The Stories Behind Númenor

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Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1N...

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Go to mondly.app/jessoftheshire to get 96% off lifetime access to 41 languages and start learning today!

[@rikhardtanskanen]

To be fair to Atlantis, since Aristotle was the first Atlantis skeptic and Plato believed in the Ogygian Flood, it is not hard to imagine that Plato was a Dale Gribble who believed in a Egyptian fairy tale. I should say that Numenor bares a slightly stronger resemblance to Blavatsky's Atlantis, whereas Plato's Atlantis was just a Bronze Age (or assuming the brass was just naturally occurring brass ore or brassy stone, Neolithic), empire which sank into the sea after being defeated by "warlike" Neolithic pre-Greeks. Northern European examples of flooded lands - Lyonesse, Ys, Cantre'r Gwaelod, and the inhabited lands of Mont's Bay flooded by the giant Cormoran - bare a slightly stronger resemblance to Beleriand, which was home to mighty elf kingdoms. By the way, as a late tribute to your departed rats, why not have a special dedicated to rats in fiction? This would include the Nameless Things which gnaw the earth, the plagues of Middle Earth and the fact that racist caricatures portrayed Asians and Jews as rats (just like how orcs/goblins were visualized by racist Asian caricatures).

[@kathleenhensley5951]

I'm in my 70s. It isn't fear of death that troubles me. I've held my husband's hand as he died, He was relieved his struggle with cancer was ending. He was not afraid of death.. fore me It is the fear of losing conspicuousness.. of senility that frightens me, I can not bear forgetfulness. .. of forgetting all the joys and pains of life, losing memory is horrific fate. Fear of losing mobility is a close second. The other thing I find painful, right now, is that my hands and eyes aren't what they used to be. I love all kinds of handcrafts. There are things I can't learn. Pillow Lace, advanced tatting and lacework. I'd love to read more, write more... create more before I die.

[@MegaMetallicaMASTER]

Create and learn all that you can, this life is so unpredictable in many ways. Our drive to create despite this is such a beautiful thing. I hope you’re well ! :)

[@betht60]

❤❤❤

[@jonperry4580]

I think memory wanders, but is never lost. It's always waiting somewhere to be reclaimed, even if only in the next life.

[@DanRegueira]

As someone who's become a paraplegic in the last few months because of a careless driver... Your words are extremely touching... My new experiences with disability really mirror your fears and experiences... There was a part of me that would've welcomed death more than this disability, but my wife damn near slapped me when I first said that in the hospital, hahaha. Thankfully I'm still able to do plenty that brings joy. Thank you for sharing!

[@raybod1775]

I’m 66 and had several life threatening illnesses that effected my mind. Fortunately, I’ve been in the habit for 30 years of taking notes on my computer from self-help books, how to books, technical books for work, work notes, projects, hobbies, etc. During and after my illnesses, my notes helped me get my mind working and my life back into focus. My memory isn’t what it was, but my writings are always there. It was beyond my younger imagination that my desire to be a writer would help me in my old age.

[@farmboy_slim]

Sauron over here like “have you ever heard the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the wise?”

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

UNLIMTED PPPOOOOOOWWWEEEEEERRR!!!

[@BoboftheOldeWays]

*Darth Melkor

[@bluueeberries]

Love that you wear different outfits for whatever topic you're talking (or rather 'Tolkien') about

[@cmew1002]

Pun of the year😂

[@KIDFISTOMFC]

I'm living for the outfits/hair styles every video

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

*SLOW CLAP*

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Excellent work

[@CaptainPlainJaneway]

That's just a coincidence. She just wears that stuff normally.

[@Oakleaf012]

Gosh I love seeing Ted Nasmith’s art, it’s so beautiful ❤ Also it just breaks my heart (positive) how he lists off, not Numenor’s evils and crimes, but all the beauty and the innocence that was sacrificed for the pride of a few

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

That's an excellent observation. It's just a confirmation that despite their evil actions, they accomplished an incredible amount of good.

[@paulauger1977]

You're great, Jess. There's some stiff online competition IDG & NOTR et al. You're more soothing. And you're covering elements they overlook. Perhaps something on food in Middle Earth.. Or the importance of gardens. I'm a horticulturalist. I'd lap that up.

[@samuelblessum5759]

I am a devout Catholic, and grew up with Tolkien. We used to listen to his books on cassette tapes in the car, and take turns reading aloud at the dinner table. Thank you for so beautifully describing the themes of the Genesis story and his work. It has a special place in many Catholic hearts and I'm glad it resonates so well with others too!

[@mitchaelflaherty89]

This is such an awesome video. I learned so much and in your weaving Of the story

[@thomaskalinowski8851]

Sauron corrupted the Numenoreans into evil by getting them to buy into a conspiracy theory. Just thought I'd mention that.

