A Description of the Island of Númenor

A Description of the Island of Númenor is the first chapter of Part Two of Unfinished Tales, containing an account derived from “descriptions and simple maps that were long preserved in the archives of the Kings of Gondor.”

The chapter that follows is Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner’s Wife.

Chapter synopsis
This account first describes, in basic outline and then in detail, the geography of the Númenor and the mountain of Meneltarma at the island’s center, and Meneltarma’s sacredness. The public speakings of the Númenoreans King at the mountain are explained, namely at the times of Erukyermë, Erulaitalë, and Eruhantalë, as are the proceedings of anyone ascending the mountain.

The fertility, flora, and terrain of all regions of the island are then told of, during which the fragrant evergreen trees (Nísimaldar) that grew about the Bay of Eldanna are listed, and the laurinquë tree of yellow flowers is mentioned. The rest of the account covers the roads of Númenor, the common mode of transportation, which was horseback, the craftsmanship of the Númenoreans, Númenorean weapons and their composition, and lastly the love that all able Númenoreans had for maritime activities. The first Númenorean explorers in their naval expeditions are said to have followed in the footsteps of Círdan, the Elven Shipwright. The chapter ends with a note on the Guild of Venturers and on Aldarion its founder, who is the subject of the succeeding chapter.