The Fall of Númenor

Brian Sibley puts Tolkien's writings on the Second Age in order. The men who fought Morgoth are given the island of Númenor, long lives and a single ban: never sail west. In Middle-earth, Sauron tricks the Elves of Eregion, Celebrimbor forges the rings, and Sauron makes the One in secret. Over time, Númenor's kings grow jealous of the Elves' immortality. Ar-Pharazôn captures Sauron, who becomes his adviser and talks him into attacking Valinor. The island sinks into the sea. Elendil and his sons escape and found Gondor and Arnor. In the end, the Last Alliance of Elves and Men defeats Sauron, and Isildur keeps the Ring.

1. Behind the scenesReleased alongside the show

   The book came out in November 2022, right around The Rings of Power, which is set in the Second Age. Brian Sibley edited it, with illustrations by Alan Lee.

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2. ReferenceWhat the show couldn't use

   Amazon only bought the rights to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The Rings of Power writers built the Second Age out of the appendices. This book gathers the texts left out.

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3. Behind the scenesThe editor wrote the radio version

   Brian Sibley co-wrote, with Michael Bakewell, the 1981 BBC Radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, long before the films.

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