The Legitimacy and Politics Behind Elendil's Failure to Claim the Númenorean Throne

Elendil, a close relative of Elros, did not attempt to take the Númenorean throne in the years leading up to the sinking of Númenor. This decision was influenced by several factors, including the strict and unalterable succession laws of Númenor, the outcast status of the Faithful, and the immense popularity and success of King Pharazn.

Understanding Númenorean Succession Laws

Númenor, like other realms in Tolkien's Middle-earth, had explicit and strict succession laws. These laws were deeply ingrained in Númenorean society and were not easily changed, even by the kings themselves. In one notable instance, Ar-Gimilzir favored his younger son, Gimilkhad, over his elder son, Inziladn. However, the law stipulated that Inziladn would inherit the throne. Such laws ensured a level of stability and prevented the rise of usurpers, no matter how distantly related to the royal line they might be.

The Faithful's Unpopular Status in Númenor

By Elendil's time, the Faithful were an unpopular minority in Númenor. They were often treated as a disloyal religious sect or a subversive political party. This status was further exacerbated by King Ar-Pharazn. During his reign, some of the Faithful were even sacrificed to Morgoth under flimsy excuses, which clearly demonstrated the popular sentiments towards them. Despite being the rightful ruler of Númenor, Tar-Palantir Ar-Inziladn found it challenging to control the King's Men, a faction led by his own brother, Gimilkhad, and later by Gimilkhad's son, Pharazn.

Elendil's family, though considered faithful, was still branded as such. Despite their high status, they did not receive the same level of popular support as the King's Men. This weakness in their claim was further compounded by the existence of other cadet branches of Elros' descendants, as well as the widespread presence of Númenorean blood related to Elros, making Elendil's claim even more tenuous.

The Rise of King Pharazn

King Pharazn was a popular and successful ruler. He was known for his bravery, knowledge in both war and peace, and his skills as an explorer and conqueror. His leadership and generosity towards his subjects made him an immensely popular king, allowing him to break the law regarding close kin marriages. Some accounts even suggest he managed to usurp the throne and maintain his rule, a move that would have been nearly impossible for a ruler of lesser popularity or success.

The Faithful and Their Allegiance

It is important to note that the Faithful were not traitors, as they were often portrayed by their opponents. The attempted journey of Amandil, Elendil's father, to Valinor was more of a plea for help against Sauron rather than an act of betrayal. Amandil and Pharazn were once friends, and Amandil's actions should be understood in the context of his desire for aid and protection for his people.

In conclusion, the failure of Elendil to attempt to claim the Númenorean throne was a result of the strict succession laws, the unpopular status of the Faithful, and the immense popularity and success of King Pharazn. These factors combined to create a complex political landscape that made Elendil’s claim to the throne seem both illegitimate and impractical.