Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Why did Númenor exist? Was it simply to reward the Edain and their descendants? Or was there some greater purpose that impacted the rest of Arda, and perhaps even the Cosmos?
In this episode, we are focusing on The Religion of Númenor, per a passage from Unfinished Tales’ “A Description of Númenor”. This is a very important topic for a number of reasons, but I want to highlight two specifically.
First, Tolkien famously (and as it turns out controversially) called Lord of the Rings a “fundamentally religious and Catholic work”. What exactly he meant by this is a subject of much debate, and likely key to understanding what he meant to do with the work.
Second, religion is a subject that has been of foundational importance in every human civilization in recorded history. Religion informs how we see ourselves and the meaning of our lives. Therefore, to know that Númenor had an actual religion is key to understanding what Númenor was all about. Indeed, there may be no more important topic for the producers of LOTR on Prime to think about and incorporate into the show if they want to make it truly worthy of Tolkien’s name.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
- Andrew T
- John R
- Ms. Anonymous
CONTENTS
LINKS
- The Three Prayers » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Three_Prayers
- Erukyermeë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Erukyerm%C3%AB
- Erulaitalë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Erulaital%C3%AB
- Erulaitalë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Eruhantal%C3%AB
- The Banner Saga » https://bannersaga.com/
- Referenced Emma Thompson Quote » https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/emma-thompson-criticizes-hollywood-for-failing-to-portray-authentic
SHOUT-oUTS
Special thanks to the following patrons:
- Andrew T
- John R
- Ms. Anonymous
- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
- Shannon S
- Brian O
- Emilio P
- Zeke F
- James A
- James L
- Chris L
- Chuck F
- Asya V
- Ish of the Hammer
- Teresa C
- David of Pints with Jack
- Jonathan D
- Eric S
- Joey S
- Eric B
- Johanna T
- Mike M
- Robert H
- Paul D
- Julia
- Werty
RELATED EPISODES

0218 – Lord of the Rings & Religion
What role does religion play in the universe of Middle-earth? What importance do Tolkien’s own religious beliefs have for informing our understanding of the world

0222 – Is Middle-earth Pagan?
From the very beginning of its history, it is clear that Middle-earth is brimming with great spiritual powers. From the kingship of Manwë to the

0223 – Lord of the Rings & Religion – Feedback
We’re discussing our listener feedback on our recent episodes “Lord of the Rings & Religion” and “Is Middle-earth Pagan?” This episode is executive produced by

0254 – Númenor’s Religion (and Purpose)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=882FhP0SqnA Why did Númenor exist? Was it simply to reward the Edain and their descendants? Or was there some greater purpose that impacted the rest

0255 – Lord of the Rings “Religious and Catholic” » What Did Tolkien Mean?
https://youtu.be/tnMDGBKCtsU Did Tolkien really say that The Lord of the Rings is religious and Catholic”? He sure did. In a 1953 letter to his long-time

0258 – Defeating Evil » A Middle-earth Guide
https://youtu.be/my-fkbfULj4 In episode 258, we continue our exploration of what Tolkien meant by Lord of the Rings being “fundamentally religious and Catholic” as we explore