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video for a special discount code for my viewers for lordofmaps.com They were a people caught
between two great powers - Numenor and Sauron. They were tamers of the mighty Mumakil
and with the help of the Blue Wizards, their kingdom would be divided between those who
served the dark lord - and those who opposed him. Today, on Nerd of the Rings, we
cover the history of the Haradrim. As we learned in my Easterlings video, Men
first awoke in Hildorien in the far East of Middle-earth. While the Edain would migrate to
Beleriand, many would remain behind where they are influenced by Morgoth - who works to corrupt
them to his will. We are told that even among the men who fall under the dark lord’s shadow,
there is strife. And while some would settle in the Eastern lands of Rhun, others would come
to lands in the far South of Middle-earth. Unlike a small portion of Easterlings, none of
the men of Harad would play any role in the events of the First Age. In a way, this would be both a
curse and a blessing. On one hand, they would not take part in the terrible and cataclysmic battles
of the First Age, but on the other, they would not gain knowledge and craftsmanship from the elves
as the Edain would. Ultimately, this heavily contributes to their later position, trapped
between a dark lord - and a darkening kingdom. For many centuries throughout the First and early
Second Ages, the Haradrim would be independent and isolated from the rest of the world - living in
the vast lands in the south, of which we know very little. However, they would be directly impacted
by the two great powers of the Second Age - Sauron and Numenor. By the year 600 SA, the Numenoreans
begin sailing to the East and reach the shores of Middle-earth - specifically Lindon, where they
befriend Gil-galad, Cirdan, and the elves and by the 1200s, they begin making permanent
settlements along the coasts Middle-earth. Over the centuries, they would befriend the
men of Middle-earth, including those of Harad, as they explore these coastal lands. And
while the Haradrim had previously missed out on learning from the elves, they were now
taught many great things by the Numenoreans. The Haradrim learn a great deal about agriculture
and craftsmanship from their new friends. The Numenoreans construct the great port city of
Umbar, which becomes a very important location in Harad. As we know, Sauron would work hard to
corrupt the men of the East during this period of relative peace in Middle-earth. Likewise, he would
work to corrupt the men of the South as well. Sometime around 1600 SA, the Valar decide to send
their first two emissaries to Middle-earth - and the Blue Wizards sail across the sea, likely
arriving at the Grey Havens. We’ve long known that the Blue Wizards traveled to both
the East and the South of Middle-earth, as they seek to disrupt the influence of Sauron.
While we’ve known for some time their efforts in the East were quite successful, what we recently
learned from the new Nature of Middle-earth book is that the Blue Wizards also
saw success in the South as well. It is believed that there was a great deal of
rebellion of good Haradrim against Sauron’s influence, but little leadership among them.
Thus, the wizards make their way to Harad, to rally those resisting Sauron - much as Gandalf
would later do with the men of the West. We are told in this new book that it is in part thanks
to the wizards that 93 years pass between Sauron creating his One Ring and the dark lord finally
making his war on the elves of Eriador. This However, Numenor itself would fall under a shadow
and become a second threat to the Haradrim. As the centuries roll on, the Numenorean kings
- and by extension their people - grow bitter over their perceived curse of mortality. While
having lifespans far greater than the men of places like Harad, the Numenorean lifespan was
nothing compared to the immortal elves - thus, bitterness against the Valar and Eldar grows
among the island nation. In 1869, Tar-Ciryatan becomes the 12th King of Numenor, which marks a
turning point for their relationship with Harad. Ciryatan leads his people to set themselves up as
lords above the Men of Middle-earth - including the Haradrim. They demand the Haradrim
to pay tributes of both goods and wealth. For quite some time, Sauron did not dare to
challenge the might of the Numenoreans - they were simply too great a force. However, after the
creation of the Rings of Power and the reveal of the Nazgul, Sauron comes to rule as a god-king
over many men of the East and the South. Under Sauron’s rule, these men build many towns and
walls of stone, and become fierce warriors. So let’s take stock of the situation in Harad
as it stands in the middle of the Second Age. We know that the evil Numenorean kings have set
themselves as oppressors over the port cities of Harad. In 2280, these King’s Men make Umbar into
