Pillar of the Heavens

An occasional name given to the tall mountain that rose out of the plains of central Númenor, on whose summit was a Hallow dedicated to Eru Ilúvatar. The mountain's Elvish name was Meneltarma, which is usually translated as simply 'Pillar of Heaven', but also appears, more rarely, as 'Pillar of the Heavens'.

The name had a literal sense, describing a tall narrow peak rising up into the skies, but also a more spiritual meaning. The Númenóreans would ascend the Pillar to its silent Hallow, which was watched over by three Eagles of Manwë. At the times of the Three Prayers, the entire people would follow the King to the summit of the mountain to praise Ilúvatar.

The tradition of the Three Prayers was abandoned by the later generations of Númenóreans as they fell away from their ancient ways. Their last King, Ar-Pharazôn, was persuaded by Sauron to attempt an assault on Aman itself, and this brought about the Downfall of Númenor. The entire island was drawn down beneath the waves of the Great Sea except - at least according to legend - the summit of the Pillar of the Heavens. The mountain's peak and its Hallow were said to have survived as the Isle of Meneltarma in the midst of the empty western ocean.