Especially the voice-over for Sauron is really sinister :D
The whole speech from Saruan is the thing I look forward to the most in the adaptation.
I'm almost certain Sauron is one of the 23 pictures but in his Eldar/human form. My guess, it is the map/scroll/(blueprint for a nice and cozy temple of Melkor) picture.
@@olivergoebel9000 I bet they made him a transgender or something
@@JayJay5244 ah they will ruin it anyway by all that inclusion. I mean you have people of the south and east anyway, but hey we need a poc eldar and what else. And hey, he also has superpowers and can catch arrows out of the air 😂. I mean they could have introduced some dope black numenorians which are opposed to their faction. Also introducing them as mixed couple from the beginning which is so stupid, because it goes against all odds of the Tolkien history. Like, hey that happened like 3 times in total, but hey lets go and throw it into the mix. Especially since they gonna kill off her in the first season anyway, brcause of the timejumps. Probably she magically turns into an eldar by intervention the valar...
But I might overcritize here and it can be a funny story. Looking forward to see what they did with the dwarves.
Thought that Sauron was supposed to look like an elf or younger human in fair form
@@Thormil576 Really depends on how much lore they actually will use. Looking forward to seeing him as the lord of the gifts. I actually have no clue in which form he appears while he is captured by/consulting the Numenorians.
MATT. THE WAY YOU READ THAT QUOTE FROM SAURON. WELL DONE. Also, I wrote a poem last night mentioning Ar -Pharazôn, weirdly enough
Sauron having the monument to Pharazon destroyed really shows how little he cared for all he manipulated,how they all ultimately meant nothing to him
After all those years of flattery and seduction of Pharazon he moves on from his old puppet immediately
He never "cared" obviously, but Sauron was humiliated and laid low by him, of course he would get rid of a reminder to men and himself that he could be defeated.
Yeah. I think he o my trusted The Lord of Angmar a bit. His victims were nothing after their use dried up.
The detail of the history of this world is incredible! I could only wish and hope that Amazon pays attention to this and doesn't try to take cheap shortcuts.
This was amazinggggggggg
Every video you make is perfect!
You`re the best tolkien channel, my friend.
From start to end and all within it: the pictures, the voices, the music, how long the quates are, even the number of ads during the video..
You`re the best! thanks!
Thanks for this summary on the end of Numenor! It's nice to have it before the Amazon show airs. I'm looking forward to more content about the second age to be prepared.
The sketches paintings watercolors etc flowed wonderfully with your telling of this tale actually sit and watch all the transitions this time all there are work all of your artwork damn appreciated
Ar-Pharazôn is, at least in my vision, one of the most sinister characters Tolkien ever wrote. A king that allowed evil to thrive in his heart, to the point of ordering human sacrifices and openly blaspheming against what essentially were the gods of Middle-Earth, even declaring open war on them.
Perhaps its because of my catholic upbringing, but blasphemy, moreso the more blatant ways that Ar-Pharazôn and the númenoreans practiced, even worshipping Melkor, who's pretty much Satan, is a really sinister and terrible thought for me.
Satanic worship almost never includes human or animal sacrifice, only insane psychopaths practice such things. In fact most satanists are very peaceful people.
It's in our nature to crave power we do not deserve.
@@darthkenobi6726 hell, the most famous groups of "Satanists" are satanic temple and church of satan
neither even believe that Satan exists
A crucial distinction must be made between theistic Satanists and athiestic Satanists. The former literally worship the Devil and do horrible and cruel things in his name. The latter basically just use the version of Lucifer from Paradise Lost as an anti-authoritarian leader as inspiration for their philosophy of rebellion against the idea of God, often emphasizing a naturalistic worldview and the value of the self rather than adherence to any ruling power.
Nearly everyone you will encounter who claim the label of Satanists will be the athiestic type. The theistic Satanists are unfortunately secretive and duplicitous much like their master, it's very unlikely you'll meet one who freely confesses to be so.
