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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Narin and Anglithiel by Lferion

Celebrimbor and Narvi were not the only Elf-Dwarf pairing in Ost-in-Edhil.

Tales featuring an original Elf character named Anglithiel and her partner and love original Dwarf character Narin.

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Not a Pipe by Lferion

In Ost-in-Edhil, Narin gets a look at her wife's new sculpture.

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After the Fall by Lferion

The aftermath of the Fall of Numenor, from two different shores and three perspectives. Three drabbles.

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“I can see in the acorn the oak tree. I see the growth, the rebuilding, the restoring.” - Maya Angelou by MirienSilowende

The Entwives are forced to flee when Sauron wipes out their homes but at the end of a long journey, they find a place that suits them very well.

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Elegy for Númenor – Volume 2: The Darkening by elfscribe

Ar-Pharazôn, the mighty King of Númenor, thinks he has triumphed when his powerful enemy, Sauron, surrenders, and the King carries him back to his glorious island kingdom. However, Sauron’s greatest power lies not in his armies, but in his capacity for guile and seduction. A drama with many players.

Rating: M overall, although, no doubt, future chapters will have explicit content.

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After the Storm Waves by Himring

The Downfall of Numenor has also inflicted considerable damage on settlements in Lindon.

When Elendil's ships arrive, Cirdan considers how to put up those Numenoreans who escaped the Downfall.

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Hidden, Healing, Shaped to Touch by Lferion

During the long, strange years After the Sun, Nerdanel made sculptures. Not statues, not the likenesses she was known for, but abstract pieces intended to be touched as much as seen.

A 5 drabble sequence

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Young Thranduil's Confusion (Or, A Númenórean Poem Most Strange...) by Kaylee Arafinwiel

In the midst of the War of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, ticking down to the end of the Second Age, there are frequently lulls between the action-packed moments. War is a lot of waiting, as one young Sindarin lieutenant - who happens to be Greenwood's crown prince - learns to his dismay.

Still, in such quiet moments are friendships fostered. Prince Elendur Isildurchil, the very first of Isildur's Heirs, has often invited Greenwood's prince to spend time in his tent and learn the wisdom of Men.

Sometimes Thranduil learns lessons the barely more than elfling is ill prepared for...and Elendur's not much more prepared for moments like these.

Let's hope Lord Elrond and their edair never find out...

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The Captain and the King by oshun

for Keiliss, Slashy Valentine 2021

Gil-galad read the note: "Expect him in the morning two days hence, allowing for weather. Keep an eye out for his ship—Númerrámar."

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The Place, the People by Himring

Turgon, who failed to evacuate Gondolin in time, will eventually become a driving force behind the successful evacuation of Tirion when Pharazon's army invades Valinor.

But the story begins with his return to Tirion from Mandos.

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To Doubt and To Have Faith by Himring

Inzilbeth, daughter of Lindorie of Andunie, struggles to maintain her childhood faith, when she is pressured into marriage with Gimilzor, prospective heir to the throne of Numenor, and finds herself surrounded by fervent adherents of the King's Party at court.

The birth of her elder son, the future Tar-Palantir, gives her hope.

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In the Hills of Emerie by Himring

Ancalime in the hills of Emerie.

And music.

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After Gladden Fields by Kaylee Arafinwiel

The first Crown Prince of Arnor comes to Mandos.

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Stars of Morning by Sleepless_Malice

Based on the following prompt: Tar-Telperiën falls in love with an Elven ambassador from Lindon

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The Last Temptation (Rewritten, Again) by Fireworks

Heavily rewritten, again:

 

This story first appeared in The Silmarillion Writer's Guild's Akâllabeth in August.

Summary, from the Akâllabeth in August page: 
Sauron has been taken prisoner by Pharazôn but nurtures an ever-growing influence. In the midst of a Númenor increasingly divided, a young Anárion works quietly after rebellion, discovering both love and betrayal in its midst.

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Three Letters by Talullah

Three letters Almarian receives from the men in her life.

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Isilmë's Gift by Talullah

Isilmë has a visitor.

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Numenor That Was by Himring

An anthology for stories set in Numenor or involving Numenoreans.

Latest added: Became Estranged from the Eldar (drabble set in the time when the Shadow fell on Numenor)

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The Trees of Numenor by Himring

A sequence of eight drabbles spanning the history of Numenor, with a particular focus on the period of Aldarion.

Now added: an extra drabble on Amandil for the Akallabeth in August challenge

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"The House of a Friend" & other drabbles by Himring

The friendship of Narvi and Celebrimbor: Narvi and Celebrimbor work on the Doors of Moria and other scenes.

Now added: Exploring Upwards (extra double drabble)

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Erendis: A Love Story by oshun

A more intimate recounting of aspects of the story of Erendis and Aldarion. Third chapter is posted now.

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Price of a Broken Promise by Himring

Erendis has given up on her errant husband and is no longer waiting for Aldarion to return from his voyage to Middle-earth. Or so she says.

Originally written for B2MeM 2012, but posted here for Akallabeth-in-August and to go with Oshun's excellent new biography of Erendis.

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Something Un-Feanorian by Himring

Elrond has a posthumous conversation with Maedhros at the time of the Fall of Eregion.

With glimpses of Elros and of the Third Kinslaying.

Now added: The Decision (gapfiller for the main story, Elrond's POV)

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Time of Trial by Lyra

Sauron has become Ar-Pharazôn's most trusted advisor, but it is not an easy job even for a cunning Maia. An unknown intruder in the palace gardens, however, enables him to set some of his more ambitious plans in motion...

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Pyrrhic Wedding: Loss All Around by Himring

The future of her ladies-in-waiting becomes a counter in the marital conflict between Tar-Ancalime and her estranged husband Hallacar. Hallacar shames Tar-Ancalime into permitting them to marry. We are allowed to assume that they all were unreservedly grateful for this opportunity. But were they?

Now added: A second chapter from Ancalime's POV for the International  Day of Femslash: Loss All Around

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