Akallabêth in August

This month, we focus on one of the most tumultuous times in Arda's history: the Second Age and the rise and fall of Númenor. But even as Númenor was the central player during these times, the whole of Arda was affected by the events that affected the prideful and unfortunates alike of this doomed island.

Any story that is or might conceivably be part of the Akallabêth is acceptable for this challenge. If it's been a while since you've read the tales of the Second Age of Arda, why not crack open this oft-neglected chapter and see if inspiration finds you? Here are a few plotbunnies that might find a home in this challenge:

  • Elrond and especially Elros are important players in the Second Age, and they set the stage for Tolkien's later mythology as well. But behind these mythical figures are two brothers who made the choice to be parted in life and in fate. How did the brothers make their decision and deal with being parted? Did they see each other after Elros was established as the king of Númenor? What was this visit like?
  • The Elves of Avallónë lost not only allies but also friends when the Númenoreans turned against the people of the west. Follow an Elf of Tol Eressëa as he or she strikes up friendship with the new neighbors, grows accustomed to losing friends to mortality, and then loses them for good when the kings of the House of Elros rebel against the west.
  • Dare to step into uncomfortable shoes and ponder why the kings of Númenor chose the road that they did and followed Sauron. Ar-Pharazôn felt doubts as he moored off the coast of Aman, so it is likely that those who came before him also felt uncertainty along their treacherous road. Did they question the justice of what they were doing? Did they ever fear the retribution that they knew would come? What were the private thoughts and counsels of Arda's most wicked kings?
  • What was Amandil's fate? The Silmarillion doesn't tell us what became of him or even if he was successful in his quest. Consider what might have happened: Did he make it to Aman? Speak to the Valar? Or was he lost along the way? Take your readers on a daring journey as one man dares to defy the gods to save his people.

This challenge opened in .

Fanworks Tagged with Akallabêth in August

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Mavoinë by Fiondil

On a lonely hill overlooking Andúnië, an Elf watches his mortal friend build a tower and is filled with grave misgivings as to its purpose.

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Into This Wild Abyss by pandemonium_213

A series of contributions for Akallabêth in August 2009 in response to the following prompts: 1) Sauron fortifies Mordor; 2) Sauron begins to afflict Númenórean settlements to the south; 3) Sauron convinces Ar-Pharazôn to break the Ban of the Valar; 4) storms from the West strike Númenor; and 5) Sauron returns to Middle-earth.

MEFA 2010. Winner, First Place; Genres: Character Study: The Silmarillion.

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The Ban of the Valar by Fiondil

The Valar meet to discuss how to prevent the Númenóreans from seeking the Undying Lands.

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Seek the Horizon, Númenor's Sons by Dawn Felagund

"Above all arts they nourished shipbuilding and sea-craft, and they became mariners whose like shall never be again since the world was diminished; and voyaging upon the wide seas was the chief feat and adventure of their hardy men in the gallant days of their youth"--a Númenórean mariners' chant.

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Tenn’ Ambar-Metta by Fiondil

Elrond receives a final letter from his brother.

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Anadûnai by darthfingon

163 years after their parting in Middle-earth, Elrond travels to Númenor to see his brother again.

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How the East Was Won by pandemonium_213

During the earliest years of the Second Age, Melkor’s great lieutenant puts the destruction of Beleriand behind him and travels to the East...with a plan.

MEFA 2010 Winner.  First Place; Races: Villains: General.

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Eönwë Among the Edain by Fiondil

Eönwë has been chosen to teach the Edain who will go to Númenor what they need to know to succeed in their new life, but he’s not too happy about the assignment.

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Never Look Back by Independence1776

Elrond has difficulty coming to terms with Elros' choice and their impending separation.

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Elegy for Númenor - Volume 1: Journey to Umbar by elfscribe

The Númenórean King Ar-Pharazôn thinks he has won an easy victory when Sauron surrenders to him and becomes his prisoner. But the march back to Umbar with the conniving Dark Lord turns out to have many unanticipated twists and turns through a nest of politics and intrigue, including Sauron's attempted seduction of Ar-Pharazôn's favorite male courtesan.

This is volume I of a planned trilogy. An epic tale of political intrigue, the desire for immortality and love, sorcery, hubris, loyalty, lust, and catastropic amounts of water.

MEFA 2009 First Place winner in Genres: Longer Works: Incomplete  (Vol. I is now complete)

This fic was recommended in USA Today, May 20, 2015! (They have a fanfiction section. Who knew?)  Thank you to Uvatha the Horseman for the rec!

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This Distant Shore by Raksha The Demon

When much is lost, there still remains much to do.  A Thanksgiving-inspired look at some special immigrants in the late Second Age.

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The People of Akallabeth by Hamfast Gamgee

A tale set at time of the end of Numenor, involving original characters, Amandil, Elendil, some Elves a bit of angst and some of my own ideas thrown in, and a bit of poetry!

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Downfallen by pandemonium_213

Sauron recounts the first human sacrifice in the temple of Armenelos.

MEFA 2009: First Place - Races: Villains: General

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Factions by Marta

Isildur's theft of the fruit of the White Tree, from a different perspective. (Beta: annmarwalk)

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Even Quicker Than Doubt by Keiliss

Set in the weeks before Elros departs for Númenor, Doubt explores the reason the twins chose different paths, Elrond’s emotional coming of age, the evolving relationship between Gil-galad and Glorfindel, and the reborn Elf’s adjustment to his new life in Second Age Lindon.

MEFA nominee 2007, my thanks to Oshun

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Spaces in the Heart by Keiliss

 Glorfindel's first meeting with Idril's grandson.

MEFA 2008  Races: Elves: House of Elrond: Third Place

 

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All Our Yesterdays by Keiliss

At the end of the War of the Last Alliance.

 

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