The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Origins
Derived from both Elvish and Númenórean sources2
Pronunciation
aka'llabeth
Meaning
'The Downfallen' (strictly, Adûnaic for 'She that is fallen')
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 18 November 2005
  • Updates planned: 3

‘Akallabêth’

The Tale of the Downfall of Númenor

The Tale of the Downfall of Númenor.


Notes

1

We have no specific date for the composition of Akallabêth, though by definition it must have post-dated the Downfall it describes, which took place near the end of the Second Age. It seems most likely it was prepared early in the Third Age, probably in the North-kingdom (as suggested by the evident Elvish influences in the story, and the fact that a copy was apparently available to Bilbo at Rivendell).

2

A reference to the ultimate origins of Akallabêth is in a note included in the commentary for The Drowning of Anadûnê (in volume IX of The History of Middle-earth). Here, Tolkien suggests that it derived from a 'Mixed Dúnedanic Tradition', by which he seems to mean that it developed from a combination of Elvish and Númenórean accounts.

In reality, the ultimate origins of the tale lay in a discussion between Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Lewis' space-travel novels (starting with Out of the Silent Planet) ultimately arose from this, and it was intended that Tolkien would create a story of time-travel at the same time. That story, The Lost Road, was never completed, but some of its fundamental features - including the character of Elendil and the downfallen island kingdom - went on to evolve into the Tale of the Downfall of Númenor.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 18 November 2005
  • Updates planned: 3

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1998, 2001, 2005. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Your Free Personality Test, the free personality test online
What's your ideal career? Are you in the right job? Explore your options with Your Free Personality Test.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry