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Why did Númenor exist? Was it simply to reward the Edain and their descendants? Or was there some greater purpose that impacted the rest of Arda, and perhaps even the Cosmos?

In this episode, we are focusing on The Religion of Númenor, per a passage from Unfinished Tales' "A Description of Númenor". This is a very important topic for a number of reasons, but I want to highlight two specifically.  

First of all, Tolkien famously (and as it turns out controversially) called Lord of the Rings a “fundamentally religious and Catholic work”. What exactly he meant by this is a subject of much debate, and likely key to understanding what he meant to do with the work. 

Second of all, religion is a subject that has been of foundational importance in every human civilization in recorded history. Religion informs how we see ourselves and the meaning of our lives. Therefore, to know that Númenor had an actual religion is key to understanding what Númenor was all about. Indeed, there may be no more important topic for the producers of LOTR on Prime to think about and incorporate into the show if they want to make it truly worthy of Tolkien’s name.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous

WATCH THE VIDEO 

CONTENTS 

- Why Discuss Númenor's Religion? »  2:42
- The Religion of Númenor per Unfinished Tales » 4:50
- Discussion of the passage » 7:50
- Connection to the Ban » 16:00
- "Fundamentally Religious and Catholic" » 27:45
- Mailbag » 31:15

LINKS 

- The Three Prayers » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Three_Prayers
- Erukyermeë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Erukyerm%C3%AB
- Erulaitalë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Erulaital%C3%AB
- Erulaitalë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Eruhantal%C3%AB
- The Banner Saga » https://bannersaga.com/
- Referenced Emma Thompson Quote » https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/emma-thompson-criticizes-hollywood-for-failing-to-portray-authentic

SPECIAL THANKS:
Andrew T
John R
Ms. Anonymous
Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
Shannon S
Brian O
Emilio P
Zeke F
James A
James L
Chris L
Chuck F
Asya V
Ish of the Hammer
Teresa C
David of Pints with Jack
Jonathan D
Eric S
Joey S
Eric B
Johanna T
Mike M
Robert H
Paul D
Julia
Werty