The Cult of the Devourer was a dark religion that originated in the aftermath of Utumno's destruction. Its influence spread among scattered tribes in the East and South. The cult's theology centered on the concept of "consumption"—of memory, spirit, and history.
Origins and Early Manifestations[]
Following the Battle of the Powers (c. 1,090–1,099 Years of the Trees), when the Valar destroyed Utumno, several of Morgoth's lesser servants escaped. Among them was Râkhôdsâol, a demonic entity who fled into the East. By c. 50 First Age, he had appeared among the Phîrashpârâtar, teaching them horse-taming and encouraging their ambitions. Over the following five centuries, Râkhôdsâol adapted ancient Morgothic cults, proclaiming himself divine and drawing power from the veneration of his followers. This theological structure—where the god consumed the worshipper—became central to the Devourer's doctrine.
The Sect of the Consuming Void[]
Around T.A. 10, the arch-priestesses of the "Sect of the Consuming Void", inspired by Râkhôdsâol, gained control of the Khrûn-Thûmrakhû. They established dominion over the Nhîkâdu and Hôlyâsa tribes, founding the "Witch-realm of Khaunu" in T.A. 11. This realm became a center of ritual sacrifice, spiritual manipulation, and political control, combining sorcery with religious authority.
Collapse and Revival[]
In T.A. 1,102, the Black Horseman—one of the Nine—besieged the last stronghold of the Khrûn-Thûmrakhû. Râkhôdsâol fled, killing his own priests to conceal his escape. The cult persisted in secret, and in T.A. 1,477, a priestess rediscovered the fortress of Hlastûon, where the Yaria-Feogûr still lived. This encounter led to the revival of the "Cult of the Devourer". By T.A. 1,641, the cult had reorganized as the "Sânid-ut-Rhâkhôdsâol", a group of priestesses serving the Devourer's legacy. Their planned sacrifice of Zûlêrghi was prevented when she killed Râkhôdsâol in T.A. 1,642, ending the cult's primary spiritual authority.
Legacy and Transformation[]
Though the ancient leadership was destroyed, remnants of the cult survived. By T.A. 2,063, the Claws of Dusk, an assassin order descended from the Devourer's priestesses, had emerged in Khand, continuing the legacy in a new form.
Main overview: Domain of the Lidless Eye Portal
Editorial Note: This entry contains speculative or fan-based material — such as fanon, fanfiction, or theory constructs — that may not be directly supported by canonical texts. Interpretations offered here are part of the NNCA’s speculative corpus and should not be mistaken for primary Tolkien sources.