The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Established early in the history of Númenor (which was founded in II 32); abandoned on the accession of Ar-Gimilzór in II 3102; reinstated during the reign of Tar-Palantir (II 3177 - II 3255)
Location
The summit of the Meneltarma in the central regions of Númenor
Race
Men (also attended by three Eagles)
Division
Culture
Family
Led by members of the royal House of Elros
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 26 September 2011
  • This entry is complete

Thanksgiving to Eru

Third of the Three Prayers

The Númenórean festival known as the Eruhantalë, the third of three annual pilgrimages known collectively as the Three Prayers. The time of Thanksgiving was at the end of autumn (presumably on the last day of Yavannië by the Númenórean calendar).1 As on each of the days of Prayer, the King would lead the people to summit of the Meneltarma, and at the time of Eruhantalë he would offer thanks to Eru Ilúvatar.


Notes

1

Beyond a reference to the end of autumn, we're not told exactly when the day of Thanksgiving fell during the year, but it seems that the Númenóreans considered Yavannië to be the last month of autumn, and the following month of Narquelië ('fading Sun') to mark the onset of winter. (When the later Dúnedain introduced a specific autumn feast day, Yáviérë, they inserted it between these two months, emphasising the importance that they gave to this time of year.)

It should be noted that there is a certain amount of apparent disagreement over the date of the Thanksgiving. In Unfinished Tales, the commentary titled A Description of the Island of Númenor seems unequivocal on the dating, speaking of the '...thanksgiving to [Eru] at the Eruhantalë at the end of autumn'. In Aldarion and Erendis, however, there's a comment that the '...summer was nearly over and the Eruhantalë was nigh.', which seems to imply that the Thanksgiving to Eru came at the beginning of autumn, rather than its end.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 26 September 2011
  • This entry is complete

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

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Axiom Discovery aptitude and skill testing.
Personality is one part of understanding a candidate's suitability, but aptitudes and skills are also key.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry