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The Hallow of Eru was a sacred location in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, specifically mentioned in The Silmarillion, particularly in the section titled Akallabêth, which recounts the downfall of Númenor.
The Hallow of Eru was a consecrated area on the summit of the Meneltarma, the central mountain of Númenor. It was dedicated to Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme deity of Tolkien's universe. This place is considered so holy that:
- No buildings or temples were ever constructed there.
- No speech was allowed on the summit, except for prayers.
- Only the King of Númenor could ascend the mountain to offer prayers to Eru.
- On special occasions, such as the Three Prayers (Erukyermë, Erulaitalë, and Eruhantalë), the people of Númenor would gather in silence around the mountain to worship.
The Hallow of Eru represents the direct connection between Númenor and the divine will of Ilúvatar. It is a symbol of humility, reverence, and the proper relationship between mortals and the divine. Its sanctity contrasts sharply with the later corruption of Númenor, when the kings began to reject the Valar and Eru, leading to the island’s eventual destruction.
As the Númenóreans grew more prideful and sought immortality, they abandoned the worship of Eru and ceased to ascend the Meneltarma. This spiritual decline was a key factor in their downfall, as described in Akallabêth. The Hallow thus serves as a poignant reminder of the lost grace and the consequences of forsaking divine guidance.