The way of imagination

        This paper will contrast the account of the history of Numenor and the Second Age of Middle-earth as portrayed in Tolkien’s works vs. Season 1 of The Rings of Power .   Power has definitely taken liberties with the chronology of the Second Age. [1]   Episode 4 begins with Queen-Regent Miriel (daughter of King Tar-Palantir [2] ) having a dream/vision of the Great Wave that will eventually destroy Numenor.   Later in the episode, Galadriel is invited by Queen Miriel to look into the Palantir and also sees the Great Wave. [3]   In Power , Tar-Palantir and Miriel already believe Numenor to exist under the threat of judgment by the Valar.   The reason for this fear is described (vaguely) to be that of having “abandoned the old ways”.   Tar-Palantir was the leader of those “Faithful” to the Valar, and deeply regretted the rejection of the Valar which began among a majority of Numenoreans in the year 2221 SA.   This division of th...

       Faramir is the brother of Boromir and younger son of Denethor, steward of Gondor.   “There he came walking into the woods of Ithilien”, says Tolkien, describing the genesis of this character. [1]   He matters because, like Aragorn [2] , he is a living icon of the past greatness of the descendants of Numenor/the Men of Westernesse. [3]   Faramir epitomizes the pure-hearted man who finds himself obliged to provide leadership in a situation fraught with violence, fear and despair and who strives to maintain his integrity while fulfilling his duty to defend Gondor from an annihilation akin to that of Numenor. [4]      Faramir exhibits qualities that resemble the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit [5] , albeit in a “nonreligious” theological context. [6]   Faramir’s «charismatic» character is on full display when he intercepts Frodo, Sam and Gollum in Ithilien as they make their way towards the pass of Cirith Ungol. 1.  ...