[@CreationBrosZone-km5be]

...and if anyone pointed out that Sauron was lying, they'd be accused of spreading a conspiracy theory.

[@evelynstarshine8561]

they were corrupted by their pride and greed before they meet Sauron. They turned to conquest, colonialism and chasing immortality and the west, long before, CENTURIES before Sauron began whisphering in their ears. They were open to Sauron because they had already fallen

[@itzakehrenberg3449]

Of course, Sauron was conspiring against the Numenoreans the whole time, so there was a conspiracy. Just thought I'd mention that.

[@johnweigel9761]

Ar-Pharazon just before leaving for Valinor with his fleet: "Sauron, why aren't you coming with me? Don't you want to be on hand to witness our great victory over the foes of Melkor?" Sauron: "Uh, yeah. Sure. But I have stuff to do...really important stuff. I just don't want to be a bother or try to claim even a tiny slice of YOUR glory, great king." Ar-Pharazon: "Oh, all right then. Will you please tidy away the last friends of the Valar before I'm back?" Sauron: "With pleasure, great king. Bon voyage."

[@corinnecivish7673]

SAURON: "I'll be on the last ship, making sure no one changes their minds and makes a break for home. I've got your back, buddy!"

[@KenKeenan1973]

He does get his comeuppance, though. “And Sauron, sitting on his black seat in the midst of the Temple, had laughed when he heard the trumpets of Ar-Pharazon sounding for battle; and again he laughed when he heard the thunder of the storm; and a third time, even as he laughed at his own thought, thinking what he would do now in the world, being rid of the Edain for ever, he was taken in the midst of his mirth, and his seat and temple fell into the abyss” I find the mental image of Sauron going “OH SHIIII-” as he realises he has set off a cataclysm much larger than he intended hilarious

[@MichaelForde521]

You would be the most perfect person in which to have meandering and enlightening conversations.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Haha thanks so much! I do tend to go on

[@ethanannen2608]

@@Jess_of_the_ShireI think that’s most of your followers too 🙋‍♂️😂

[@williampalmer8052]

Fantastic presentation! As a modern English mythology, Tolkien's work also incorporates the dark age and medieval perspective of the remnants of Roman occupation. They, and the rest of the former Empire, were surrounded by great works that they had no hope of replicating, and the only explanation for the downfall from this golden age was God's judgment. There are many layers to the world Tolkien crafted, and it is always a pleasure to hear you uncover them. And it goes without saying that you are clearly a Numenorean (one of the good, non-human sacrificing ones, of course), so this topic is perfectly suited for you.

[@Rynewulf]

It was a distinctly English view of a Medieval parallel fantasy, in the way the Witcher books create a distinct parallel fantasy viewpoint via its Polish author. The varieties of 'medieval fantasy' based on what 'medieval' means in the culture of the author is endlessly fascinating

[@evelynstarshine8561]

Tolkien didn't think of roman age as a golden age, as a new oxford catholic, both implied and in his own writings, he saw the middle ages as surrounded by grand ruins yes, but not as great works of a golden age but relics of a vainer, darker age. He didn't subscribe to dark age theory as he was of the minoritised community it discriminated and he had a love and knowledge of the middle ages not an ignorance and distaste. He championed the now recognised, but in his lifetime marginalised view of the middle ages as a progressive, vibrant era of art, growth and high civilisation, not of a void in the shadow of old rome.

[@michaelogrady232]

Except the downfall of Numenor was, in fact, not only God's will, but the result of His sudden, immediate, and direct intervention in history. The same cannot be said for the fall of Rome, which happened over many centuries of slow decline.

[@Rynewulf]

@@michaelogrady232 huh? Numenor in the Silmarillion went downhill over generations, under Saurons manipulation until after the failed invasion of Valinor it was finally sunk.

[@michaelogrady232]

@Rynewulf In that regard, you are making a good comparison.

