Nümenor

Númenor, also known as Westernesse and called Atalantë by the Elves, is a prominent island realm in J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium. It lies in the Great Sea to the west of Middle-earth. Númenor was founded in the Second Age by the Edain, led by Elros Tar-Minyatur, as a gift from the Valar to reward their endurance in the First Age.

Númenórean society combined the surviving cultures of Men with gains in knowledge, seafaring, and governance. The realm grew into a powerful maritime empire, famed for long lifespans, skilled shipbuilding, architecture, and scholarship. Its capital was Armenelos. Early in its history, the Númenóreans maintained close relations with the Elves and preserved elements of their lore. The White Tree Nimloth grew on the island, and the Palantíri—the Seeing-stones—were kept among the Númenóreans for a time, later passing to others in Middle-earth.

In the late Second Age, pride and fear of death led some Númenóreans to challenge the Valar and seek immortality by opposing the Ban of the Valar. Ar-Pharazôn the Golden, swayed by Sauron, invaded Aman. In the Akallabêth, the Valar sank Númenor beneath the Great Sea; many perished, while a remnant, led by Elendil and his sons, escaped to Middle-earth and established the kingdoms of Arnor in the north and Gondor in the south.

Legacy of Númenor persisted in the traditions of the Dúnedain. The era is remembered for the enduring lineages of Númenórean descent in Arnor and Gondor, and for the White Tree lineage that continued in Gondor from Nimloth.