The Quests of Middle-earth - Page 5
© Michael Martinez
In theory one need only sail west from the northernmost shores of Middle-earth, and then to sail southward along the coast of Aman. Eventually one would come to Alqualonde. Cirdan's mariners should have been capable of doing this, as it would have been a matter of retracing Feanor's own journey. But the Valar prevented such returns. Uinen and Osse raised vast storms which sank the ships in the north. Farther south the seas were infested with the Shadowy Isles that trapped mariners. And voyagers who thought they could figure out the way were driven back or confused until they became lost.
Earendil must have sensed something dreadful in the future for his people. He built a ship with Cirdan's help and left his wife and young sons behind to sail across the seas. The ship could not have been very large, as Earendil needed only three companions (Falathar, Erellont, and Aerandir -- apparently all Edain, perhaps Beorians since they had Sindarin names) to help him control it. A small crew required little food and less water than a large one. Vingelot took him south in search of Tuor and Idril, and of the last shore, but he found neither. And sensing something evil in the north he turned back toward Beleriand, but never reached home. The Feanorians destroyed the people of Arvernien and Elwing escaped with the Silmaril. Under the power of Ulmo she became an albatross and flew to Earendil, and together they forged a path west over Sea.
The story of Earendil implies so many great deeds, and The Silmarillion makes one reference only to the lost "Lay of Earendil" (if, indeed, it was ever written or more than conceived of in passing). In Earendil's quest the final battle for control over Middle-earth was achieved, as far as Melkor was concerned. By reaching the Valar and fulfilling their requirements for mercy, Earendil set into motion a conflict which would alter much of Middle-earth and drive Melkor from power once and for all. His would be a hard act to follow.
And there were quests which came afterward, although we hear little about them. Veantur was the first Numenorean captain to sail across the seas to find Lindon. His quest was a sentimental one, less spiritual and adventurous than those of the First Age. But he inspired his grandson Anardil (later Tar-Aldarion) to undertake many journeys to Middle-earth.
On the other side Sauron also undertook quests. At first he sought to win the trust of the Elves, and it appears he went from Elven land to Elven land, offering friendship. Few of the Elves suited his purposes or trusted him, but he found willing allies in Eregion, pawns in his game to become a great power.
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