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

If anyone here is an aspiring fantasy writer and wants to pay homage to Númenor then Hello Future Me made the following tips: Island Civilizations - 1. The relationship an island civilization has with the surrounding ocean will impact the questions at the heart of their culture, giving rise to different value systems. Consider how that relationship manifests in language, metaphor, and cuisine. 2. Civilizations cannot be reduced to their environments. A myriad of forces act on them and give rise to different beliefs and practices, especially in an increasingly globalized world. Think about culture as a history of who has had influence in the region. 3. Isolation is one of the more interesting elements if island worldbuilding. What distinct flora and fauna might have developed there and nowhere else, and how does this shape the culture and daily lives? 4. The island often occupies a mythic place in the cultural zeitgeist, which reflects something of those who imagine it. 5. Archipelagos facilitate a diversity of culture, decentralized politics, democratic values, and rebellion - including crime. Consider what helped and archipelago unify. 6. Island civilizations are rarely superpowers, especially global ones. The ones that tend to rely on a technological and organizational disparity, as well as dominance in ocean trade. Sometimes these manifests in a thalassocracy. Fallen Civilizations - 1. Deepen your worldbuilding by having different groups develop different cultural relationships with the fallen civilization, such as administration, revulsion, or affinity. This applies on an individual level as well. 2. We mythologize the past all the time, especially when we don’t quite understand it. Consider how the fallen civilization fits into and fosters biases, narratives, legends, and myths. 3. If your story focuses on ‘how it happened’, consider how the revelation might emotionally impact your characters to help connect the worldbuilding to your story. 4. A fallen civilization would have been built and developed under different rules and norms to the places that evolved after it. Think about how that level of tech, power, and coordination - as well as a different culture - affected where cities, trade routes, religious sites, and consequently ruins and relics might have been left. This is especially true given the environment itself can change over hundreds or even thousands of years. 5. Worldbuilding is thematic in the same way stories are. What do you want your fallen civilization to say, and how can that be built into the narrative and themes of the story told within your world? 6. Real social collapse is complicated. It often involves the depletion or loss of a vital resource, insurmountable catastrophe, insufficient response to crises, invasions, elite infighting, class conflict, economic crisis, and elite mismanagement. 7. Societies become more centralized and complex to solve problems, but eventually there are diminishing returns. At this point, entities within may find it more attractive to split off from the state, causing collapse.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I love Hello Future Me's stuff! Excellent advice

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire Indeed!

[@josephfisher426]

LeGuin's Earthsea checks a lot of these boxes, while also rarely being specifically detailed enough that someone inspired by her would be accused of copying.

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@@josephfisher426 Earthsea is also what immediately comes my mind when thinking about fictional island civilizations.

[@stwinter]

ALSO! Your Númenorean Queen fashion here is now my favorite and has supplanted the Lady Jessica of Arrakis outfit you wore in the Dune video. Your wardrobe, makeup, and hairstyle choices are always spot on! 🤩

[@keviny1936]

The flood myths may have basis in fact. The native peoples of Washington State have lore of the coming of great floods. In many places in the world there were mega floods during the ice ages that profoundly changed the landscape that we see today. I think that has echoed into many cultures' stories be they Atlantis or Noah.

[@josephfisher426]

And there is the probable filling of the Black Sea. Are the legends in Washington State incoming (tsunami) or outgoing (volcano related?)

[@keviny1936]

Volcanos likely played a small role in the flooding in Central Washington, For most of the glaciations it was outburst floods from beneath glacial margins in a line with the major preexisting valleys coming south out of current British Columbia in the range of 8 X 10^4 m^3/second to 2.6 X 10^5 m^3/second. These were episodic, there was one in Iceland in 1996 that deposited sediment up to 9 meters thick over an area of 500 km^2 in 2 days. The other major source was Glacial Lake Missoula that was only active it is thought during the last ice maximum that lasted till about 16,000 years ago. Discharge there is estimated at 1.5 X 10^7 m^3/second. Search for images of Dry Falls to see the resulting topography. Last I heard the Black Sea was likely fed from glacial outbursts from the north, and not a channel being cut through the Bosphorus Strait. All of the flow rates are many multiples of the flow from the Amazon River at normal flow. The English Channel was also carved by outburst floods. The Mediterranean Sea is thought to be filled when water broke through the Straits of Gibraltar into the western portion from the Atlantic Ocean, the eastern portion was caused by further erosion near Sicily that allowed sea water in there. There have been tsunami inundations on the coasts of S. BC, WA, OR and N. CA similar to the tsunami that struck Japan recently.

[@danielriley7380]

I love that you loved Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings adaptation you’ve gone into so much research about all his works, notes, and who he was as a person, then taken the time to create all your videos to give us your insights. Plus the occasional content-appropriate outfits.

[@BlameThande]

The Notion Club Papers deserves to be better known - the scene where Arundel Lowdham sees a cloud behind the Radcliffe Camera in Oxford and has a pseudo-flashback to the Temple of Morgoth in Númenor is one of the most powerful bits Tolkien ever wrote.

[@jasonknight8581]

It still astonishes me that Aragorn was in his 80's when LoTR took place.

[@douglasharley2440]

ummm, it's not real... 😒

[@janecreek681]

Vigo has aged well.

[@EriktheRed2023]

@@janecreek681 Well, you know what he said: "Time is but a window."

