On the Title
This is a new blog. Its purpose will be to document my reading of Tolkien’s work.
I’ve decided to steal the title from my main blog, jssjrdm.com. This blog will now be titled “Akallabêth,” while my main blog returns to its original title of “jssjrdm.”
Below you’ll find an old post of mine explaining why the titular word is so significant to me.
So, welcome to Akallabêth; enjoy.
For a while the title of my Tumblog was simply ‘JSS JRDM.’ My name without vowels. I recently changed it. Here’s why.
The new name is the word ‘Akallabêth.’ It is from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion. In the second age of Middle Earth, the greatest of men in all history lived. They were called the Númenóreans. Translated from the original language, Adûnaic, the word ‘Akallabêth’ means “The Downfallen.” Despite being the greatest, most powerful, and beautiful men that had lived and have ever lived, they were still fallen. They reveled to much in their own greatness, likened themselves to gods, and tried to attain glory that wasn’t due to them. But they exceeded their grasp and were destroyed by Eru Ilúvatar (literally ‘All Father’).
Be careful. In today’s age, man thinks highly of himself. We think we have accomplished much on our own merits. But, I am and always will be Akallabêth.
