Númenórean

Númenórean refers to the people of Númenor, a fictional island kingdom featured in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, primarily in The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. The Númenóreans were a race of Men, gifted with long life, great wisdom, and superior strength, descended from the three houses of the Edain who aided the Elves in the First Age of Middle-earth. Their island kingdom was a gift from the Valar, the angelic powers, as a reward for their loyalty. For centuries, Númenóreans enjoyed peace and prosperity, becoming renowned seafarers and explorers.

However, as time wore on, the Númenóreans became increasingly proud and fearful of death, envying the immortality of the Elves. This led to a divergence within their society. The majority, known as the King's Men, fell into darkness, worshipping the Vala Morgoth and seeking to conquer Middle-earth. A minority, known as the Faithful, remained loyal to the Valar and the Elves, preserving their ancient ways and wisdom. This internal conflict eventually led to the downfall of Númenor.

The Valar, angered by the King's Men's rebellion and their attempt to sail to the Undying Lands, unleashed a great cataclysm that submerged the island beneath the sea. The few who escaped, led by Elendil, were the ancestors of the Dúnedain of Arnor and Gondor in Middle-earth, carrying with them the legacy of Númenor and a long-held animosity towards the Valar.