[@janecreek681]

@@EriktheRed2023 😀

[@55tranquility]

Well he was of Numenorian blood, and the Numenorians had much longer lives than normal men or ‘middle men’. King Aragorn died at the age of 210. Elros the first king of Numenor lived for 500 years, the second and third kings lived for more than 400 years. But thats nothing, Elrond was 6,437 years old, cirdan was 11,364 years old, Arwen was 2,901 - the age gap of 2,812 was not an issue for Aragorn as he likes a more mature lady!

[@The0megaStorm]

Can I just say, I've been a Christian all my life, yet I never realised the point you made about Adam and Eve needing to leave Eden so they wouldn't become immortal and therefore remain in sinful bodies forever, so well done and thank you very much for pointing that out!

[@johnweigel9761]

In addition to the Genesis parallels you have discussed, Ar-Pharazon's stubborn and proud persistence in the face of warning after warning looks like it's based on the Pharaoh of the Exodus story. Tolkien makes the point explicit by saying that Pharazon "hardened his heart" after landing on the shore of Valinor, just God hardened Pharaoah's heart after every disaster that struck the Egyptians.

[@rashkavar]

From what I understand, there's 2 major schools of thought vis a vis the Great Flood Myth. 1: Flooding happens. Sometimes it's really bad. People make up stories based on history. Given enough time, every culture will experience a dramatic, extremely disruptive flood and that will inspire a mythic story about a Great Flood. 2: Ice Ages happen. Ten Thousand years ago, the Bering Straight was a land bridge connecting Alaska to Kamchatka. The British Isles were the northwesternmost bit of mainland Europe. Etc. This is because a great deal of water was tied up in the great ice sheets that impacted much of North America, Scandanavia, and many other places. While 10000 years ago is a very long time ago, we know stories get passed down for long periods of time. There are native bands who tell stories that are consistent with migrating along the coast of the ice bridge into North America. There are indigenous peoples in Australia who tell stories of a great flood that include a measurement of how much further the land stretched out towards the Great Barrier Reef - a measurement that aligns remarkably well with geological evidence. It's entirely possible that many of the Great Flood myths come from the ending of the last Ice Age. While that process was largely gradual, we do know of huge bodies of inland meltwater held in place by a failing ice sheet...then breaking through entirely and dumping absolutely enormous amounts of water into the oceans. I like the second option, it's much more interesting....but honestly the first is, by and large, more plausible for the majority of cases. Some Great Flood myths might stem from the Ice Age, but honestly I think most are just "we had a really bad flood once." I know the Great Flood Myth told by the people indigenous to where I live features the local glacier rather prominently, which suggests to me that this story at least would have been inspired by a flood of the valley more or less as it exists today, glacier and all. (I sometimes wonder how their beliefs are handling global warming - if I recall my early childhood when we were taught about the local culture (an initiative launched by my grade 4 teacher at the time, I believe), that glacier is a notable local spiritual figure of some kind, and it's steadily shrinking these days. I feel like that might have some significant theological implications.)

[@adambruce5082]

I don't think #1 is more plausible. If the myths were just "We had this flood and it was really bad," then maybe. But there are myths from all over the globe about a flood that wasn't just bad, but nearly wiped out humanity -- Sumer, India, Australia, Mesoamerica, etc.

[@campydave5808]

Jess starting beef with the History Channel 😂

[@raeoverhere923]

You would think that people would realize that the Atlantis story is fictional based simply on who wrote it: a philosopher. If it were factual, you'd think Herodotus, who is credited with inventing historiography and lived just before Plato's time, would have written about it. Great breakdown of Numenor's theming and framing, and an excellent summary of the story for folks who might be coming from Rings of Power.

[@michaelogrady232]

Except we do possess a map drawn by Heroditus with Atlantis identified in Muratania. See the videos from Bright Insight.

[@raeoverhere923]

@@michaelogrady232 No ancient Greek map has survived to the modern day, and Herodotus never drew any maps. The map you're talking about was drawn much, much later (18th-19th centuries) based on geography he described, but even there, he still never mentions Atlantis. He wrote about the Atlantes, who are the people of the Atlas Mountains in northern Africa. That map also indicates that Africa's southernmost point is the coast of modern Sudan, which then makes a curve to encompass Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco, so let's not take it too seriously.

[@user-gl5dq2dg1j]

I love how Dr. Ken Fedder likened Atlantis to Starwars, happening Long, Long ago, Far, Far away.

[@KS-xk2so]

I like the idea that Numenor's higest peak is chilling somewhere as a little island... I like that some of the most momentous spots of Middle Earth, that literally don't exist anymore, can still have little reminders like that. Tol Morwen being the best example.