@@JainaSoloB312 I'm aware of that. This wasn't my point lol
In all honesty, given Sauron's character, I wouldn't be surprised if Sauron was the one that dispersed his forces, knowing that he could not take on Numenór directly and had to use other means to bring it to heel. Sauron is an excellent judge of character, so he would already know that Pharazon would easily be swayed, all he needs to do is appear to humble himself and then work his magic once Pharazon appears to have fallen for the ruse.
THE MUSIC BEHIND THESE VIDEOS ARE JUST PURE ART!!!!!!!!!! Makes these videos a masterpiece
Not only the music, behold the art work as well!
I can’t figure out how the authors managed to deal with the story of Ar Pharazon and Sauron in a compressed timeline. I hope they will be able to to render the the tragic evolution which will eventually bring about the destruction of Numenor
I am so worried for this show tbh.
I think it has more to do with the quality of how it is done than the time they take to tell the story, as in Tolkien's writing it's really just a few short paragraphs. Yet he manages to convey the magnitude and serious of the events through is writing. And you're right I HATE how they're compressing the timeline.
@@hodgrix I also think that the "less is more" approach when it comes to these matters really helps as we tend to fill in the gaps or at least have less to go off to really criticize it in any sort of way. At least the way I felt when I was reading about these events it felt more like history rather than a story.
The amazon show will obviously not have the same treatment and regardless of the compressed timeline will have a vast greater amount of material under the scrutiny of the fans.
Spoiler alert. They didn't.
@@capd3262 Spoiler alert. They just haven't gotten there yet.
"Ar-Pharazon the Golden was the proudest and most powerful of all the King's, and no less than the kingship of the world was his desire." -- The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A
Man I think that I've never in my life been more excited than now, waiting for tomorow's trailer!! I hope to see Ar-Pharazon in his full glory and proud, but also in his most darkest ambitions!!
Nerd, another great video, hope to see you on the live stream!!!
Another great video!! 👏👏👏.
It never fails to be top tier Tolkien content.
Thanks so much! :)
So glad I found this channel! Love the visuals and audio is all on point.
Ar pharazon the king who brought sauron on chains. Also the king who reason to the Sack of numenor. Brilliant video. I also watched your videos by downloading. We always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.
12:34 this didnt age well :(
Numenor be like: I ain't scared of no ghost.
Seeing the notification at work, knowing the topic for hours, before I can watch…. It’s torture and foreplay all at the same time.
11:37 Anarion's portrait uses the artwork for Boromir in the Journeys in Middle-Earth boardgame
The Great Armament is one of my most favorite parts of Middle Earth history and this should be epic to see in one of the Rings of Power seasons. A seemingly unstoppable force taken out by Eru himself, but I do I wonder if Sauron knew the Númenórean armada would be destroyed as quickly as it did upon reaching the Undying Lands or was he just as surprised as they were, at the swiftness of destruction.
Sauron was there when Eru brought the world into existence and the Valar built it under his power. He knew exactly how it would go. He was surprised by the island sinking tho
Seemingly is obviously the key word, of course, since if the Valar had no issue harming let alone killing any of the Children of Ilúvatar (there being rules put in place against such acts by Eru), their duty being to assist and not harm the Elves & Men as Matt stated in the video, then Ar-Pharazôn and the Númerórean armament would've been completely annihilated by the Valar, akin to ants (Númenóreans) trying and inevitably failing to face off against the tide (the Valar). Plus, there's also the Eldar dwelling in Valinor for the Valar to be concerned about, since they couldn't risk harming or killing any of the Elves there in the Undying Lands, especially given that the Valar have a track record of causing cataclysmic destruction on an immense scale whenever they are involved even when they probably try their utmost in limiting said destruction as much as they can. Hell, Ossë, a Maia, could've just sunk the Númerórean armada when they were sailing to Valinor and sink the island upon which Númenor was located since he did raise it up out of the sea if he too had no qualms in doing so on both occasions (due to the aforementioned rules).
