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{{valar infobox
| image=[[Image:Daniel Govar - Ulmo Lord of the Seas.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:John Howe - Ulmo, Lord of the Waters.jpg|250px]]
| name=Ulmo
| name=Ulmo
| othernames=''Ullubōz'', "King of the Sea", "Lord of Waters", ''Ulu'', ''Guiar'', ''Gulma''
| pronun=
| coming=c. [[Years of the Lamps]] 1
| othernames='''Ullubōz''' ([[Valarin|V]])</br>"King of the Sea", "Lord of Waters", "Dweller of the Deep", ''Ulu'', ''Guiar'', ''Gulma''
| appointment=Lord of Waters
| titles=
| creations=The [[Belegaer|sea]] and rivers
| position=Lord of Waters
| maiar=[[Ossë]], [[Uinen]], and possibly [[Salmar]]
| location=[[Ekkaia]]<ref name=s1/>
| dwelling=[[Ulmonan]]
| affiliation=[[Ossë]], [[Uinen]], and possibly [[Salmar]]
| language=
| notablefor=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| spouse=
| height=
| siblings=
| appearance=
| robes=Green armor
| hair=
| hair=
| eyes=
| eyes=
|}}
| clothing=Green armor
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Ulmo''' ([[Quenya]], pronounced {{IPA|[ˈulmo]}}) was a [[Valar|Vala]], also known as ''King of the Sea'', ''Lord of Waters'', and ''Dweller of the Deep''.<ref name="UT1">{{UT|1}}</ref> One of the mightiest of the [[Ainur]], he was second in majesty of the [[Aratar]], after [[Manwë]] and [[Varda]].
 
At several points Ulmo was notable for setting himself apart from his brethren, and also for being the friendliest to the [[Children of Eru]].
 
==Attributes==
Ulmo is the Lord of Waters and King of the Sea.<ref name=vala>{{S|IIb}}</ref> He is the Ainu most deeply instructed in music, and it is said that in water the [[Eldar]] hear the echo of the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name=ai>{{S|I}}</ref> He lives in the deeps under [[Ambar]] who alone has seen where he devises his music and whence he governs all waters, bays and rivers.<ref name=vala/><ref name=s1/>
 
From the beginning Manwë has been his closest friend and ally and they come together when the vapors of the water become clouds high in the air, or mists and dew. The two most faithfully served the purpose of Eru.<ref name=ai/>
 
Ulmo was unique among the Valar in several ways; he was alone, taking no spouse among the [[Valier]]; he didn't dwell in [[Valinor]] but in [[Ekkaia]] from the beginning, preferring the deeps of the seas around and below [[Ambar]], and the rivers. He seldom appeared to the councils of his brethren, save in matters of great importance.<ref name=vala/>
 
Likewise, he seldomly wore a [[fana]] but he came to the shores unseen or entered firths of the sea and rivers and it was said his spirit was in the very veins of the world. He spoke through the sound of water, and made music with his horns the [[Ulumúri]]. But whenever he appeared, he was dreadful and terrible "as a mounting wave that strides to the land"; he wore a dark foam-crested helm and a shimmering silver-green mail, and his voice was deep like the ocean.<ref name=vala/> 
 
Ulmo cared about Arda and the Children of Eru, and through the veins of the world he kept in touch with them and saw every grief and need, and thus knew more of the goings on with them than even Manwë. Even while the Valar were secluded in Valinor or when the Children were under the wrath of his brethren, Ulmo, alone of the Valar, was the one who never forsook them.<ref name=vala/><ref name=s1>{{S|1}}</ref>


'''Ulmo''' ([[Quenya]], pronounced {{IPA|[ˈulmo]}}; from the [[Valarin]] '''Ulubōz''', '''Ullubōz''') is a [[Valar|Vala]], and lord of the seas. Ulmo is a title, which means ''He who pours''.  He is also known as ''King of the Sea'' and ''Lord of Waters''.  He is known in the earlier writings by his [[Noldor|Noldorin]] name '''[[Ylmir]]''', among them [[Tuor]]'s ''[[The Horns of Ylmir]]''. The [[Sindarin]] form of Ulmo is '''Ulu''' ({{IPA|[ˈulu]}}), though he is also called '''Guiar''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡuɪ.ar]}}) and '''Gulma''' ({{IPA|[ˈɡulma]}}).
==History==
Ulmo was very close in friendship to Manwë before [[Ea]] was made, and although Manwë was the most dear to [[Ilúvatar]], of all the Ainur Ulmo was most deeply instructed in music. Ulmo with Manwë and [[Aulë]] were the architects of [[Arda]].<ref>{{S|I}}</ref>


