The Lifespan of Pure Numenoreans in the Second Age

In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, particularly in The Lord of the Rings, the average lifespan of a Numenorean was around 200 years. However, some of the nobility and those of pure descent could live significantly longer, with some reaching ages of 300 years or more. This extended lifespan was a gift from the Valar, reflecting their noble lineage and their descent from the Edain, the first Men to ally with the Elves during the First Age.

Key Differences Among Numenoreans

It is important to differentiate between ordinary Dúnedain and the descendants of Elros, who had a drop of immortal blood. Descendants of Elros maintained a longer lifespan than normal men, but this gradually diminished over time. King Tar-Ancalimon saw a significant decrease in their life span, and this trend continued with each subsequent generation.

Lifespan of Elros’ Line

Elros, the first High King of Numenor, lived to be 500 years old. His descendants, including Aragorn, lived longer than the other Dunedain but never reached his exceptional lifespan. Aragorn, whose lineage is traced back to Elros, lived to be 210 years old. This indicates a significant reduction in the average lifespan of Elros' line.

Lifespan of Other Dunedain

The Dunedain not of Elros' line were said to have life spans three times that of normal men. Assuming an average lifespan of 75 years for Men of Middle-Earth, the Dunedain’s average lifespan at the start was approximately 225 years. However, this too diminished over time.

Effects of Dark Influences

As the Second Age progressed, Numenor became increasingly influenced by darker powers, particularly Sauron. This dark influence led to a significant decrease in the lifespans of the Numenoreans. The desire for immortality ultimately led to the downfall of Numenor, serving as an example of didactic writing in Tolkien's work, where he warns that men are at their heart immortal and should not seek to attain immortality.

There is a notable variation in the lifespans within the Numenorean population. While some lived for hundreds of years, ordinary Dúnedain had a more typical lifespan of 80 to 120 years. This decrease over time is a crucial aspect of the story, reflecting the moral and physical decline of the Numenoreans.

Didactic Implications

Tolkien's portrayal of the Numenoreans' diminishing lifespan carries significant didactic value. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking immortality and the consequences of overstepping the boundaries of mortal life. The story emphasizes that, despite their longest-lived among Men, Numenoreans are still bound by the essence of mortality, a fundamental aspect of their existence as humans.

Summary

The average lifespan of Numenoreans in the Second Age was around 200 years, with a few reaching 300 years or more. However, this extended lifespan diminished over time due to the influence of darker forces and the intrinsic connection between life span and moral righteousness. The lineage of Elros and Aragorn provides a clear illustration of how lifespans varied, but the overall trend was a decline. This aspect of the story underscores the themes of mortality, the pursuit of immortality, and the consequences of such pursuits.