Head of the family? Earendil or Luthien? Dark or Golden? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

cellurdur · 12-03-2012, 01:11 PM

This is more frivolous question, but it seems interesting to note that the Kings of Numenor and Elrond/Legolas/Lords of Valandil seem to trace their family through different lines. I think it is mentioned in the POME, that Elrond traced his heritage through Elwing and Luthien. Legolas calls Aragorn a child of Luthien and it seems the Elendil too considered Luthien as the matriarch of their line.

Now on the other hand the kings of Numenor, appear to have Earendil as the patriarch of their family. Ar-pharazon the Goldren and Tar-Aldarion both bring up Earendil when mentioning their ancestry rather than Luthien.

This interesting pattern seems to follow what Tolkien said about the Kings Men and the Faithful. Though at the time of Tar-Aldarion there was no split yet. Still Andunie was where the majority of Beorians lived. It stands to reason that the Lords of Andunie would marry into the great Beorian families and increase their reverence of Luthien. Luthien herself marrying Beren.

Now the Kings men were made mostly of the Marachians. They loved the sea and stands to reason they would greatly admire Earendil and Tuor from the House of Hador. From the writings that we have the kings of Numenor certainly seem to place Earendil as the head of the family.

"You cannot for ever in soft bonds the son of the king, of the blood of Tuor and Earendil".-Unfinished Tales

"for in his anger he deemed no king should ever arise so mighty as to vie with the heir of Earendil"

Following on from this, it stands to reason, that the majority of the Numenorean kings and descendants of Elros were in fact blone like Earendil before them. I think Gondor and Arnor have influenced how we view Numenoreans, when it should not be the case. The majority of the people of Numenor were Marachians and they would be blonde. The Heirs of Elros, most likely repeatedly married Marachians like the majority of their followers.

Lastly is there more to the Luthien/Earendil question than it seems? Elwing wanted to be part of the Eldar, because of Luthien, whilst Earendil wanted to die and pass from the world. Was choosing to place Earendil as the patriarch of the House choosing to live a more traditional Mannish lifestyle compared to the elvish nature of Luthien?

12-03-2012, 01:11 PM	#1
cellurdur Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 276	Head of the family? Earendil or Luthien? Dark or Golden? This is more frivolous question, but it seems interesting to note that the Kings of Numenor and Elrond/Legolas/Lords of Valandil seem to trace their family through different lines. I think it is mentioned in the POME, that Elrond traced his heritage through Elwing and Luthien. Legolas calls Aragorn a child of Luthien and it seems the Elendil too considered Luthien as the matriarch of their line. Now on the other hand the kings of Numenor, appear to have Earendil as the patriarch of their family. Ar-pharazon the Goldren and Tar-Aldarion both bring up Earendil when mentioning their ancestry rather than Luthien. This interesting pattern seems to follow what Tolkien said about the Kings Men and the Faithful. Though at the time of Tar-Aldarion there was no split yet. Still Andunie was where the majority of Beorians lived. It stands to reason that the Lords of Andunie would marry into the great Beorian families and increase their reverence of Luthien. Luthien herself marrying Beren. Now the Kings men were made mostly of the Marachians. They loved the sea and stands to reason they would greatly admire Earendil and Tuor from the House of Hador. From the writings that we have the kings of Numenor certainly seem to place Earendil as the head of the family. *"You cannot for ever in soft bonds the son of the king, of the blood of Tuor and Earendil".-Unfinished Tales* *"for in his anger he deemed no king should ever arise so mighty as to vie with the heir of Earendil"* Following on from this, it stands to reason, that the majority of the Numenorean kings and descendants of Elros were in fact blone like Earendil before them. I think Gondor and Arnor have influenced how we view Numenoreans, when it should not be the case. The majority of the people of Numenor were Marachians and they would be blonde. The Heirs of Elros, most likely repeatedly married Marachians like the majority of their followers. Lastly is there more to the Luthien/Earendil question than it seems? Elwing wanted to be part of the Eldar, because of Luthien, whilst Earendil wanted to die and pass from the world. Was choosing to place Earendil as the patriarch of the House choosing to live a more traditional Mannish lifestyle compared to the elvish nature of Luthien?