Tar-Minastir (SA 1474 - SA 1873, r. SA 1731 - SA 1869) was the 11th ruler of Númenor. King during the War of the Elves and Sauron in the mid-Second Age, he helped defeat Sauron by sending a relief force to the aid of Gil-galad who was under siege in Middle-earth.

History Edit

Tar-Minastir was the son of Isilmo and succeeded his aunt, Queen Tar-Telperiën, when she died. He was the grandson of King Tar-Súrion.

He yearned for the west as did many in his time and loved the elves but envied them. At some point in his rule, he had a Great Tower built on Oromet so that he could gaze upon the west and dream.

Sauron invaded Eriador from Calenardhon in SA 1695 and realms of Eregion fell. Sauron advanced to Lindon and Rivendell. In SA 1700 Tar-Minastir sent a navy under the command of Ciryatur, to save Lindon. Ciryatur's forces stopped Sauron's army at the river Gwathló; reinforcements from Lindon and Tharbad helped defeat Sauron at the Battle of the Gwathló. Battered but not utterly defeated Sauron retreated back to Mordor in SA 1701 swearing revenge.

From around the 1800s in the, Númenóreans began establishing permanent settlements in Middle-earth, including Umbar.

He abdicated the throne in SA 1869 dying peacefully four years later. He was succeeded by his son, Tar-Ciryatan.

Etymology Edit

His name means "Tower-watcher" in Quenya, which perhaps signifies "The Vigilant".

References Edit

• The Silmarillion pgs. 267 & 269
• Unfinished Tales pgs. 206, 220, 223, 226, 239, 265
• The Complete Guide to Middle-earth
• The Atlas of Middle-earth pg. 43

External link Edit

• Tar-Minastir at Tolkien Gateway