Exploring the Mysterious Activities of the Black Númenóreans in the Third Age of Middle-earth

The realm of Middle-earth, as portrayed in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, is a complex and richly detailed world that encompasses many enigmatic elements. Among these are the mysterious activities of the Black Númenóreans, an often overlooked but ultimately influential group during the Third Age. While not extensively discussed in works such as The Lord of the Rings, these individuals play a critical role in the conflicts and politics of the era. This article aims to shed light on their existence, their activities, and their impact on the world.

Origins and Background

The Black Númenóreans are descended from the so-called “King’s Men” of ancient Númenor, the great maritime kingdom that was eventually destroyed at the end of the Second Age. These individuals, driven by arrogance and avarice, broke their allegiance to the Valar, the most powerful and ancient beings in Middle-earth. They embraceddark powers, including the worship of Morgoth, the most ancient of the evil powers, and the influence of Sauron, a former Maia (angelic being) who resorted to deception and manipulation to achieve his goals. Sauron, seeking to corrupt Númenor from within, deliberately surrendered himself to Ar-Pharazon, the last king of Númenor, and was brought to the island, where he began to influence and corrupt the population.

Activities and Involvement

During the Third Age, the Black Númenóreans maintained a significant presence along the western shores of Middle-earth, with Umbar serving as their closest stronghold. Gondor, the kingdom founded by the Faithful followers of Elendil, particularly clashed with the Black Númenóreans for centuries over control of Umbar. Despite the eventual conquest of Umbar by Gondor, remnants of the Black Númenóreans undoubtedly persisted, likely hiding in other southern bases and continuing their dark activities.

One notable individual linked to the Black Númenóreans is Beruthiel, the wife of King Tarannon Falastur of Gondor, who is sometimes described as part of their lineage. This claim adds a layer of intrigue to their influence, suggesting that they had far-reaching and insidious connections within the upper echelons of Gondorian society.

Notable Figures and Events

Perhaps the most famous Black Númenorean of the Third Age is the Mouth of Sauron. This individual served as the sinister and manipulative voice of Sauron during the Dark Days of the Third Age, serving as a city official in the Black Land and a direct representative of the Dark Lord. The persistence of the Black Númenóreans, as evidenced by the Mouth of Sauron, indicates that they continued to play a role in the political and military struggles of the Third Age, influencing events from the shadows.

Legacy and Impact

The legacy of the Black Númenóreans extends beyond their immediate activities, shaping the political and cultural landscape of Middle-earth. Their worship of Morgoth and Sauron, their use of dark magic, and their infiltration of important regions, particularly Umbar, contributed to a dark and oppressive atmosphere that affected many aspects of life in the Third Age. The influence of the Black Númenóreans ultimately created a divide between the faithful and the corrupt, a theme that plays a crucial role in the struggles of Gondor and the wider region.

Conclusion

The Black Númenóreans, despite being a minor group in the grand narrative of Middle-earth, played a significant role in the Third Age. Their dark activities, particularly in Umbar and through figures like Beruthiel and the Mouth of Sauron, underscore their importance in the larger story. Understanding their influence and activities provides a deeper insight into the complexities of Middle-earth and the narratives that shaped its destiny.

Keywords: Black Númenóreans, Third Age, Umbar