Summary
The rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, as depicted inThe Lord of the Rings, is inhabited by various races, each with its own unique characteristics and roles in the grand narrative. In this intricate world, the race of Men occupies a distinctive and profound position as the Secondborn, one of the two known Children of Ilúvatar, also revered as the One.
Eru Ilúvatar, the singular and all-encompassing being, is not just a creator, but the omniscient, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent force of existence. His presence has transcended the bounds of time, dwelling eternally within the Timeless Halls, and his spirit houses the Flame Imperishable, a divine spark that ignites existence from the depths of nothingness. It is from this divine source that all life in Middle-earth emanates, and it shapes the destinies of Elves, Men, and the myriad creatures that dwell within this enchanting world.
RELATED:LOTR: The 9 Most Important Events Of The 1st Age
Why were men known as Secondborn?
The race of Men, referred to as Atani in Quenya and Edain in Sindarin, is known as the Secondborn in Middle-earth. But why this distinction? The answer lies in the timing of their awakening inThe Lord of the Ringslore. Men were not the first sentient beings created by Ilúvatar in Tolkien’s mythos. Instead, they awoke when the Sun first rose in the heavens, which occurred late in the First Age.
In contrast, the Elves, the Firstborn, had awakened millennia before Men in different regions of Middle-earth. This chronological difference in their arrival earned Men the title of Secondborn. Their awakening took place in a land known as Hildórien in the far east of Middle-earth.
One of the most fundamental aspects that set Men apart from the Elves isthe Gift of Men- mortality. Elves are immortal, meaning that even if their bodies are destroyed, their spirits remain bound to the world and go to the Halls of Mandos, where they await release or the end of the world. On the other hand, Men are released from the bounds of the world and experience rest from its trials.
Ilúvatar granted Men the unique freedom to shape their own future. They are relatively free from the designs of the Music of the Ainur, a divine theme that shaped the world. However,the influence of Morgothhas led Men to fear their fate. Instead of viewing death as a gift, they often perceive it as a doom, a curse.
Morgoth, the Dark Lord, who was a renegade Vala, played a significant role in the lives of Men. There is ample evidence to suggest that soon after the awakening of Men, Morgoth approached them and incited them to worship him and turn away from Ilúvatar. Unfortunately, many Men succumbed to this seduction and followed Morgoth.
While the entire race of Men was initially swayed by the Enemy, some repented and escaped his influence. These Men, said to be the ancestors of the Edain, remained steadfast in theirloyalty to the Elvesin the land of Beleriand. This distinction eventually led to the term ‘Edain’ being applied solely to those Men who were friends of the Elves in Beleriand, differentiating them from other Men.
Were there other names for Men in Middle Earth?
The Elves, ever poetic in their language, had a variety of names for the race of Men, reflecting their perception and experiences with the Secondborn. In Quenya, they referred to Men as Atani, which translates to “Second People.” However, the Elves also used other names such as Hildor, meaning “the Aftercomers,” Apanónar, signifying “the Afterborn,” and Fírimar, which referred to “the Mortals” or Engwar, denoting “the sickly.” In Sindarin, ‘Atani’ became ‘Edain,’ a term used to describe those Men who maintainedfriendly relations with the Elvesin Beleriand. The usage of this term evolved over time.
While these names highlight the poetic and expressive nature of Elvish languages, they are not the only descriptors for Men in Middle-earth. Other names given to Men included “the Self-cursed,” “the Strangers,” “the Usurpers,” “the inscrutable,” “the Nightfearers,” “the Heavyhanded,” and “the Children of the Sun.” Each of these terms reflects a unique aspect of the relationship between Elves and Men.
In the First Age, Men who were not part of the Edain were often referred to as Rhevain and Hravani, both translating to ‘the Wild.’ These terms portrayed a certain unfamiliarity and untamed nature attributed to Men who had not yet established close bonds with the Elves.
As the story unfolds in Tolkien’s world, some Men,such as the “Black Men"and the “Swarthy Men,” would later become known as the Haradrim and Easterlings, respectively. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings, the term “Men” is used to collectively refer to human males and females. This name transcends time and place, uniting the diverse communities of Men that inhabit Middle-earth.
The designation of Men as Secondborn inThe Lord of the Ringsis not merely a matter of timing but is deeply rooted in the unique characteristics and destinies that distinguish them from the Elves. The myriad names used to describeMen in Middle-earthreflect the complex relationships and perceptions that have developed over the ages, further enriching the tapestry of Tolkien’s timeless and beloved universe.
MORE:7 Most Powerful Artifacts in the Lord of the Rings Universe
