Places in Middle-earth
Noirinan
Type: Valleys, Caves, Tunnels
Region: Numenor
Meaning: Valley of the Tombs
Location: At the foot of the southern flank of Meneltarma.
Description: Along the crest of the south-western ridge (sloping from the base of the Meneltarma) the climbing road approached the mountain; and between this ridge and that on the south-east the land went down into a shallow valley. That was named Noirinan, the Valley of the Tombs; for at its head chambers were cut in the rock at the base of the mountain, in which were the tombs of the Kings and Queens of Númenor.
Source: “A Description of Númenor” in Unfinished Tales, page 166.
The mightiest and proudest was Ar-Pharazôn the Golden of all those that had wielded the Sceptre of the Sea-Kings since the foundation of Númenor; and three and twenty Kings and Queens had ruled the Númenóreans before, and slept now in their deep tombs under the mount of Meneltarma, lying upon beds of gold.
The Silmarillion, Akallabêth
Contributors: Zimraphel. 7/6/2003.
added quote: Elena Tiriel 5Mar05