a great fortress. We know that Sauron is - in both the South and the East, worshipped by many as a
god-king. And we know that the Blue Wizards are working against Sauron in both realms among those
who oppose the dark lord. Now this is just my own speculation here, but I can’t help but imagine
that the Blue Wizards are not only fighting a battle on two fronts - being the east and the
south - but also fighting two enemies within the south itself. Trapped between the opposing sides
of Sauron and Numenor - neither of which being truly on the side of the Haradrim themselves,
but merely seeking influence over them. After what is likely hundreds of years of struggle
in the region, Ar-Pharazon is enraged by Sauron’s claims to be Lord of the Earth and King of Men
and lands a mighty fleet at Umbar in 3261 TA. They march through the lands of Harad to meet Sauron in
combat. However, the might of Numenor is so great, that Sauron’s servants flee rather than face
them. Sauron, realizing he cannot defeat Numenor through military might, humbles himself before
Ar-Pharazon and is taken prisoner to Numenor. Initially, we may think this would be a net
positive for the Haradrim. One of their oppressors has been removed from their lands. However, it
would only get worse. In a remarkably short time, Sauron becomes Ar-Pharazon’s chief advisor,
and under the dark lord’s influence, the evil Numenoreans become even more
ruthless in their oppression of Harad. The King’s Men begin enslaving not only
the good Numenoreans known as The Faithful, but also men from Harad, with Sauron using
both for human sacrifices to Morgoth. As we know, Sauron’s corruption of Numenor
would lead directly to its destruction. And while the Faithful Numenoreans would escape
to create the realms of Gondor and Arnor - many of the King’s Men living in Harad survive as
well - thus becoming the Black Numenoreans. With Black Numenoreans fully focused
on Middle-earth, and Sauron setting up his stronghold in the lands of Mordor, the
Haradrim are once again caught between two dark forces - but now, these forces are united
- for the Black Numenoreans worshiped Sauron, and together, they would recruit many
Haradrim to the dark lord’s service. As centuries pass, and Sauron’s
power and influence grows, the Last Alliance of Elves and Men is
formed to take the fight to Mordor. Thanks in part to the work of the Blue Wizards in
aiding the good men of Harad, Sauron’s operations in the South are hindered, and he is defeated
in the War of the Last Alliance in 3441. As we saw with the Easterlings, while the downfall
of Sauron meant his direct influence over the Haradrim was gone, his work of hundreds or even
thousands of years would not be undone so easily. Some among the Haradrim who had served
Sauron, would turn from his evil and even became subjects of Gondor. Others would not be
so easily freed. Still, for nearly 1000 years, the realms of Gondor and Harad would not come into
conflict. The Black Numenoreans dwindle in number and merge with the men of Middle-earth. While
one of their number becomes the Queen of Gondor and is both mysterious and conniving, no conflict
between the nations comes in these years. It is around the year 1000 that Sauron first
re-emerges in Dol Guldur, and it happens that shortly before this, conflict again arises
between Harad and Gondor. In 913, Earnil I becomes the 13th King of Gondor. He repairs the
havens of Pelargir and builds up Gondor’s navy. In 933, he takes control of Umbar from the Black
Numenoreans by attacking from both land and sea. Just three years later, Earnil is lost at sea
(936 TA) along with many of his men and ships. During the reign of his son, Ciryandil the Black
Numenoreans would return. These lords launch a siege upon Umbar with a massive force and in 1015,
Ciryandil is killed. However, due to the great naval power of Gondor, they withhold the siege for
many years. Ciryandil’s son Ciryaher eventually brings a force by both land and sea, defeating the
Haradrim in 1050. As King, he extends the realm of Gondor south to the river Harnen and to the port
and haven of Umbar. In his pride, he takes the name Hyarmendacil “South-victor” and the Kings
of Harad acknowledge him as their overlord. They paid homage to Hyarmendacil and give their sons
as hostages in the court of the King of Gondor. Now we’ve made reference many times to the city
of Umbar, and it’s importance to the Numenoreans and the Haradrim. No doubt one of the first
things to come to mind when speaking of this area is the Corsairs of Umbar - the pirates who sailed
from its port. And from 1448 all the way until the time of Aragorn - Middle-earth would witness the
Corsair Wars between Gondor and the sea-raiders of the south. While the Haradrim would often ally
with the Corsairs, and their histories intertwine much during this period, we’ll cover the Corsair
Wars in their own video here on the channel. Instead, we will look toward the War of the Ring
