Things of Middle-earth
Feasts of Númenor
Type: Miscellaneous
Other Names: The Three Prayers
Description:... in the spring of the year, when the time of the Erukyermë1 was come, [Aldarion and Erendis] ascended in the retinue of the King to the summit of the Meneltarma, which was the Hallowed Mountain of the Númenóreans. ... They did not speak, for no one, save only the King, spoke upon the height of Meneltarma....
Unfinished Tales, Part 2, Ch 2, Aldarion and Erendis
... there none might speak any word, save the King only. Thrice only in each year the King spoke, offering prayer for the coming year at the Erukyermë in the first days of spring, praise of Eru Ilúvatar at the Erulaitalë2 in midsummer, and thanksgiving to him at the Eruhantalë3 at the end of autumn. At these times the King ascended the mountain on foot followed by a great concourse of the people, clad in white and garlanded, but silent.
Unfinished Tales, Part 2, Ch 1, Description of the Island of Númenor
... after the days of Tar-Ancalimon the offering of the first fruits to Eru was neglected....
The Silmarillion, Akallabêth
[Tar-Palantir] ... went once more at due seasons to the Hallow of Eru upon the Meneltarma, which Ar-Gimilzôr had forsaken.
The Silmarillion, Akallabêth
If anyone approached the summit, at once three eagles would appear and alight upon three rocks near to the western edge; but at the times of the Three Prayers they did not descend, remaining in the sky and hovering above the people.
Unfinished Tales, Part 2, Ch 1, Description of the Island of Númenor
Notes
1 Erukyermë: 'Prayer to Eru,' the feast of the Spring in Númenor....
Unfinished Tales, Part 2, Ch 2, Aldarion and Erendis: Notes, Note 16
2 Erulaitalë: 'Praise of Eru', the midsummer feast of Númenor.
Unfinished Tales, Index
3 Eruhantalë: 'Thanksgiving to Eru', the autumn feast in Númenor....
Unfinished Tales, Part 2, Ch 2, Aldarion and Erendis: Notes, Note 5
Contributors: Elena Tiriel 28Feb05