[@feanor70115]

Look into the Welsh myth of Anwynn (and Faith & The Muse's album, Anwynn, Beneath The Waves). The Inca myth of Viracocha and the Mesopotamian Oannes, in addition to Deucalion's flood, are also worth the research.

[@Zhohan-]

I'm sorry I have to watch again, that dapper mouse with the tophat caught my attention.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

He's awfully enchanting

[@dandydeadpool]

For me the proto-dwarfs were the first living beings, even if they were never supposed to exist. Beat the pointy ears then, and have done ever since 😂

[@stuartriddell2461]

Dwarves rule. Most of the silmarillion creation myths are elf propaganda.

[@domenikkunz9798]

​​​​@@stuartriddell2461 Like that first contact. We are to believe the elves, in their deep wisdom and intelligence, could not distinguish a beast from a humanoid? That was the first cold blooded murder, plus persecution in middle-earth and Melkor didn't even had remotely to do with it, that's all elvish handwriting. "Ew look at that foul thing, it looks like us but shorter and ugly." "Ugh you are right, kill it, before it multiplies." The petty dwarves never heard as much as a sorry, that's elvish diplomacy for you.

[@alexjones1027]

My understanding is that they were indeed first 'awake', then put back to 'sleep' until elves and men came around.

[@Bigredhound]

Justice for the petty dwarves!

[@KenKeenan1973]

The Elves’ name for the Dwarves - Naugrim, “stunted ones”- says it all, really!

[@joebenavides]

Spring knows them and Summer too and in Winter still are they among us, but in Autumn most of all do they come out, for Autumn is their season, fallen as they are upon the Autumn of their days.

[@CTXSLPR]

In my Severe Nuclear Accident Analysis class, the most prominent computer code for analyzing the progress of a reactor accident is MELCOR. We had a brief discussion one class about if that was coincidence or intentional. It was created just after The Lord of the Rings was resurgent which probably meant a few of the original developers were aware of the Silmarillion.

[@user-gl5dq2dg1j]

The name Melcor was used in one of the last Tom Baker Doctor Who stories.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

The Tuatha de Danaan and early Irish myths are woven into a prog rock album in Horslips' 1976 album "The Book of Invasions." If you are at all interested I suggest looking it up here on KZbin. The CD is on my short cycle of listening. According to Horslips, the Tuatha de Danaan are still here, but we can't see them -- because they've gone sideways to the sun.

[@TigersShadow]

What an awesome exposition. I’m going to re-read Akallabêth. Right now. Wonderful!

[@stwinter]

I just re-read it for the ???th time in the last couple months. It's always a good story to revisit!

[@TheSpiritOf97]

As something of a lore-mixer, I've had the head canon for quite some time that the geological appieval and cataclysm that led to the destruction of Atlantis also led to the destruction of Numenor. This same event also destroyed lemuria as well, Though the tips of many mountains remain as the Pacific islands we know today. The highest peak of Atlantis likely remained for some time as the island of Avalon before meeting with a similar fate as Vanaheim And the now sunken kingdoms of Hyborian Shem.

[@grokeffer6226]

Any large tsunami or drastic rise in ocean levels would have left a very lasting impression on any survivors, even before there was any written language.

[@sr.chantilly7152]

Imagine how the world would be today had emperor hwan not activated the giza mass autism array during the finno-korean hyperwar

[@TRW95]

New subscriber 😊Went back through to watch all your videos and just recently caught up, love the channel!

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

It really is great!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos! Welcome to the community!

[@DafyddBrooks]

Really glad your delving into these lore's and discussing them :)

[@jeffandoh5863]

Liking the outfit. An image of what I imagined Tar-Miriel was

[@michaelogrady232]

Well, Jess, this is by far my favorite video of yours. You have pulled many threads together that I, who have not stopped reading Tolkien for at least 50 years, have not considered before. I must therefore conclude you are one of the Valar come among us in beautiful human form. I stand in awe of your insight and ability to weave it all together.

[@jorgea600]

Excellent video, i like how u tell us stories in a calm way☺️ hope your channel keeps growing

[@gordonstewart8258]

Jess, I have been watching you for some time now. Many of your videos are profound and moving (and, to be honest, some not so much) but this one is amazing, easily your best yet. Thank you for it.

[@g.dalfleblanc63]

As someone who has delved deep into my ancestry it's been a pleasure to see how history and myths & legends can be used in such a masterful way to help create such an amazing world as Professor Tolkien's.

