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Dates
First fortified by the Númenóreans in II 2280
Location
The coasts of Middle-earth, to the south of Gondor
Race
Men
Culture
Variously held by the Númenóreans, the Black Númenóreans, the Gondorians, the Corsairs and the Haradrim
Pronunciation
oo'mbarr
Meaning
Not known1

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About this entry:

  • Updated 15 April 2006
  • Updates planned: 5

Umbar

The great haven far to the south of Gondor

Encyclopedia of Arda Timeline
Years of the TreesFirst AgeSecond AgeThird AgeFourth Age and Beyond

A cape in the far south of Middle-earth, long held by Black Númenóreans, but conquered by Gondor for a time during the Third Age.


Notes

1

The name appears to contain the word mbar, 'home' or 'dwelling-place', an element seen fairly frequently in place names like 'Brithombar' or 'Dimbar'. The 'u-' prefix is hard to decipher, but it would normally form a negative, so perhaps 'Umbar' simply means 'not home' or 'away from home' (to the Númenóreans or Gondorians, that is). However, there is no definite support for this theory in Tolkien's works.

Umbar is also known to be the Elvish word for 'fate'. This seems an odd source for a placename, and is probably mere coincidence, but it may possibly refer to the fateful landing of Ar-Pharazôn here in the year II 3261, which ultimately led to the Downfall of Númenor.

See also...

Black Númenóreans, Ciryaher, Ciryandil, Corsairs of Umbar, Crossings of Erui, Eärnil I, Eldacar, Haradwaith, King of Gondor, Minalcar, Near Harad, Sangahyando, Sauron, Ship-king, Telumehtar Umbardacil, [See the full list...]

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Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1998, 2000. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.