Map Of Middle Earth Second Age Vs Third Age

The Second Age

The Second Age of Middle Earth is a significant period in the history of J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world. This era lasted for more than three thousand years and saw the rise and fall of many powerful civilizations.

During the Second Age, the island kingdom of Númenor was established by the men who fought alongside the Elves in the War of the Last Alliance. Númenor became a powerful and prosperous kingdom, but it was eventually destroyed due to the pride and greed of its rulers.

Another notable event of this era was the forging of the Rings of Power by the Elven smiths, including Celebrimbor. Sauron, the Dark Lord, deceived the Elves and created the One Ring to rule them all. The Second Age ended with the War of the Last Alliance, in which the Last Alliance of Elves and Men defeated Sauron.

Question: What is the significance of the island kingdom of Númenor?

The kingdom of Númenor was significant because it was a powerful and prosperous civilization that played a crucial role in the history of Middle Earth. Its people were the descendants of the Edain, the men who fought alongside the Elves against Morgoth in the First Age. Númenor was destroyed due to the pride and greed of its rulers, which led to the downfall of the entire civilization.

The Third Age

The Third Age is the era in which The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings take place. This age lasts for more than 3,000 years and is marked by the return of Sauron and the War of the Ring.

The Third Age begins with the defeat of Sauron at the end of the Second Age. The Ring of Power is lost for centuries until it is found by Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. The events of The Lord of the Rings take place during the War of the Ring, in which the Fellowship of the Ring attempts to destroy the One Ring and defeat Sauron.

The Third Age ends with the departure of the Elves from Middle Earth and the beginning of the Fourth Age.

Question: What is the significance of the War of the Ring?

The War of the Ring is significant because it is the climax of The Lord of the Rings and the culmination of the struggle between good and evil in Middle Earth. The war is fought between the forces of Sauron and the Free Peoples of Middle Earth, led by Aragorn, Gandalf, and Frodo. The defeat of Sauron leads to the destruction of the One Ring and the restoration of peace in Middle Earth.

Comparison of the Maps

The maps of Middle Earth in the Second Age and Third Age are significantly different. In the Second Age, Númenor is shown as a large island in the western sea. The maps of the Third Age show that Númenor has sunk beneath the waves.

The maps of the Third Age also show the locations of many important places that did not exist in the Second Age, such as the Shire and Mordor. The maps of the Second Age show the location of many places that were destroyed or changed in the Third Age, such as Barad-dûr and Minas Ithil.

Question: What are the major differences between the maps of the Second Age and Third Age?

The major differences between the maps of the Second Age and Third Age are the locations of important places and the shape of Middle Earth. In the Third Age, many new places are shown on the maps, such as the Shire and Mordor. The maps of the Second Age show the location of places that were destroyed or changed in the Third Age, such as Barad-dûr and Minas Ithil. The shape of Middle Earth also changes between the Second and Third Ages, with the sinking of Númenor and the shifting of the coastline.

Conclusion

The maps of Middle Earth in the Second Age and Third Age show the significant changes that occurred in the history of J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world. The rise and fall of civilizations, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the War of the Ring are just some of the events that shaped Middle Earth. The maps are a visual representation of the history of this world, and they help us to understand the complexity and richness of Tolkien's imagination.