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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Tainted Light by Eldalie

Silme loved and followed Maedhros from the peace of Valinor to his fiery end. Now Galadriel, her cousin and friend, reads her memories, and the exile and downfall of the Noldorin Elves live again through the tale of this doomed love. MEFA 2010 NOMINEE

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The Embalmer's Apprentice by Lyra

Faced with the choice between execution or working on the preservation of dead people, young Azruhâr finds himself drawn into an increasingly political struggle between faith and power, tradition and new ideas - and a journey beyond his wildest fears and dreams.

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Coda by Marta

After the fall of Numenor, Nienna ponders the nature of loss. (Also featuring Pengolodh.)

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The Man Who Grew Tomatoes by pandemonium_213

Navin, a young boy living in a mystical land in the East of Middle-earth, a civilization as rich in lore and magic as any in the West, visits family friends while his mother prepares to give birth to a new sister or brother. There in the hills, Navin helps his elderly friend in his garden and later, his friend -- a man from a distant land now gone -- tells Navin the story of how tomatoes came to Bharat.

MEFA 2010 Winner, First Place; Races: Cross-Cultural: Gapfiller.  

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A Mighty Bridge Invisible by Noliel

A mariner finds himself, alone, on the Old Road to the West.

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The Wrong Way to the Indies by Fireworks

After a world-changing discovery, a young cartographer in Middle-earth struggles with what he has to tell the world.

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The Hidden Lady by Rhapsody

Many scribes and bards have claimed that the Valar spared Elendil and his sons, but what is fact and what is myth?

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"Zimraphel" and "I who loved her" by Noliel, Dawn Felagund

Tar-Miriel faces the wave that will drown Númenor while, in the midst of the forbidden realm of Valinor, Ar-Pharazôn is granted sudden awareness of her fate.

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Bedtime Tales of the Sun by Dawn Felagund

A young daughter in the House of Anárion asks how the world came to be rounded.

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Small Expectations by Noliel

On the eve of the Numenorean-landing at the shores of Aman, Mahtan comes to see Nerdanel in her home by the coast to persuade her to come with him to Valimar.

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War Children by Fireworks

While the Númenóreans live in the height of their pride and folly, they leave darkness and ruin in their wake. A young woman in Middle-earth struggles with this legacy. [The full text was not showing, but it has been fixed now.]

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Sacrifice by SurgicalSteel

Not everyone involved with the sacrifices at Armenelos were believers.

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A Struggle with Darkness by Fireworks

Construction has begun on Sauron's temple in Armenelos, but strange, dark afflictions are plaguing those who go near ...

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A Game of Risk by Lyra

Isildur said no word, but went out by night and did a deed for which he was afterwards renowned.

Isildur discovers that heroic deeds are not nearly as simple as the poets make it sound.

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His Own Dark Designs by Independence1776

Ar-Pharazôn begins to worship Morgoth. Drabble.

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The Last Temptation by Fireworks

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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Hostage by SurgicalSteel

Ar-Pharazon takes Sauron as a hostage for the good behavior of his people.

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The Day the Numenoreans Left by Aiwen

Pharazôn and Amandil's diplomatic mission to Middle-earth may do more harm than good ...

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To Stand Fast Against the Night by Fiondil

Tar-Palantir makes a decision upon receiving the Sceptre of Númenor, a decision that does not meet with universal approval.

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Falling Stars by Independence1776

Mestië and Alagos suffer the consequences of breaking Ar-Gimilzôr’s laws. Dark.

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Every Wish by Independence1776

Mestië, a Faithful commoner, prepares for her wedding while dealing with Ar-Gimilzôr’s new laws forbidding the speaking of Elvish.

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Brothers by Dawn Felagund

Two brothers face their father's death and the differences that have arisen between them, for one is of the King's Men and the other of the Elf-friends.

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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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