Ulmo was third in majesty of the Valar, after [[Manwë]] and [[Varda]]; he is in other words the third of the [[Aratar]]. He was very close in friendship to Manwë. Ulmo had always distrusted [[Melkor]], and the Dark Lord feared him almost as much as he feared Varda because the sea cannot be tamed. Ulmo had no dwelling in [[Valinor]], or any permanent dwelling on land. He prefered the deeps of the seas and the rivers to land. His palace, on the bottom of [[Vai]], was called [[Ulmonan]].
He had always distrusted [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. The Dark Lord feared him almost as much as he feared Varda, since the sea cannot be tamed.


He seldom came to the Councils of [[Máhanaxar]], and only when in great need.  He preferred to stay in Arda, not by walking on the land, as his form would fill man or elf with great dread.  All waters were under his government; bays, rivers and even the waters under the earth. It is through these that he kept in touch with Arda, and thus knew more of the goings on with the children of Ilúvatar than even Manwe, for it was said he lived in the very veins of the world.
When the Valar retreated to [[Valinor]], Ulmo remained to the Outer Sea, and while his brethren neglected the [[Outer Lands]] during the [[Sleep of Yavanna]], Ulmo kept the earth alive under the darkness.<ref name=s1>{{S|1}}</ref>


He was said to be fearful to look upon to mortal eye, dressed like a giant wave in glittering green armour, blowing his great horn [[Ulumuri]]. Ulmo's vassal [[Ossë]], and Ossë's spouse [[Uinen]] were, to the elves, the best known of the [[Maiar]].  Through them Ulmo would learn much of the elves.
He seldomly came to the Councils of [[Máhanaxar]], but Ulmo defended the Eldar in the council from the potential wrath of [[Mandos]].  


Ulmo had always loved the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]], even when the Valar forsook Middle-earth. He opposed [[Oromë]]'s plan to bring the Elves to Aman, and anchored [[Tol Eressëa]] in the [[Bay of Eldamar]], which he did at because he knew the minds of the [[Teleri]]. Ulmo was the Vala most responsible for the fall of [[Morgoth]], by urging [[Turgon]] to build [[Gondolin]] and [[Finrod]] to build [[Nargothrond]]. He appeared before [[Tuor]] and urged him to to go to Gondolin as a messenger for Turgon, when he got there he eventually married Turgon's daughter [[Idril]] and fathered [[Eärendil]]; and saved [[Elwing]] from the sack of the Havens of [[Sirion]], and thus she took the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] to her husband Eärendil which allowed them to gain admittance to Valinor and plead for their mercy. Ulmo also defended them in the council from the potential wrath of [[Mandos]].
He opposed [[Oromë]]'s plan to bring the Elves to Aman. But he eventually helped them get to Aman, because he knew that was what they wanted, and he accepted that. He tore a great piece of land off the shores of [[Beleriand]] and used it to transport the Eldar to the blessed coasts of Aman. He anchored the island (it was renamed [[Tol Eressëa]]) in the [[Bay of Eldamar]], which he did because he knew the minds of the [[Teleri]].


==Inspiration==
When the time came for Melkor to be given a second chance, Ulmo was disappointed when Manwë pardoned Melkor after serving his time in bondage. Ulmo was ever distrustful of Melkor, an opinion shared by Tulkas and Varda.
Because of Tolkien's Catholic faith, and the fact that he said the Valar were equivalent to saints and angels; then it is suggested that Ulmo is the equivalent of [[wikipedia:Erasmus of Formiae|St. Elmo]], patron saint of sailors and the sea.


== See Also ==
Ulmo's vassal [[Ossë]], and Ossë's spouse [[Uinen]] were, to the elves, the best known of the [[Maiar]].  Through them Ulmo would learn much of the elves.
 
During the [[First Age]] Ulmo protected [[Sirion]] and [[Gelion]] and directed more than any other Vala the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. He urged [[Turgon]] to build [[Gondolin]] and [[Finrod]] to build [[Nargothrond]].
 
He chose [[Tuor]] as his instrument before his birth, by aiding [[Huor]] and [[Húrin]] reach [[Gondolin]] ad then telling [[Turgon]] to accept him, as aid would come from the [[House of Hador]]. Years later, he guided [[Tuor]] directing him to Gondolin as a messenger for Turgon. Despite his warnings, Turgon chose not to abandon Gondolin. Tuor eventually married Turgon's daughter [[Idril]] and fathered [[Eärendil]] the [[Half-elven]]; Ulmo saved [[Elwing]] from the sack of the Havens of [[Sirion]], and thus she took the [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] to her husband Eärendil which allowed them to gain admittance to Valinor and plead for their mercy.
 