[@anti-liberalismo]

Oh and btw, we have the PoV of Elendil himself in the Lost Road, an English descendant of Elendil, he travelled through space and time to the Downfall, where he took the physical form of Elendil himself. Tolkien had a truly fascinating mind and to see the point of view of Elendil is even more heartbreaking than in the silmarillion 😢

[@legoseanland1760]

You’re lovely, your voice, knowledge, cosplay and depth of understanding. Wonder and enchantment indeed. Thank you

[@jimdale9143]

I truly appreciate the way you bring different threads together to illustrate and understand the influences and deeper meanings of Tolkien’s work. Thank you so much!

[@Balcamion79]

I really appreciate the respectful treatment of biblical content from someone who doesn't entirely accept it as true.

[@picklerick.n.666]

God bless you and your work lady Jess ❤

[@Davidium84]

I have to say this! You are an amazing storyteller in the way you use words as well as your body language and facial expressions and sometimes simply your eyes! They are filled with such enthusiasm and curiosity that one can’t help but feel enamored with your tales. And somehow everything you say sounds and feels like an extension of Tolkiens own words. I’m absolutely amazed! ❤

[@stevenguy-gibbens4253]

Hey, just to say thank you for making these videos, I am a passionate fan of Tolkiens mythology (and an archaeologist and myth fan in general) and I love your detailed explanations and your amazing delivery, you make my lunch breaks cheerful and interesting! Long may your channel continue! 😀

[@M4TCH3SM4L0N3]

35:29 OMG thank you! I was dreading this part of the video as you came to it because I wasn't sure where you would take it, but I am genuinely impressed! Too many people read that part of Genesis through the voice of the serpent and think that God is literally afraid of Adam and Eve becoming gods, too. Between that and people frequently glossing the tree of the knowledge of good and evil as simply the tree of knowledge, it's no wonder people have such a poor opinion of the Bible. Thanks again, for your fantastic analysis of Tolkien and the relating texts!

[@michaelvitta5577]

I have to give you props, this is was really good, thanks!

[@legoseanland1760]

I wish you continued success, your channel has done remarkably well from my perspective

[@TheHoneyBadger-yh5vj]

God bless you 🙏😇😇😇 respect for your work lady Jess ❤

[@Nodim1er]

This is a great video, as always. Love the outfit. You put a lot of effort into all this, and I want you to know we see and appreciate it!😊

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thank you so much!

[@philiptaylor7902]

Beautifully done as ever Jess, thank you. I have to admit that I groaned when I got to the last sentence. Atalante. Cheesy!

[@dlseller]

Death, what a great gift! Thanks Illuvatar, did you keep the receipt?

[@CreationBrosZone-km5be]

The gift that keeps on giving.

[@davidchess1985]

A really interesting analysis, thank you!

[@josiesilmaril2138]

Jess style going insane again😍 if my fantasy book is ever adapted, i would want you in the costume department💜

[@djparn007]

Thank you, Jess. ❤❤

[@JamesSmith144]

Wow, you just brought back memories of Classics, Oedipus the King was one of the tragedies we studied. Great video.

[@the_real_littlepinkhousefly]

The story of Númenor fascinates me so much. I love that Rings of Power is bringing it to life (even with a condensed timeline). The show got me very interested in the Númenor story, even though I had read it before each time I've read the Silmarillion. So then of course I bought The Fall of Númenor when it came out, and devoured it (despite the lengthy genealogies, ha ha -- kinda like the book of Matthew in the Bible). But I loved hearing your take on where the story originated from and the various elements of other stories and myths Tolkien pulled from. Of course I knew about the Atlantis myth, but it was interesting to hear of the other stories, and I was fascinated by how it does very much parallel those particular Bible scenes. Well done, Jess, and I wish you the best as you experiment with doing this full-time this summer. I've been watching your videos for awhile now, so it's time to hop on over to Patreon and give you some monetary support...

[@animistchannel]

I particularly appreciate your costume for this episode. It very much suggests a luxurious highborn of a very military society, fitting for a numenorean noble. The gossamer collar is reminiscent of a gorget armor piece, and the chain circlet suggests the brim of a helmet and/or the edge of a chain coif headpiece. From here, even the wrap straps reaching around the to silver symbol hint at a battle-cloak coming into a sturdy clasp for campaigning far afield. This is a fashion and a society that are comfortable with (and in) military attire seen in everyday life. Even the stark blackness of the clothing then whispers "in this mine enemy will see no bloodstain, no sign of weakness or injury, and I may move under cover of shadow or night at will, just a glimmer of my presence in starlight until I am full upon them." The fact that the practical attributes of the attire are entirely decorative, sparkles and fearless flesh flashing out to face the day, are also a bold statement. One so adorned is concerned with no worldly invader, but it is the power of their cunning and perception that would make them a deadly foe in daily politics. It is the appreciation and understanding of the uses of aggression, a comfort with the process and potential for conflict, rolled up with a bold richness and perhaps at least flirtation with decadence in a well-guarded land. To any visiting ambassador or foreign dignitary, the total effect of this fashion suggests: "This is how Nature writes 'Don't mess with us'' for in each of us is deadly intent so written" upon even the most civil and ladylike of the courts. Such was the nature of Numenor at its height, when even Sauron laid down his One Ring and abandoned the throne of Middle-earth without a real fight, to come humbly as their prisoner. He may have had an insidious plan, but he also had no other option. The greatest of the Sea Peoples had come ashore, and they were none to be trifled with in their place and their day. In such a costume yourself, it is as though you are not just telling the story, but you are taking us back to relive these memories as of your own. Well done!

