In Númenor, the power of the Kings and Queens was symbolised not by a crown, but by a Sceptre, held by Elros Tar-Minyatur and all his ruling descendants to the time of Ar-Pharazôn. Among the early Kings, it was normal to voluntarily surrender the Sceptre to an Heir, but this tradition was abandoned in later years. Ar-Pharazôn carried the Sceptre with him when he sailed to attack Blessed Realm, and it was lost with the King and all his armies. In Middle-earth, the exiled Númenóreans maintained this tradition, and their High King held the Sceptre of Annúminas, which had been the symbol of the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor.
Notes
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The earliest reference we have to the Sceptre is at the end of Elros' reign, when his son Vardamir passed it on to his own son, Tar-Amandil. This shows that Elros must have held it at some time, and it seems most likely to have been created especially for the beginning of his reign. |
See also...
Alcarin, Amandil, Anárion, Ancalimë, Ar-Abattârik, Ar-Adûnakhôr, Ar-Zimraphel, Ar-Zimrathôn, Calmacil, Elatan, Elves of Lindon, Flower of the West, Guild of Weaponsmiths, Henderch, Herunúmen, [See the full list...]Inziladûn, Írimon, Isildur, King of Númenor, Lindórië, Line of Kings, Lord of Andúnië, Lord of the Havens, Malantur, Mariner-king, Meneldur, Minastir, Nólimon, Nolondil, Oromendil, Ruler of Númenor, Ruling Queen of Númenor, Star-watcher, Súrion, Tar-Anárion, Tar-Ciryatan, Tar-Herunúmen, Tar-Hostamir, Tar-Minastir, Tar-Míriel, The Great, The Unwilling, Úner, Valandil of Númenor, Vardamir Nólimon, Wand of the Stewards
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- Updated 8 December 2008
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