in the third age. We know that the blue wizards were at work in the East and the South and their
efforts would help defeat Sauron. For without their work, the Easterlings and Haradrim serving
Sauron would have vastly outnumbered the men of Gondor and Rohan. We also know that Gandalf
had at least once traveled to the south for an unspecified purpose, as we are told his name
there was Incanus (Inka-nush), likely meaning “north-spy”, indicating he was likely not trusted
by many he came in contact with. While we don’t know what the Haradrim standing against Sauron
did, we certainly know about those who served him. The Southrons, as they are also called, are
among Sauron’s servants who attack Osgiliath on June 20, 3018. Their forces
are led by the Witch-King, and the entire attack is simply
to gauge Gondor’s strength and provide cover for the Nazgul to sneak across
the Anduin to seek out the Shire and the One Ring. Over the coming months, more Haradrim would
continue to Mordor, coming up the Harad Road. On March 7, 3019, Frodo and Sam witness
Faramir and the Rangers of Ithilien ambushing one of these groups of Haradrim marching
to Mordor. And here we meet what is called one of the most brutally effective beasts of war
the later world had ever seen - the Mumakil. Referred to as Oliphaunts by the hobbits, these
creatures came from the jungles of Far Harad - the lands off the very maps of Gondor to the far
South of Middle-earth. As the rangers attack, the Mumak goes into a rage, smashing the war tower
upon its back and trampling men from both factions as it disappears into the woods. In a famous
passage, we are told of the battle between the Haradrim and Gondorians from Sam’s point
of view, where he guesses what we know to be true - the situation in Harad was far from a
simple matter of all willingly serving Sauron: It was Sam's first view of a battle of Men
against Men, and he did not like it much. He was glad that he could not see the dead
face. He wondered what the man's name was and where he came from; and if he was really evil
of heart, or what lies or threats had led him on the long march from his home; and if he would
not really rather have stayed there in peace… On March 14, 3019 Haradrim join the army of
the Witch-king in the Siege of Minas Tirith, marching to the Pelennor Fields. We are told
there is some 18,000 Haradrim and several of their beasts of war. The Mumakil are used to
bring forth war-towers and siege-engines to use against the mighty walls of the great city. As
the morning of March 15 dawns, and the Battle of Pelennor Fields ensues, the leader of the Haradrim
would come face to face with Theoden of Rohan. "Southward beyond the road lay the main force
of the Haradrim, and there their horsemen were gathered about the standard of their
chieftain. [...] Then he was filled with a red wrath and shouted aloud, and displaying
his standard, black serpent upon scarlet, he came against the white horse and
the green with great press of men; and the drawing of the scimitars of the
Southrons was like a glitter of stars." Then Théoden was aware of him, and would not wait
for his onset, but crying to Snowmane he charged headlong to greet him. Great was the clash of
their meeting. But the white fury of the Northmen burned the hotter, and more skilled was their
knighthood with long spears and bitter. Fewer were they but they clove through the Southrons
like a fire-bolt in a forest. Right through the press drove Théoden Thengel's son, and his spear
was shivered as he threw down their chieftain. Out swept his sword, and he spurred to the
standard, hewed staff and bearer; and the black serpent foundered. Then all that was left
unslain of their cavalry turned and fled far away. In the aftermath of their leader’s death, the
Haradrim use their Mumakil as rallying points. After Theoden’s death at the hands of the
Witch-King, and Eomer discovering his sister, assumed to be dead on the battlefield
- the new King flies into a rage, charging against the forces of Mordor. Despite
a valiant advance, the horses of Rohan panic when they finally come to the massive Mumakil, and
Gothmog sends in elite Haradrim warriors, Variags, and troll-men against the Rohirrim. Sauron’s army
forces Eomer’s retreat to the docks near Harlond, and when he sees the black sails of the Corsairs,
he prepares to die as the final leader of Rohan. However, it is not the
pirates of Umbar who arrive, but Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, the sons
of Elrond, the Rangers of the North, and reinforcements from the southern fiefdoms
of Gondor. A great portion of Sauron’s forces are now caught between Eomer and Aragorn - as
if between hammer and anvil. As most flee in a scattered retreat, many Easterlings and Haradrim
hold their ground and fight to the very death. Ten days later, Aragorn leads the
remnants of the Men of the West to march upon the Black Gate of Mordor.