[@paulauger1977]

You're great, Jess. There's some stiff online competition IDG & NOTR et al. You're more soothing. And you're covering elements they overlook. Perhaps something on food in Middle Earth.. Or the importance of gardens. I'm a horticulturalist. I'd lap that up.

[@mikewilcox4438]

Very well done and a perfect fashion choice to tell this story.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thank you so much!

[@Aellef]

30:35 ish made me think of this: "On every plane in the multiverse there is magic. And someone is using it to fly." Flavor text on the Magic: the Gathering card Defy Gravity

[@bsa45acp]

Tolkien's 'ineluctable Wave' appears both in Faramir's dream in the LOTR book and as a recounting by Eowyn to Aragron in the movie LOTR. Thank you Jess for such excellent explanation and retelling of Tolkien mythos!

[@donaldmorgan5265]

As always one of my favorite parts of my week.

[@RoboSteave]

Thanks! Now I finally know the full story. Beautifully told!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm so glad you enjoyed!

[@RoboSteave]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire I really did! I always enjoy your videos. You really do a good job.

[@grokeffer6226]

You make excellent videos about a subject I've been enthralled by for several decades. I hope you can keep up the good work and make a steady income from your KZbin channel.

[@user-gl5dq2dg1j]

Remember Tolkien was creating a folklore/mythos for Britain taking his favorite bits from the rest of Europe.

[@fyshnstyx5510]

Thank you young Lady! That was a very nice video and as you told the story I was quickly drawn to the Holy Bible. Being raised a Christian reading the Kings James version. Thanks again and the best of luck on your summer off from work. Looking forward to the content your coming up with. CSL hint hint

[@beatleblev]

Here's to Pharazon and Co., now in their 6th (7th?) Age of Time Out in the Caverns of the Forgotten, wherever that cave now resides. They got what they wanted in spades. Soooooo much time to think about all the decisions that led them to their confinement in the dark. The endless circles of pride, accusations, and recrimination, the depression and regret, the wounded overweening pride; it 's a lot to swallow. Only the pretender Lord of the West and his pals know what the bile of six ages of bitterness, regret, and resentment can do to the tongue and the mouth. On the other note... If you introduce an alternative hypothesis into humanity, some of us are bound to choose H1 over H0. Just as if humans can, they will, not stopping to consider if they should. Humans are all about that greener grass.

[@alanpennie8013]

You would think wise Manwe should have known better.

[@alexkats30]

Love your Numenorian Lady cosplay. You definitely are descended from Numenorian nobility ☺️

[@JamesHopkins-on3mv]

A goblet! Nice touch.

[@caseyclark7236]

I hope you do more research on Atlantis. There are so many other neat places to find information on the topic than the History Channel. Love your channel :)

[@GreyPilgrim_Mithrandir]

Great video again. Great costume too. Good luck with full time YT. Best wishes.

[@liamdoherty6025]

A great video. Thank you. A look at Hy Brasil in Irish mythology is worth analysis as well.

[@KenKeenan1973]

Maps of the Atlantic showed an island of “Brasil” off the west coast of Ireland well into the modern period. Very silly, when we now know it was just the peak of the Meneltarma sticking out of the water 😉

[@shanedawndusk3290]

This channel is amazing

[@mattyladd]

Thanks!

[@michaelogrady232]

Tolkien's message was clear. The more people deny Eru and embrace Melkor, the more they fear death. The more people obtain material wealth and comfort, the more they fear death. But those who embrace Eru and reject Melkor do not fear death, and they are called the Faithful. Sound familiar?

[@krim7]

You always have such cool outfits

[@ronaldmccomb8301]

Great video. I think Atlantis and other similar myths have such sway is because of our longing for wanting to live in Golden Age, because obviously no matter when or where you are born, there was always something better in another when and where. Love your costume. Keep up the good work.

[@nfdisco3484]

What a magnificent story!