Sauron knew what he was doing for sure! He set Ar-Pharazon up to fail. I guess he weren't counting on losing his "Annatar Form" though. 😛The Destruction of Numenor was, I think, one of Sauron's greatest achievements in the Second Age.
Sauron was counting on their destruction. He knew that breaking the Ban of the Valar was punishable by death, as a similar account is shown when Eärendil and Elwing travel to Aman in the First Age. Namo (Mandos) wants them executed for entering the Undying Lands, but since they went there suing for pardon and assistance in defeating Morgoth, they were forgiven and allowed to remain in Aman. In Pharazôn's case, because he went there to make war upon the Valar and broke the Ban (which was set forth by Eru, and enforced by the Valar), they were entombed. This, Sauron did not take into account, that harming the Children of Illuvatar was outside of the Valar's authority. By all means, the sinking of Númenor and breaking of the world surprised Sauron, and he ended up losing his ability to take on fair forms, as divine punishment from Eru himself.
I actually like the alternate account more. It gives Miriel more agency in her fate than just being a sad, tragic maiden. We also have so few female villains in Tolkien's works. There is Beruthiel, the female vampire creature from the first age tha never gets page-time and Ungoliant + Shelob (if you count monstrous spiders).
The one problem with the changed account would be that she is mostly doing it, because she has the hots for Pharazon and willingly gives her authority to him. Still, I feel the idea had potential.
imagine showing ar-pharazon and his armies attacking valinor with all those ships in the amazon show
😂
Amazon will make the valar shoot rainbow 🌈 beams from their butt cracks at the numenorian fleet lol
Ring holes of power @@teovu5557
I can't wait to see Iluvatar drop the mountains on the invading Numenorian and the destruction of Numenor should be colossal and jaw dropping.
September 2nd will be the best birthday gift EVER!
This dude's name has been my Xbox gamertag for a while now. Fascinating character and his name is just cool.
It's a shame Divine Intervention stopped Ar-Pharazon's invasion, it would have been interesting to see The King's Men do battle with the forces of Valinor.
Mhmm... Remember that they managed to defeat Morgoth (one of their own) and all of his forces several times? These are the powers of the world, not just some petty warlords. They could've annihilated the Númenorians, but their role was not to rule over the Children of Illúvatar, so they weren't allowed to harm them. At least not on this scale.
maybe the RoP show could have that take place??
it would be interesting indeed and we don't know how great their force was. Since their host against Sauron was so huge and mighty that even the Orcs betrayed him, i would say it was a host comparable to the great armies of the first age... but then again the host of Valinor was so great it could defeat the countless orcs of Morgoth, Dragons, Balrogs, etc... Not to mention the Valar themself like Tulkas might be fighting...
They would definitely defeat the Numenoreans, but i think the destruction would be terrible and the Valar would not risk that.
The Valar let loose Tulkas. Oh boy!
@@randombruv5062 ah it would be boring. I mean yeah, Fingolfin taught us that even a "lesser" being could wound a Valar... but the way Ingwe is portrayed... he would beat Sauron, Turin, Glorfindel, Fingolfin, Tuor, every great warrior and hero that we know. Ingwe is just the beast at arms.
Edit: ah shit, i confused Ingwe and Eonwe, sorry
Damn, Ar-Pharazon really showed up to heaven and went "Hey, if none if you literal gods are brave enough to step up and do anything about it, this is all mine! I own it!"
Guess you get what you pay for...
Tolkien's world-building was incredible. Dude created entire histories and languages just for the backstory.
