The Enigmatic Legacy of Elros in the World of Middle-earth
Delve into the fascinating lineage of Elros, an enigmatic figure in LOTR Unravel the intricate bond between Elros and Elrond, and discover the untold story of what fate befell Elros A captivating exploration of one of Tolkien's lesser-known characters
Highlights
Casual fans may not be familiar with Elros, but he is a significant figure in the Lord of the Rings mythology, being the famous King of Men and the twin brother of Elrond.
Elros descends from a distinctive family tree comprised of half-elves and was confronted with the decision to embrace his human or elven heritage. Opting for mortality, he diverged from his brother Elrond's path towards immortality, resulting in a tense relationship between the siblings.
Following the triumph over Morgoth, Elros ascended to the throne as the inaugural ruler of the enchanting island kingdom of Numenor. Over the course of 410 years, he governed with great success, laying the foundation for a lineage of prosperous descendants.
Fans of The Lord of the Rings may be unfamiliar with many aspects of the tale's mythology, and this is not their fault. J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of a complex and intricate mythology can be difficult to grasp. Apart from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, there are numerous other books that delve into the history of Middle Earth and its surrounding continents. Amazon's The Rings of Power series provides an opportunity for even casual fans to delve into this rich history.
In the series, The Rings of Power, viewers are introduced to the island kingdom of Numenor, which possesses a vast and captivating history of its own. In episode three, a character named Elros is briefly mentioned - a character who has never before been seen in live-action. Despite the lack of recognition from most fans, Elros is incredibly significant in Middle Earth. So, who exactly is Elros and what is his connection to one of the most prominent characters in The Lord of the Rings?
Who is Elros?
Elros is widely known as a famous King of Men among casual fans, but his true significance lies in the larger narrative of Lord of the Rings. His parents, Eärendil and Elwing, played crucial roles in the downfall of the Dark Lord Morgoth at the end of the First Age. It's worth noting that Morgoth was Sauron's master, and everything Sauron knew, he learned from him. Interestingly, Elros had a twin brother named Elrond, who went on to play a significant role in the Second Age, making him well-known among fans. Elros's history is quite complex, to say the least.
Eärendil and Elwing's decision to have children came at a particularly challenging time when Morgoth had almost taken control of Middle Earth. The Elves and the noble Men, known as the Edain, were locked in a desperate struggle for survival. In the midst of war, Elros and Elrond's parents left them behind in a cave, where they were eventually found. What sets Elros's family apart is their unique lineage of being half-elves. In Tolkien's universe, this is an exceptional trait, as it requires a half-elf to ultimately choose between becoming Human or Elf. Now, the question arises: Did Elrond choose to be an Elf?
Elros and Elrond's Relationship, Explained
Elros, on the other hand, made a contrasting choice, opting to embark on the mortal path, destined to experience the natural cycle of aging and ultimately face death, unlike his brother. Despite his significantly extended lifespan, exceeding that of typical humans and even surpassing the standards of the Numenoreans, this unfortunate decision served as a driving force in pushing the brothers apart.
The brothers resided in a hidden cave concealed behind a magnificent waterfall before being discovered and liberated by Maglor, the most esteemed poet and minstrel of the Noldor. He fostered them as his own, although it remains a mystery whether the two actively participated in the War of Wrath that ultimately vanquished Morgoth's rule. What is known is that the Valar presented the twins with a choice at the onset of the second age. Upon making their respective decisions, with Elrond electing the immortal life of Elves and Elros embracing the mortality of Humans, the two ventured down separate paths.
In episode three of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, the audience witnesses the separation of Elrond and Elros in a mural. The mural depicts Elrond standing alongside elves on one side, and Elros standing with men on the other. This mural effectively portrays the strained relationship between humans and elves throughout The Lord of the Rings series. Following their parting, Elrond and Elros had no further interactions.
Nonetheless, Elrond carried on with the responsibility of nurturing the many descendants of Elros, including Valandil, the son of Isildur, and eventually Aragorn himself. Elrond understood the importance of safeguarding the lineage of the royal men.
What Happened to Elros?
After defeating Morgoth in the First Age, the free people of Middle Earth were granted permission by the Valar to enter Valinor, a land located to the west, if they so desired. However, this offer was not extended to Men. Despite this, the Valar believed that Men deserved a similar reward for their immense sacrifices in the War of Wrath. As a result, they were given an isolated island called Numenor, which was separate from Middle Earth but still connected to it. Elros, becoming the first king of Numenor, played a significant role in its establishment. Described in The Silmarillion, Numenor was a land created specifically for the Edain, not belonging to either Middle Earth or Valinor, yet closer in proximity to the latter due to a vast expanse of sea that separated them.
The Return of the King delves deeper into the narrative, revealing that the Edain were bestowed a safe haven by the Valar, the Protectors of the World, as a testament to their valiant efforts against Morgoth. This land ensured their protection by keeping them distant from the perils of Middle-earth.
Elros, despite being mortal, experienced an extraordinarily extended life. Ascending to the throne at the remarkable age of 90, he governed Numenor for an astonishing 410 years, achieving the impressive age of 500. During his reign, he laid a solid foundation for the kingdom's prosperity and established a noble lineage of offspring.
