Meneltarma
the Pillar of Heaven; the holy mountain of Númenor
Names
Meneltarma, the “Pillar of Heaven”, also called the Holy Mountain, is the name of the sacred peak of Númenor.
Geography
The highest mountain of the isle stood at its centre, in the inland region of Mittalmar, rising about three thousand feet above the surrounding plain. Its base spread into five long grass-covered roots, the Tarmasundar, reaching toward the divisions of the land; on the southern slopes lay the tombs of the Kings in the valley of Noirinan. Near the top a spiral road climbed to the broad, flattened summit.
History
No permanent structure stood upon the crown of Meneltarma, for the mountain was dedicated to Eru Ilúvatar; all who climbed it kept silence, and at the three feasts of the year only the King ascended to speak the prayer and thanksgiving. The Eagles of Manwë dwelt upon its pinnacles, guarding the holy place and the land, and it was said that from its summit the far-sighted could see Tol Eressëa. At the Downfall of Númenor fire burst from the Meneltarma; and some of the exiles believed that the sacred summit remained as an isle in the sea.