târik

noun. pillar, that which supports

The Adûnaic word for “pillar” (SD/241). Tolkien explained that this word is perceived as having a verbal function: “that which supports” (SD/429). As such, it can be used with an objective form in the name Minul-târik “That Which Supports the Heavens”.

Conceptual Development: In earlier drafts of “The Notion Club Papers” stories, this word appeared tûbal (SD/363), tūbil (SD/305) and (Quenya?) tyūlā (SD/346).

minul-târik

place name. Pillar of Heaven

The Adûnaic name of the Pillar of Heaven (Q. Meneltarma), the great and holy mountain at the center of Númenor (SD/249). The first element is the objective form of minal “the heavens”. The second element târik “pillar” is normally a noun, but in this case it behaves verbally with the sense “that which supports”, since the objective case requires a second verbal element (SD/429). Therefore, the literal translation of the name is “That Which Supports the Heavens”. Conceptual Development: The first Adûnaic name for this mountain was Menel-tūbil or Menel-Tûbal (SD/305, SD/363).

minal-târik

heavenly pillar

A non-objective that contrasts with the name Minul-târik “Pillar of Heaven” (SD/429). Since the phrase is not objective, it must be a genitive relationship, who meaning according to Tolkien was something like “a pillar in the sky, or made of cloud”.