Yay I love your video! Keep up the great work
5:20 You forgot to mention that Sauron's mocking of Ar-Pharazon's mighty fleet. He raised the sea like a mountain and cast the great armada out of the sea:
"Guards were set at the haven of Moriondë in the east of the land, where the rocks are dark, watching at the king’s command without ceasing for the ships’ return. It was night, but there was a bright Moon. They descried ships far off, and they seemed to be sailing west at a speed greater than the storm, though there was little wind. *Suddenly the sea became unquiet; it rose until it became like a mountain, and it rolled upon the land. The ships were lifted up, and cast far inland, and lay in the fields.* Upon that ship which was cast highest and stood dry upon a hill there was a man, or one in man’s shape, but greater than any even of the race of Númenor in stature. ‘He stood upon the rock and said: ‘This is done as a sign of power. For I am Sauron the mighty, servant of the Strong” (wherein he spoke darkly). “I have come. Be glad, men of Númenor, for I will take thy king to be my king, and the world shall be given into his hand.” And it seemed to men that Sauron was great; though they feared the light of his eyes. To many he appeared fair, to others terrible; but to some evil."
[J.R.R Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien, The Lost Road and Other Writings, p.73-74]
Wat was the total number of troops Ar-Pharazon took from Numenor to middle earth ?
It was the perfect plan, the Númerorians had a so vast and skillfull army that only Morgoth and his legions could go against it, Sauron didn't stand a chance, but because of Ar-Pharazôn pride instead of handing over Sauron to the Valar he plagued the biggest nation/kingdom of man to utter destruction, because even the elves being so wise and powerfull, the only military power in the second age that could put Sauron at bay was the numenorians, and Sauron plan was flawless, destroying from the inside the only enemies he could not win against, the last alliance was powerfull but Númenor in full military power could not need any of the elves aid to finish off Sauron armies
Good point! It would have made a lot more sense for Pharazon's fleet to have delivered Sauron to the shores of Valinor, albeit done out of hubris, as evidence to the Valar that they deserve compensation or more favor for accomplishing something that their immortal siblings (the elves) failed to do.
I actually like the "newer" version where Tar-Miriel yields the sceptre to Pharazon. In the published version Pharazon is a usuper, which would imply that he should have had difficulty getting the Numenorians to acknowledge him as their rightful King. Tolkien places a huge emphasis on rightful lineage and rulership, even for kings who go bad (e.g. Feanor) so this seemed odd to me. Of course in the "new" version I expect that the second he got the sceptre he would have "turned" on Miriel, leading to the same effect in the end.
This would be true for the most part. But Miriel and her father were of the faithful. Who were the minority. Pharazon was of the Kingsman. This the majority would of been fine with him taking the throne. He also gave the people great treasures that made him very popular. So it's probably one of the few times the people of a land in Tolkien's works would of not complained about pharazon rise to the throne.
You must be utterly disappointed at how simplistic the show is
Another great vid!! Keep it up! Maybe Erendis next to follow up the numenorian theme? Its one of my favorites!
I'll def be covering Aldarion and Erendis in an upcoming vid!
@@NerdoftheRings this means I’m finally getting my Aldarion and Erendis video? This makes me happy!
awesome cool Matt loved this one looking forward to your next video
I'll be interested to see what they choose do to in the series. Will be also interesting to watch Sauron's corruption of Ar Pharazon. Truth be told, I'm excited most for Elendil. Thank you NOTR for another great video. The gf & I are hooked
Awesome video !
Great vid as always!
Interesting as always. Thank you all involved.
One of my favourites, can't wait to see him and Annatar in the show🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
They completely destroyed the Numenorean storyline in the show. The books are so much better.
What, not a fan of a kingdom making decisions through the falling of tree leaves?
I always thought when they stepped foot on Valinor I thought they got killed and buried instantly, but I didn't know they stepped onto Valinor and lived for a while and made camp on the continent. I wonder what the elves of Valinor thought of mortal men entering the Blessed Realm unapposed for a while knowing that this was forbidden. I wonder how it felt to be on Valinor as a mortal man, if it was only for a while and how holy and magical it must have felt and if it affected them being on the Holy Continent.
Even though they are not dead and trapped. They are like the dead men of the white mountains that aragorn summoned.
Only they will serve the valor at the final battle.
