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==Etymology==
==Etymology==
''Varda'' means ''sublime'' or ''lofty'' in [[Quenya]] and in [[Telerin]] she was called [[Baradis]]. The [[Sindarin]] related name was [[Elbereth]].
''Varda'' means ''sublime'' or ''lofty'' in [[Quenya]] and in [[Telerin]] she was called [[Baradis]]. The [[Sindarin]] related name was Elbereth.


In [[Adûnaic]], her name was adapted rather than translated; it became '''[[Avradî]]'''.
In [[Adûnaic]], her name was adapted rather than translated; it became '''[[Avradî]]'''.

Revision as of 19:16, 2 March 2010

"...It is a long tale..." — Aragorn
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Varda
Vala
File:Anya Valle - Varda Elentari.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesSee Names and epithets
Family
SpouseManwë
Physical Description
GenderFemale
GalleryImages of Varda
"O stars that in the Sunless Year
With shining hand by her were sown,
In Windy fields now bright and clear
We see your silver blossom blown!
"
Hymn to Elbereth

Varda Elentári (Q, pron. N [ˈvarda ˌelenˈtaːri], V [ˈβarda ˌelenˈtaːri]), known in Sindarin as Elbereth Gilthoniel (pron. [ˈelbereθ ɡilˈθonjel]), was a Valië, the wife of Manwë and Queen of the Valar.

History

Varda with Manwë in Valinor, by Ted Nasmith.

When Melkor first began to create his discord, Varda saw his mind, and despised him. Melkor feared and hated Varda the most out of the Valar.

Varda was said to be too beautiful for words. Within her face radiated the light of Ilúvatar. She resided with Manwë in Valinor. Varda created the stars with the dews from the vats of Telperion, the first of the Two Trees. Varda is said to be the Vala most loved and revered by the Elves in Middle-earth, she is also believed to be the most beautiful.

Inspiration

The Valar, being divine beings below a greater, more ultimate Creator, Ilúvatar, are thought of as being the Middle-earth equivalent of saints and angels; it has therefore been suggested that Varda, in her role as the most loved and prayed-to Vala, may be an equivalent of the Virgin Mary in Tolkien's own Catholic faith.

Etymology

Varda means sublime or lofty in Quenya and in Telerin she was called Baradis. The Sindarin related name was Elbereth.

In Adûnaic, her name was adapted rather than translated; it became Avradî.

Some older forms were Baráda and Bridhil.

All this come from the root BARÁD.

Names and epithets

She was also known as Elentári "Star-queen", Tintallë "Star-kindler".

In Sindarin she is also known as Gilthoniel (Starkindler), Fanuilos (Ever-white).

In Adûnaic she was also called Gimilnitîr "starkindler".

She is also referred to by the epithets The Kindler, Lady of the Stars, Queen of the Stars, Snow-white. They are translations of her Elvish names.

See Also

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

References