The Second Age of Middle-earth covers more than three thousand years of history, marked by the rise of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the great wars against Sauron. Unlike the First Age, which was dominated by the struggles of Elves against Morgoth, the Second Age focuses on the ambitions of Men and the shadow of a new Dark Lord.

The Rise of Númenor (Year 32)

After the defeat of Morgoth, the Valar rewarded the Edain with an island kingdom in the western seas. Númenor grew into the greatest civilisation of Men, blessed with long life and advanced knowledge. Its capital, Armenelos, became the centre of power and culture.

Sauron Returns (Around 500)

Though Morgoth was cast into the Void, his servant Sauron endured. By the middle of the Age he had begun rebuilding his strength in Middle-earth. He established himself in Mordor, laying the foundations of Barad-dûr and preparing to dominate the free peoples.

The Forging of the Rings of Power (circa 1500–1600)

Sauron, disguised as Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, deceived the Elves of Eregion into forging the Rings of Power. With his guidance they created sixteen rings for Elves, Dwarves, and Men. In secret, he forged the One Ring in Mount Doom to enslave the others.

• The Elves quickly realised the betrayal and hid their three rings from Sauron.
• The Dwarves resisted domination but their rings stoked greed and discord.
• Men proved most vulnerable, and nine kings eventually became the Nazgûl.

The War of the Elves and Sauron (1693–1701)

When Sauron revealed the One Ring, open war broke out. Eregion was destroyed and its people scattered. Elrond founded Rivendell as a refuge during these wars. Although Sauron gained much ground, he was ultimately checked when Númenórean armies intervened, forcing him to retreat.

The Rise of Númenórean Power and Corruption (2000–3200)

Númenor expanded its influence across Middle-earth, building coastal settlements and fortresses. Over time the Númenóreans grew arrogant, envying the immortality of the Elves. This pride created divisions between the Faithful, who remained loyal to the Valar, and the King’s Men, who sought power and conquest.

The Fall of Númenor (3319)

Sauron was taken captive by Númenor but quickly corrupted its king, Ar-Pharazôn. He convinced the Númenóreans to defy the Ban of the Valar and attempt an invasion of Aman. As punishment, the island was drowned beneath the sea, destroying most of its people. A few of the Faithful, led by Elendil and his sons, escaped to Middle-earth.

The Last Alliance of Elves and Men (3430–3441)

Elendil and Gil-galad formed an alliance to oppose Sauron. Their combined forces marched into Mordor, leading to the Siege of Barad-dûr. After a long and bitter war, Sauron was defeated in single combat, though both Elendil and Gil-galad were slain. Isildur cut the One Ring from Sauron’s hand, ending the Second Age.

Legacy of the Second Age

The Second Age established many of the foundations for the stories told in The Lord of the Rings. The kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor arose from the ruins of Númenor, the Rings of Power continued to influence the fate of peoples, and the shadow of Sauron endured into the Third Age.

Tolkien’s Second Age Timeline: Key Events

Chronological Table of the Second Age