I don't think the show can acknowledge Numenor, they've only got the rights to like 150 pgs of the Simarillion.
@@Alexs.2599 whatever, no way in hell I'm watching a second of this trash
@@DirkPiddlemark
Good on you for having an open mind.
We have wanted more Lord of the Rings content for years, and this is the salty reception it gets? Get out of these types of videos and let us enjoy our content in peace without you naysayers. You’ve seen one teaser trailer, a couple of teaser images, and you already call it trash? Sounds to me like somebody’s mind has been warped.
Go back to enjoying the original movies. They will always still be there. We will enjoy the new Lord of the Rings content while you gripe and complain that it’s bad when you’ve never even seen it.
@@rookcapcoldblood2618 that's all a you thing. I have never asked for more than the existing literature and the Bakshi film & Jackson's first trilogy. Tolkien is the most important author I've read second only to St Ignatius. It's the pinnacle and can only be diminished just like everything else.
I absolutely positively will never see a second of this abomination.
You forgot to add the prophecy that Ar-Pharazôn and his army will await (buried) until the end of days and the Dagor Dagorath.
This is glorious work
Another wonderful video Matt’, I hope his TV portrayal is as good.
Can you do a video on Ar-Adûnakhôr and Ar-Gimilzôr? I think the two are key figures in understanding the later periods of Numenor.
I hope the mortality of Man has the same force in the Amazon series.
ah yes, eru will smite mortal men that are corrupted by higher beings but wont stop melkor or sauron or the legions of balrogs.
Just read the final fate of At-Pharazon to my kids last night from the Akallabeth! What timing!
How did your kids react?
I’ve read them Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and the Silmarillion over the last couple of years at bedtime, and they are captivated by the storytelling, characters and the incredible prose. They also love ships and pirates and knights and all that, so Middle Earth is right up their alley. Also incredibly entertaining for me! Although I’ve read all three stories more times than I care to admit, this is my one and only opportunity to read them OUT LOUD, and act as the narrator, as well as all the characters, while at the same time sharing these gems with my children. Truly magical for me.
Amandil’s last conversation with his son, Elendil, before he departs from Numenor into the West in attempt to make a plea to Manwe and the Valar is heart-wrenching.
@@quaffdowngin that's awesome, dude! If you don't mind me asking who is your kids favorite character?
@@quaffdowngin
I think he knew that numenor was doomed and his plea was for the faithful and his son and grandsons to live, which although the island was destroyed, the 9 ships survived albeit badly damaged, his plea was answered
Don't forget that the Akallabeth was written in-universe by Elendil, who has zero reason to show any redeeming features in Pharazon.
What?! He was not chosen by a random bird? 😮
Bro, your reading of Sauron's lines sounds so similar to the guy who did the voice on GirlNextGondor's Sauron video. Very similar choices/ inflections.
Would be dope as hell to get a series on the different languages of middle earth, especially after hearing the Numenoreans rejected valar names
Could it be possible to make a video about Amandil? Last Faithful counsellor on Númenor deserves his own video.
Yet another gem. Thank you.
Definitely among the most despicable characters in Tolkien's Legendarium - but a cautionary and poetic one, as well.
Who would inherit the sceptre of Numenor, given the childless marriage of Ar-Pharazôn and Tar-Miriel, if Akallabêth did not happen?
Great work, as always a top part of my Saturday entertainment!
Probably the line of the Faithful ironically.
@@gavinsmith9871 I wonder if that was a reason why Ar-Pharazôn have forbidden to harass them in any way.
@@kornelgrunwald7255 That...That actually makes sense. Headcanon accepted.
Damn I love your stuff, man. Great job!
I would love for a what if type video about what would have happened had Miriel become queen, would she have followed in her fathers footsteps? Would she have been deceived by Sauron aswell? Could she have saved Numenor from Moral ruin? Imo at least Numenor wouldnt have been destroyed because that only happened because of the invasion of Aman
To think humankind's most bitter enemy, who was at war with Pharazon for almost a century went from prisoner to head counselor in three years. Three years, chief? That's all it took? That head must be crazy good
Wow, what a tragic story. Really hope Rings of Power keeps true to it.