==Etymology==
The name ''Ulmo'' is said to derive from the [[Valarin]] '''''Ullubōz'''''.<ref>{{WJ|AD1}}</ref>
 
Alternatively, Ulmo is a [[Quenya]] title, which means "He who pours" (cf. ''[[ulya-]]'' "to pour" and agentive ending ''[[-mo]]'' "-er").{{fact}}
 
In the earlier writings his [[Noldorin]] name was '''''[[Ylmir]]''''', among them [[Tuor]]'s ''[[The Horns of Ylmir]]''.{{fact}} (Another Noldorin translation of his name is given as '''''Nûron'''''.)<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 378 (entry for NŪ-)</ref><ref>{{VT|46a}}, p. 7</ref> The [[Sindarin]] form is ''[[Ulu]]'' ({{IPA|[ˈulu]}}), though he is also called ''Guiar'' ({{IPA|[ˈɡuɪ.ar]}}) and ''Gulma'' ({{IPA|[ˈɡulma]}}).{{fact}}
 
In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Ulmo is referred to by various names: ''Garsecges  frea'' "Ocean ruler", ''ealwaeter-frea'' "All-waters ruler" or ''agendfrea ealra waetera'' "owning lord of all waters".<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>
==Other versions of the Legenarium==
His palace, on the bottom of the [[Outer Sea]], was called [[Ulmonan]].<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, p. 270</ref>
==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Ulmo|Images of Ulmo]]
* [[:Category:Images of Ulmo|Images of Ulmo]]


{{ainur}}
==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/05/13/why-did-ulmo-withdraw-his-power-from-the-waters-of-middle-earth-at-the-end-of-the-first-age/ Why Did Ulmo withdraw his Power from the Waters of Middle-earth at the end of the First Age?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references}}
{{Ainur}}
 
 
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
 
[[Category:Valar]]
[[Category:Valar]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
 
 
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Revision as of 19:31, 31 May 2015

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Ulmo
Vala
John Howe - Ulmo, Lord of the Waters.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesUllubōz (V)
"King of the Sea", "Lord of Waters", "Dweller of the Deep", Ulu, Guiar, Gulma
PositionLord of Waters
LocationEkkaia[1]
AffiliationOssë, Uinen, and possibly Salmar
Physical Description
GenderMale
ClothingGreen armor
GalleryImages of Ulmo

Ulmo (Quenya, pronounced [ˈulmo]) was a Vala, also known as King of the Sea, Lord of Waters, and Dweller of the Deep.[2] One of the mightiest of the Ainur, he was second in majesty of the Aratar, after Manwë and Varda.

At several points Ulmo was notable for setting himself apart from his brethren, and also for being the friendliest to the Children of Eru.

Attributes

Ulmo is the Lord of Waters and King of the Sea.[3] He is the Ainu most deeply instructed in music, and it is said that in water the Eldar hear the echo of the Music of the Ainur.[4] He lives in the deeps under Ambar who alone has seen where he devises his music and whence he governs all waters, bays and rivers.[3][1]

From the beginning Manwë has been his closest friend and ally and they come together when the vapors of the water become clouds high in the air, or mists and dew. The two most faithfully served the purpose of Eru.[4]

Ulmo was unique among the Valar in several ways; he was alone, taking no spouse among the Valier; he didn't dwell in Valinor but in Ekkaia from the beginning, preferring the deeps of the seas around and below Ambar, and the rivers. He seldom appeared to the councils of his brethren, save in matters of great importance.[3]

Likewise, he seldomly wore a fana but he came to the shores unseen or entered firths of the sea and rivers and it was said his spirit was in the very veins of the world. He spoke through the sound of water, and made music with his horns the Ulumúri. But whenever he appeared, he was dreadful and terrible "as a mounting wave that strides to the land"; he wore a dark foam-crested helm and a shimmering silver-green mail, and his voice was deep like the ocean.[3]

Ulmo cared about Arda and the Children of Eru, and through the veins of the world he kept in touch with them and saw every grief and need, and thus knew more of the goings on with them than even Manwë. Even while the Valar were secluded in Valinor or when the Children were under the wrath of his brethren, Ulmo, alone of the Valar, was the one who never forsook them.[3][1]

History

Ulmo was very close in friendship to Manwë before Ea was made, and although Manwë was the most dear to Ilúvatar, of all the Ainur Ulmo was most deeply instructed in music. Ulmo with Manwë and Aulë were the architects of Arda.[5]

He had always distrusted Melkor. The Dark Lord feared him almost as much as he feared Varda, since the sea cannot be tamed.

