Tar-Palantir

Inzuiladûn became the 24th ruler of Númenor when he ascended to the throne in 3177. He ruled for 78 years until his death. He took the name Tar-Palantir for two reasons. For one he was farsighted and secondly he repented of the ways of previous Kings and took on the name in Quenya (which Ar-Gimilzôr forbid to even be spoken) to show this. He ever sought to rebuild relationships with the Valar and Eldar of the West. Never again would they come to Númenor for the hardness of the people's hearts (for most did not share Tar-Palantir's views).

His brother, Gimilkhâd, became the leader of the King's Party, and he ever sought to oppose Palantir both openly and secretly. "But for a while the Faithful had peace; and the King went ever at due times to the Hallow upon the Meneltarma, and the White Tree was again given tendance and honor" (p. 223, Unfinished Tales). Palantir was regarded by everyone, including his enemies, as a prophet and seer. And he had prophesied concerning the White Tree saying that when it died so would the line of Kings.

Gimilkhâd died just before he turned 200; which as an extremely short life for those that were of the line of Elros. His son, Pharazôn, was more proud and ruthless then he. "He had often fared abroad, as a leader in the wars that the Númenóreans made then in the coastlands of Middle-earth, seeking to extend their dominion over Men, and thus he had won great renown as a captain by both land and by sea" (p. 269, The Silmarillion). Tar-Palantir had no son, rather a daughter whom he named Míriel in the Elven tongue.

Middle-earth timeline: Second Age, 3035-3255

Today's reading comes from: Unfinished Tales, page 223 and The Silmarillion, page 269