Author's Note: Here's the next interview! Note that I skipped a generation, so be wary and see if you can find some changes in thinking. And remember to notice how the themes are being affected by time. Please be sure to tell me what you find and what you think of the chapter in a review!
Tar-Elendil
Name(s): Tar-Elendil; Parmaitë
Race: Men
Life: He was born in S.A. 350. He took the scepter in 590 and reigned as Númenor's fourth king until 740. He died in S.A. 751.
. . .
How would you describe your personal life during your reign? Was it different from the lives of the kings who came before you?
I think the scepter had gained much more responsibility than in the early years of Númenor, and I found myself very busy all the time. That was the main reason that I married late in life. I wouldn't say the kingship was an annoying hindrance, but it was a burden, more than it had been before.
Could you talk about the voyages to Middle Earth that began during your day? Why did they begin, and what did they accomplish?
There were many men who were eager to learn of the happenings of Middle Earth, and since all was in order in Númenor itself, there was no reason for those skilled in sailing not to pursue their curiosity. It was not merely a petty desire to know what was going on either; we had little or no news of our allies' state of affairs.
When our mariners arrived, they heard of the great realms of Gil-galad and Elrond, which apparently were extending daily and full of beauty. These elves were glad of Númenor's progress, and they gave what advice they would, though elves do not necessarily give as we often wish. They are sometimes quite strange folk.
In what state were the men of Middle Earth when your mariners landed?
We had little dealings with them at first. They feared us, and we had nothing to learn or gain from them. From what I heard from our sailors, they lived in a Dark Age of little understanding and skill. Perhaps this was due to their lack of wise advisors, or maybe their natural inclination, or at least toleration, of evil. The subject did not interest me very much.
What subjects did interest you?
I was enthralled with ancient lore, a love I received from my grandfather. In what little spare time I had, I enjoyed reading and writing books and legends of the First Age. Much wisdom was to be found in these tales, and many of my kinsmen read my works and wrote volumes of their own.
What of arms and battle?
Númenor contained several very skilled smiths, but we faced no enemy, and therefore matters of battle, strategy, and fighting were found only in fireside stories or scholars' teachings.
What were your people's views on the Eldar, death, and the Ban?
Our people were somewhat hesitant about embracing death, but this was done without objection. The elves were our allies and friends, and we enjoyed their company. The Ban did begin to seem like an unnecessary precaution, but no one grumbled about it.
Did your people continue their corporate worship to Eru with just as much enthusiasm as in Númenor's first days?
Yes, as far as I know. No one ever acted disrespectfully while on the mountain top, and I am certain that at least in my family, we were all eager to pay homage to Eru. It was a time to step back from the business and cumbersomeness of life and be grateful for our gifts. It also brought a sense of humility, which was important because after the mariners came home with tales of the ignorant men of Middle Earth, some Númenóreans were beginning to be a little proud.
What was your vision for Númenor in the future?
We hoped to have more commerce and communication with the elves living in Middle Earth. We also wanted to perfect the skill of sailing, and indeed the occupation became a popular choice. Perhaps Númenor would one day tame the sea!
Please leave me a review to let me know how I'm doing! I know this was a bit short, but the next one will be longer and contain more radical ideas. Stay tuned!