Tar-Ciryatan (SA 1634 - SA 2035, r. SA 1869 - SA 2029), or Ar-Balkumagân in Adûnaic, was the twelfth ruler of Númenor. His rule marked the first coming of the shadow upon the Númenóreans and their rulers, the speaking out openly against the Valar and the Ban, colonialism, and dominion abroad.

History Edit

Tar-Ciryatan was born in SA 1634 and was the son Tar-Minastir. He loved ships and everything connected to ship-lore and ship building. His heart was restless in Númenor and before succeeding his father, he went on many voyages around the world travelling east, north, and south but never west as many yearned to do but never could because of the Ban of the Valar.

He succeeded his father in SA 1869 and became a mighty king building great armadas of ships and the Númenóreans began large scale colonization of the coastal cities, and held the peoples of Middle-earth in subjugation demanding great tribute from them. As Tar-Ciryatan was greedy of wealth in these days, he received the pick of the many metals and gems that had been taken by his men in payment or as spoils of war.

He abdicated in SA 2029 after ruling for one-hundred and sixty years and was succeeded by his son, Tar-Atanamir. He died in SA 2035.

Etymology Edit

His name literally means "Ship-builder" in Quenya.

Behind the Scenes Edit

In a role-playing game he was also referred to as the father of the Witch-King of Angmar, but this relationship does not appear anywhere in Tolkien's work.

References Edit

• Unfinished Tales pg. 221
• The Complete Guide to Middle-earth

External link Edit

• Tar-Ciryatan at Tolkien Gateway