The Fate of the Elves of Numenor After Their Departure

H1: The Exit of the Elves of Numenor

The journey of the Eldar, or High Elves, is a fascinating part of J.R.R. Tolkien's expansive universe. Among the different groups of Elves, the Noldor, the most prominent of which chose to leave Middle Earth to find Valinor, are of particular interest. Their journey from Middle Earth to Valinor was a significant departure from their ancestral homeland, leaving behind a world they would not see again for millennia.

H2: The Journey to Valinor

Before departing, some Elves had the privilege of witnessing the splendor of the Two Trees in a land called Valinor, a place blessed by Eru Ilúvatar where they would eventually reside. These Elves, known as the Elves of the Light, were marked by their purity and foresight. They chose Valinor over Middle Earth due to its timeless beauty and the promise of an eternal home.

H3: The Return of the Noldor

Amidst the ancient tensions and the rise of the Great Enemy, Morgoth, a significant number of the Noldor returned to Middle Earth for a renewed battle against the evil forces. Their journey back was not just a physical one but also a spiritual and emotional one. The quest to reclaim the lost Silmarils, which contained a remnant of the light of the Two Trees, led them to reunite with their allies amidst the ongoing conflict.

H4: The Role of Numenor

Numenor, another significant land in this narrative, played a crucial role in the history of Middle Earth. This remote island was the home of the Dunedain, the Men of the West. The Dunedain, descendants of the Edain, were a special subset of Men set apart and baptized as allies of the Exiled Noldor in their battle against Morgoth. Numenor offered them a place of relative safety and prosperity.

H5: The Incident of the Kinslaying and Banishment

However, the tragic incident of the Kinslaying, where the Noldor attacked and killed their fellow Elves, sealed their fate. This dishonorable act resulted in a ban from returning to Valinor, a land revered by all Elves for its beauty and blessedness. The island of Numenor was destroyed by a vast tidal wave in an event known as the Akallabeth, or Downfall of Numenor, leaving it forever lost under the waves of the sea.

H6: The Fate of the Eldar

The Eldar, who were already bound to Valinor, did not have a home to return to after the destruction of Numenor. Their cities and strongholds had already been established in Valinor, a realm where they could dwell forever in peace and light. The journey to Numenor was merely a stopover, and they would never set foot there again.

H7: The Dunedain in Exile

After the fall of Numenor, the only refuge left for the Dunedain was Middle Earth. The land of Arnor and Gondor became their new home, a place filled with memories and hopes of a homeland that would never be again. These realms are often referred to as the "Dunedain Realms in Exile," a poignant reminder of their never-ending journey.

H8: Consequences and Reflections

The story of the Elves of Numenor serves as a profound allegory of the consequences of their actions and the impact they have on their destiny. It highlights the importance of forgiveness, the price of pride, and the unbreakable bond between a people and their homeland. The Dunedain, in their exile, continue to remember their origins and the land they left behind, forever exiled from their island home.

Conclusion

The journey and fate of the Elves of Numenor are a testament to the enduring nature of stories and their ability to teach us about loyalty, sacrifice, and the eternal longing for home.