Unveiling the Enigma: The Hidden Secrets behind Men as Secondborn in LOTR

Highlights

The race of Men in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth is known as the Secondborn due to their awakening after the Elves, earning them a distinct position in the grand narrative.

Men possess the Gift of mortality and autonomy to determine their own destiny. However, their apprehension towards death and the corrupting influence of Morgoth have given rise to unfavorable perceptions. The Elves, in their poetic language, refer to Men by various names like Atani (Second People), Edain (those with harmonious connections), and other descriptive terms. These names eloquently capture the complex interactions between Elves and Men in Middle-earth.

The vast and intricate world of Middle-earth, created by J.R.R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings, is home to a multitude of races, each possessing unique characteristics and playing significant roles in the overall narrative. Within this rich tapestry, the race of Men holds a distinctive and profound place as the Secondborn, one of the two recognized Children of Ilúvatar, who is also known and revered as the One.

Ilúvatar, the singular and all-encompassing being, is not merely a creator, but an omniscient, omnipotent, and benevolent force of existence. His presence transcends the confines of time, residing eternally within the Timeless Halls, and his spirit contains the Flame Imperishable, a divine spark that brings forth existence from the depths of nothingness. It is from this divine source that all life in Middle-earth originates, shaping the futures of Elves, Men, and the multitude of creatures inhabiting this enchanting realm.

Why were men known as Secondborn?

Men, known as Atani in Quenya and Edain in Sindarin, are referred to as the Secondborn in Middle-earth. This distinction arises from the timing of their awakening in The Lord of the Rings lore. Unlike the Elves, who had awakened long before in various parts of Middle-earth, Men awoke when the Sun rose for the first time in the heavens, during the late First Age. This significant difference in their arrival earned Men the title of Secondborn, with their awakening occurring in a distant land called Hildórien in the far east of Middle-earth.

One of the key differences between Men and Elves lies in the Gift of Men - mortality. Immortal beings, Elves remain connected to the world even after their bodies are destroyed, residing in the Halls of Mandos until they are released or the world comes to an end. In contrast, Men are liberated from the confines of the world and find solace from its trials.

Men have been granted by Ilúvatar with a unique freedom to shape their own destiny. They enjoy a greater degree of independence from the predetermined designs of the Music of the Ainur, a divine melody that shaped the world. However, the influence of Morgoth has led Men to view their fate with fear. Instead of embracing death as a gift, they often perceive it as a curse or a unfortunate destiny.

Morgoth, known as the Dark Lord and a rebellious Vala, played a significant role in the lives of Men. There is considerable evidence to indicate that shortly after the awakening of Men, Morgoth approached them and encouraged them to worship him instead of Ilúvatar. Regrettably, many Men were enticed by this and chose to follow Morgoth.

While initially the entire race of Men was swayed by the Enemy, some later regretted their decision and broke free from his influence. These Men, who would become the ancestors of the Edain, remained steadfastly loyal to the Elves in the land of Beleriand. Consequently, the term 'Edain' eventually came to refer exclusively to those Men who were friends of the Elves in Beleriand, distinguishing them from other Men.

Were there other names for Men in Middle Earth?

The Elves, with their poetic language, had many names for the race of Men, reflecting their perception and experiences with the Secondborn. In Quenya, Men were called Atani, meaning "Second People." The Elves also used other names such as Hildor, which meant "the Aftercomers," Apanónar, indicating "the Afterborn," and Fírimar, referring to "the Mortals" or Engwar, meaning "the sickly." In Sindarin, 'Atani' became 'Edain,' a term used for Men who had friendly relations with the Elves in Beleriand. The usage of this term changed over time.

While these names showcase the poetic and expressive nature of Elvish languages, they are not the sole descriptions for Men in Middle-earth. Other names bestowed upon Men were "the Self-cursed," "the Strangers," "the Usurpers," "the inscrutable," "the Nightfearers," "the Heavyhanded," and "the Children of the Sun." Each of these terms represents a distinct aspect of the relationship between Elves and Men.

In the ancient era known as the First Age, those Men who did not belong to the noble Edain were often called Rhevain and Hravani, both signifying their untamed nature. These terms depicted a certain unfamiliarity and reflected the lack of close ties between them and the Elves.

As the narrative unfolds in the world of Tolkien, certain groups of Men, like the "Black Men" and the "Swarthy Men," ultimately became known as the Haradrim and the Easterlings respectively. In J.R.R. Tolkien's writings, the term "Men" is employed as a collective noun encompassing both male and female humans, transcending time and place. This designation serves to unite the diverse communities of Men that populate Middle-earth.

The labeling of Men as Secondborn in The Lord of the Rings goes beyond just timing and is firmly connected to their distinct traits and fates that separate them from the Elves. The various designations employed to identify Men in Middle-earth showcase the intricate connections and perspectives that have evolved throughout history, adding depth to Tolkien's enduring and cherished world.