The Capture of Umbar

Earnil I succeeded Falastur. He repaired the ancient haven of Pelargir and then laid siege to Umbar and captured it. This became a strategic location for the navy of Gondor. "The great cape and land-locked firth of Umbar had been Númenórean land since the days of old; but it was a stronghold of the King's Men, who were afterwords called the Black Númenóreans, corrupted by Sauron, and who hated above all the followers of Elendil. After the fall of Sauron their race swiftly dwindled or became merged with Men of Middle-earth, but they inherited without lessening their hatred of Gondor. Umbar, therefore, was only taken at great cost" (p. 325, The Return of the King).

Earnil died shortly after the taking of Umbar in a great storm that took his life along with other men and ships. Ciryandil, Earnil's son, began rebuilding ships, however, Gondor was attacked by Men of Harad who were led by some Black Númenóreans driven from Umbar. Umbar was not retaken from Gondor but Ciryandil was slain in the Battle of Haradwaith.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, circa 936

Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, page 325