Cant wait for the Amazon series to see what Numonor society looks like.
The first version of Tar-Mariel is more tragic as she was forced into marriage despite being one of the faithful, had she ascended to the throne perhaps the fall of Numenor might not have happened. And it is said that Tar-Mariel went up the slopes of Meneltarma as the great wave approached to drown the entire landmass and she then perished in the waves, unwilling to ever leave Numenor, and in one version it said that Uinen, a Maia, tried to save Mariel but couldn't and so Uinen wept and caused the seas to surge even more.
One question for all: Who is your favourite non-king of Númenor? My favourite non-king is Amandil. He was Elendil's father and despite of the Ban He sailed westward to ask Valar to help people of Númenor and stop Sauron.
Great video
He is definetly the most interesting and explored king of Númenor in my opinion.
Sauron hated this guy so much he'd rather trick him into YOLO'ing at Valinor rather than usurp him to conquer Arda.
I would love to see Numenor at the height of its power. The Great Armada assembled. So mighty and vast that the forces of Sauron desert him and Sauron himself simply surrenders. It’s probably the single greatest military and naval power of Men in the history of Arda. Would love to see it depicted on screen.
I wonder what role Ar-Pharazon and his army would of played in Dagor Dagorlad, if Tolkien has kept it canon? I know at first glance that seems unlikely because the Numenorians were still mortal but it is said in the Silmarilion that they were trapped in the caves of the forgotten till the end of the world. It's easy to think they would side with Morgoth and Sauron but maybe a couple of thousand years trapped under mountains with nothing but their past mistakes to look upon might make them repentant and fight for the Valar.
I think in the Hobbit it says the goblins are still alive IN OUR TIME but I could be wrong
@@thomasmuandersontheneousul4184 The line in The Hobbit is "It is not unlikely that they invented some of the machines that have since troubled the world, especially the ingenious devices for killing large numbers of people at once, for wheels and engines and explosions always delighted them, and also not working with their own hands more than they could help; but in those days and those wild parts they had not advanced (as it is called) so far." That could be read to say that goblins survived into our steam era, or that they were part of a previous industrial revolution that somehow inspired ours.
I like the idea of them actually attaining immortality, if a very boring / unpleasant one.
Hot take but as a huge ASOIAF fan, the whole period from the destruction of the Two Trees to the Fall of Númenor is much more interesting than LotR. It actually presents morally ambiguous and interesting characters that have deep inner conflict.
The story of the fall of Númenor is so tragic. The place once was so honourable back in the days of Elros Tar-Minyatur. It had lost far more than just its home island. It had lost its initial spark.
Now I can imagine Ar-Pharazon a combination of king Leoric from Diablo I & III with Ramses when he decided to harden his heart.
In the LOTR the numenorians don’t have facial hair like Aragon Denothor and Faramir, so how come in depictions of old numenorians they have beards? Is it because the royal house was of hador and not Beor?
I think it's just an often overlooked thing. Personally, I didn't think anything of it until the new Nature of Middle-earth book that said Aragorn, Pharazon, and others didn't have facial hair bc of their elven ancestry. Even Viggo had his rather impressive beard at the end of ROTK. It's just an easy way to convey passage of time/age for a mortal race, I think.
This info came to light in the recent "The Nature of Middle-earth", a book that was released after decades of artists illustrating things as they envisioned. Not saying you are judging them wrong, but it is not fair to point to them and say "This is wrong! Redo it!"
@@leonardofaber5823 well I wasn’t saying redo it I was just wondering why
@@billychops1280 my bad interpretation
@@Alexs.2599 Aragorn, in the late Third Age, still had no beard. This trait endured in the Númenórëans and their distant descendants even after the Fall and after thousands of years.