Sauron’s army of orcs, trolls, and men outnumber the Gondorians and
Rohirrim by more than 10 to 1. The men of Gondor and Rohan are trapped and
the hopeless battle ensues. But in that moment, Gollum, having bitten the ring from Frodo’s
finger, slips into the Crack of Doom and the One Ring is finally destroyed. With Sauron’s
power overthrown, and his Nazgul destroyed in the eruption of the volcano, the orcs and
creatures of Sauron were completely directionless. They mindlessly flee - some falling into pits,
others killing themselves, and many retreating to unknown lands. Among the men, many Easterlings
and Haradrim surrender or flee. Others, perhaps those most ensnared by Sauron, banded
together and fought on to their deaths. Once again, with the defeat of Sauron
- this time never to return - the lands of Rhun and Harad are finally freed
from his rule and influence. However, as we saw in my Easterlings video, the
ancient and long-standing corruption does not immediately go away. Though,
it does seem that the men of Harad were more easily freed than those of Rhun - where
Sauron had no doubt spent more of his time. We are told that after Aragorn is
made King of the Reuinited Kingdom, he makes peace with the Men of Harad, and
that he completely subdues the city of Umbar. And while Eomer and Aragorn would occasionally
need to march to the South or the East to maintain peace, his relationship with the
Men of the South was largely a positive one. We are even told that embassies would travel from
Harad and visit Aragorn’s court in Minas Tirith. The Haradrim we meet are great warriors and tamers
of the mighty Mumakil. While they would be among Sauron’s fiercest servants, we also know that
like the Easterlings, many of their number instead refused Sauron - possibly fighting against
him alongside the likes of the Blue Wizards. In the days of peace in the Fourth Age, with
Sauron defeated and the Corsairs subdued, there would finally be opportunity for peace to reign in
the lands of the South…the lands of the Haradrim. now if you're looking for a great holiday
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want to say a huge thank you to my Patreon supporters who make this channel possible: TomDaBombadil19, Celebrimbor, Jim Limber Davis, Lissomie the Sinda, Mandu Pandu, Skycarcass,
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and we'll see you next time on Nerd of the Rings.
Nerd of the Rings seems to be doing a great job detailing out the lore. I’m not enough of a lore geek to know if it’s all fully accurate but I’m gonna go ahead and have faith that anyone that puts that much into it probably has it all correct.
Another great resource on YT is Men of the West.
Ai! laurië lantar lassi súrinen,
yéni únótimë ve rámar aldaron!
Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier
mi oromardi lisse-miruvóreva
Andúnë pella, Vardo tellumar
nu luini yassen tintilar i eleni
ómaryo airetári-lírinen.
Sí man i yulma nin enquantuva?
An sí Tintallë Varda Oiolossëo
ve fanyar máryat Elentári ortanë,
ar ilyë tier undulávë lumbulë;
ar sindanóriello caita mornië
i falmalinnar imbë met, ar hísië
untúpa Calaciryo míri oialë.
Sí vanwa ná, Rómello vanwa, Valimar!
Namárië! Nai hiruvalyë Valimar.
Nai elyë hiruva. Namárië!
I’m really hoping to see more of the East
probably not in season 1 tho
I defiantly want to see all of this shine in the new Amazon series. But it looks as if Amazon will have to travel outside New Zealand to film the sand dunes of Harad south of both Gondor and Mordor.