When the Valar retreated to Valinor, Ulmo remained to the Outer Sea, and while his brethren neglected the Outer Lands during the Sleep of Yavanna, Ulmo kept the earth alive under the darkness.[1]

He seldomly came to the Councils of Máhanaxar, but Ulmo defended the Eldar in the council from the potential wrath of Mandos.

He opposed Oromë's plan to bring the Elves to Aman. But he eventually helped them get to Aman, because he knew that was what they wanted, and he accepted that. He tore a great piece of land off the shores of Beleriand and used it to transport the Eldar to the blessed coasts of Aman. He anchored the island (it was renamed Tol Eressëa) in the Bay of Eldamar, which he did because he knew the minds of the Teleri.

When the time came for Melkor to be given a second chance, Ulmo was disappointed when Manwë pardoned Melkor after serving his time in bondage. Ulmo was ever distrustful of Melkor, an opinion shared by Tulkas and Varda.

Ulmo's vassal Ossë, and Ossë's spouse Uinen were, to the elves, the best known of the Maiar. Through them Ulmo would learn much of the elves.

During the First Age Ulmo protected Sirion and Gelion and directed more than any other Vala the Children of Ilúvatar. He urged Turgon to build Gondolin and Finrod to build Nargothrond.

He chose Tuor as his instrument before his birth, by aiding Huor and Húrin reach Gondolin ad then telling Turgon to accept him, as aid would come from the House of Hador. Years later, he guided Tuor directing him to Gondolin as a messenger for Turgon. Despite his warnings, Turgon chose not to abandon Gondolin. Tuor eventually married Turgon's daughter Idril and fathered Eärendil the Half-elven; Ulmo saved Elwing from the sack of the Havens of Sirion, and thus she took the Silmaril to her husband Eärendil which allowed them to gain admittance to Valinor and plead for their mercy.

Etymology

The name Ulmo is said to derive from the Valarin Ullubōz.[6]

Alternatively, Ulmo is a Quenya title, which means "He who pours" (cf. ulya- "to pour" and agentive ending -mo "-er").[source?]

In the earlier writings his Noldorin name was Ylmir, among them Tuor's The Horns of Ylmir.[source?] (Another Noldorin translation of his name is given as Nûron.)[7][8] The Sindarin form is Ulu ([ˈulu]), though he is also called Guiar ([ˈɡuɪ.ar]) and Gulma ([ˈɡulma]).[source?]

In Eriol's Old English translations, Ulmo is referred to by various names: Garsecges frea "Ocean ruler", ealwaeter-frea "All-waters ruler" or agendfrea ealra waetera "owning lord of all waters".[9]

Other versions of the Legenarium

His palace, on the bottom of the Outer Sea, was called Ulmonan.[10]

See also

External links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Beginning of Days"
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Of the Valar"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Ainulindalë: The Music of the Ainur"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and Eldar: Appendix D. *Kwen, Quenya, and the Elvish (especially Ñoldorin) words for 'Language': Note on the 'Language of the Valar'"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", p. 378 (entry for NŪ-)
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Addenda and Corrigenda to the Etymologies — Part Two" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter and Patrick H. Wynne), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 46, July 2004, p. 7
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Shaping of Middle-earth, "III. The Quenta: Appendix 1: Fragments of a translation of The Quenta Noldorinwa into Old English, made by Ælfwine or Eriol; together with Old English equivalents of Elvish names"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, Appendix: Names in the Lost Tales – Part I, p. 270
Ainur
Valar Lords Manwë · Ulmo · Aulë · Oromë · Mandos · Irmo · Tulkas · Melkor
Valier Varda · Yavanna · Nienna · Estë · Vairë · Vána · Nessa
Maiar Arien · Blue Wizards · Eönwë · Gandalf · Ilmarë · Melian · Ossë · Radagast · Salmar · Saruman · Tilion · Uinen
Úmaiar Sauron · Balrogs (Gothmog · Durin's Bane) · Boldogs
Concepts and locations Almaren · Aratar (indicated in italics) · Creation of the Ainur · Fana · Máhanaxar · Ainulindalë · Order of Wizards (indicated in bold) · Second Music of the Ainur · Timeless Halls · Valarin · Valinor · Valimar