The Quests of Middle-earth - Page 6
© Michael Martinez
Centuries later, after the Elves of Eregion had learned about Sauron's treachery and understood his true nature, they prepared for war with Mordor. Who is to say that Sauron's march upon Eregion in search of the Rings of Power was not a quest? He had a clear goal in mind, and the fact he took along a great army doesn't diminish the hardship he encountered. He only captured the Seven and the Nine. He acted villainously, of course, and utilized his friends and allies as expendable resources (burning the forests which sustained the Gwathuirim, for example -- perhaps Sauron knew better than the Numenoreans that these alienated men were as much Edainic in origin as the Beorians and Marachians of central Eriador).
Many centuries later Ar-Pharazon, last King of Numenor, undertook a quest in Middle-earth: to bring Sauron to his knees. These powerquests, as one might call them, wrought great evil and accomplished little toward the ends being chased after. Ar-Pharazon's later adventure, seeking immortality in Valinor, achieved far less than he hoped for. Perhaps "foolquests" would be a better description for his endeavors.
Of course, Ar-Pharazon's stupidity gave Isildur a reason to achieve a heroic task. He saved a sapling of the White Tree, and very nearly lost his life in doing so. Amandil, last Lord of Andunie, sailed west with one old servant to ask for help from the Valar. He didn't achieve anything. And Elendil secretly travelled across Numenor to look out upon the western waters one last time, hoping to see his father again, but in vain. All three men risked their lives, each for a different if noble purpose. Only Isildur produced long-lasting results which would be felt into the Fourth Age.
In the Third Age quests became less important. Middle-earth was civilized and became the province of powerful nations in Sauron's absence. With powerful nations, mighty armies, vast fleets, the actions of one individual are less important. Great and heroic men become great and heroic captains of war, wise kings, noble counselors. And when Sauron's machinations brought about the waning of Arnor and Gondor's power, there was no time or energy for great quests. Nor was there anything to quest for, save an occasional treasure or a bit of knowledge.
Fram's adventures in the northern lands led him to slay the dragon Scatha, and thereby he gained great wealth. Did he go seeking the dragon or did he just stumble across the great worm and have to deal with it in a desperate defense?
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