What then happened to him and his people in Valinor? How does he end?
Does he see the destruction of the world?
Which effect could that have on him?
Is he even angrier at the Valar or does he have a moment of realization that he is the one who brought doom to his people? Maybe even regret?
That’s something I would really like to see in the show!
It is said that he and his army is trapped under the sea unto the ending of the world
Okay, I am sorry to be off subject. But I have been binge watching these, and who here also is in love with Debbie, The Patreon supporter? I look forward to hearing that name!
But seriously, Excellent Videos!
Excellent video
Can't wait for Rings of Power.💍🌟💪🏼
Aged like milk....
Sauron: "Speaking of Melkor the Greats accomplishments, there was that time he became the chief council of the greatest of Elves and tempted him to fight against his own kind. Eventually leading to a foolish gambit at conquest and his death."
Ar-Pharazon: "That's totally not a red flag, please tell me more."
Not having read the Silmarillion yet, I am left to wonder about the practicalities of Sauron's deceipt. He seems to have preyed mostly on Ar-Pharazôn's fear of death (and desire for power), suggesting the Valar owed their immortality to the lands they roamed. However, Sauron himself would not have aged, would he? Did this not rouse suspicion in Ar-Pharazôn? Did Sauron continuously change his appearance to fake aging? Or did Sauron perhaps look like an Elf? Or did Ar-Pharazôn really just miss the fact that the guy telling him the Valar know the secret to immortality but won't share it, doesn't seem to age at all? 😅
All Sauron would have to say is, "Yes, I've gotten a piece of it. And I am happy to tell you how to get a piece yourself. The Valar do not permit it, and they hate me for what morsel I have managed, but I am not a king as mighty as Ar-Pharazaon. You, and your vast armies and fleets, could do better than I."
@@Duiker36 Fair enough! I suppose I would not make for a very good Deceiver 😅
But Sauron and the other Valar/Maiar are not unique in not ageing, the Elves do not either generally speaking. If he was going by the guise of Annatar, Ar-Pharazôn might have assumed he was just an Elf.
@NerdoftheRings where do the spirits of the men go who were sacrificed in the name of melkor ?
I hope they(Amazon) will film epic fight Isildur vs. Guard of the Tree. This could cost Isildur his life, but He went there, because He knew that Tar-Palantír's words were truth.
In the rings of power they already make you instantly not like him lol
The man who almost prevented the creation of the one ring.
We wish the series follows the book as much as possible and of course with a high expectations that the team (makers of the rings of power) would transfer the chapters of silmarillion into a great cinema..
Gotta say, first, love your videos! New subscriber here!
Two, it's interesitng how Ar-Pharazon had a love hate relationship with Amandil despite their differences. But alas, it was not enough to stave off an entire nation heading to its doom. It's very Biblical in a sense of a chosen nation corrupting itself despite attempts to save it.
Also, do you have a video on Queens of Numenor like Tar-Miriel? I'm curious on how Queens or female leaders are done in Tolkien's works? Could you do a general video on that?
I'm planning to do one on the Queens of Numenor. Miriel was never actually Queen, but I'll either include her in that or do one of her on her own. The *Ruling* Queens mostly come during large stretches where we have very few notes on any of the rulers. There's only a handful of Numenorean rulers that have sizable stories.
I think there were only two queens of Numenor, weren't there?
ar pharazon, and tar palantir !!! what great names they are , so migthy , i love the names of almost all the midle earth characters
another great video.
Thanks so much! :)
The reason for them not portraying the story of gand Tar-Miriel faithfully is that it doesn't work with the narrative of the strong woman. They wanted Tar-Miriel to be independent and a ruler of her own, who is instead getting deposed by a man. Most likely because it evokes the image of racism and populists like Trump.
Hence, in the series, they made Miriel a woman of colour, and Arondir the only seen black elf. It awakes so much more imagery when a white man insults Arondir for being an elf with "pointy ears" - while his color is what they want us to see.