[@Rynewulf]

It was a distinctly English view of a Medieval parallel fantasy, in the way the Witcher books create a distinct parallel fantasy viewpoint via its Polish author. The varieties of 'medieval fantasy' based on what 'medieval' means in the culture of the author is endlessly fascinating

[@bhorrthunderhoof4925]

Once more a wonderful video. Enjoy your time, replenish your batteries and till later. Cheers 😍

[@simonmorris4226]

You need to come to the British Isles Jess. I could show you places you would find enlightening!

[@sagequerido266]

First off, slay. Serving Miriel, but also makes me think you could pull off a sick Morwen of Dor-Lómin. Second, I love this longer format with narrative first, then analysis. Keep doing what you're doing, Jess!

[@OmniBui]

Great vid!

[@justsomeguy3983]

absolutely slaying today in that outfit

[@anti-liberalismo]

Death is such a mighty gift, far better than the human immortality! It's a bitter gift to receive, for a Numenórean at least.. Just imagine if all the cruelties of Numenor appeared in RoP? Slavery, colonialism, devastating felling of trees, huge sacking of cities, torture of civilians, human sacrifice... so on and so forth...

[@KenKeenan1973]

Arwen says as much in “The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen” in the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings (some parts of which were incorporated into the films) on Aragorn’s deathbed, “If this indeed is the gift of the One to Men, it is bitter to receive”. It’s a devastating sequence, especially when she says that she now understands why the Númenoreans did what they did…

[@anti-liberalismo]

@@KenKeenan1973 yep, I quoted her but forgot to give her the credit

[@jsimes1]

Jess you are such a wealth of knowledge and I love how you compare and contrast Tolkien's work with the Greek myths and stories. If Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens ever need help you could definitely fit in. Or heaven forbid if the Amazon storytellers ever want to get any part of their story correct they could definitely use your help! 😁

[@Ren_Brands]

Great Video, good luck with the fulltime KZbin idea.

[@richardlaswell463]

30:31 Some modern humans also like to believe that there may be technological salvation bestowed from an extra-terrestrial source.

[@corinnecivish7673]

Your videos are literally wonderful, and always a great watch. That's a translation of the creation story, and Eve & Adam I don't believe I've ever read before. It was quite lovely. Could someone please tell me from which translation it was sourced? TIA

[@adambruce5082]

Awesome vid as always! You have a real talent for this format. Request: Please do CS Lewis' "Space Trilogy"!!! 🙏That would be amazing.

[@RABartlett]

The new FURIOSA movie is a very interesting as a chop suey of myth, (Which is no surprise, George Miller is absolutely obsessed with the concept of oral tradition, and many people appreciate the Mad Max series is not concerned with consistent lore but is a real throwback to the whimsy of how legends were actually told) drawing from the Illiad, the Edda, even real life history, filtered through a petrolium age. (In fact, the three fortresses really feel like the domains of the three brother Gods, but with what we consider neccesseties in the post-industrial world) There is another yarn that combines the Fall of Camelot, Atlantis, and Noah's Ark, and has a slight connection with Lord of the Rings (Both were the first movies to make a billion worldwide), and that is TITANIC. It has the star-crossed lovers, the elite being brought down by their own hubris, and a big-ass boat and loads people drowing. And interesting is, like many classic myths, weaves the fictional and the historical in one tapestry, filtered though 20th century secular values like economic populism and women's liberation

[@mattyladd]

FULL TIME YOU TUBER!!! YAY!!!!

[@patchup]

Before I even listen to this I want to say I've been waiting for this post. OK, I'm starting the video now.

[@tomklock568]

Well done.

[@CTgohomeH20]

Love the outfit 😍 (my queen)

[@estherhoward7959]

Hi Jess, great video 👍 Just wondering what translation of the Bible do you quote in this video?

[@carlcramer9269]

"He [Sauron] was forces to surrender." I think this was a trick, Sauron quite willingly followed the Numenorians.

[@allisongliot]

I think an interesting difference between Sauron’s temptation and the Biblical temptation in Genesis is that the people of Numenor were already starting to be divided among themselves before Sauron came (and they, in fact, brought him in) whereas the serpent in the Bible is presented as the primary instigator who came to Adam and Eve on his own.

[@barafaraferdast2065]

only the best for you on your stepping away from the day job to pursue your bliss.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thank you! I'm rather excited

[@stwinter]

Since this video was focused on "The Akallabêth", if Jess (or anyone else) would like to revisit the island of Númenor, I highly recommend you read 3 of the pieces in "Unfinished Tales": "A Description of the Island of Númenor", "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife", and "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor." Only "Aldarion and Erendis" is a proper narrative story, in some ways similar to chivalric romances, and true to the title of the book it is sadly an unfinished tale. But what is there is wonderful and sad and leaves you wondering where the story would have gone if Tolkien had indeed finished it.