Númenóreans

The Númenóreans, also known as the Dúnedain, were a race of Men created by the Valar in the Second Age of Middle-earth. They were granted long life, great wisdom, and superior strength compared to other Men. Their homeland was the island kingdom of Númenor, situated in the Great Sea between Middle-earth and the Undying Lands. Initially, they were loyal to the Valar and the Elves, serving as a bridge between the two kindreds.

The Númenóreans were renowned seafarers and explorers, venturing widely across the seas. Over centuries, their prosperity grew, but so did their pride and envy of the Elves' immortality. This led to a gradual turning away from the Valar and an increasing desire to conquer death. They began to fear death and resented the doom placed upon mortals.

In their later years, a faction of Númenóreans, led by Ar-Pharazôn, sought to claim immortality for themselves. This led to a great war against the Valar, culminating in the destruction of Númenor. The island sank beneath the waves, and most of its inhabitants perished. However, a remnant of faithful Númenóreans, led by Elendil, escaped the cataclysm and sailed to Middle-earth, where they founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor. Their descendants, the Dúnedain of the North and South, continued to play a significant role in the history of Middle-earth.