Varda

From Tolkien Gateway
Revision as of 17:34, 13 February 2008 by Linathiel (talk | contribs)
Varda
Vala
File:Anya Valle - Varda Elentari.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesElbereth, Tintallë, Elentári, Gilthoniel, Fanuilos, Bridhil, Baráda, Baradis.
Family
SpouseManwë.
Physical Description
GenderFemale.
GalleryImages of Varda

Varda Elentári is a Valië, wife of Manwë.

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

Varda is said to be too beautiful for words. Within her face radiates the light of Iluvatar. She resides with Manwë in Valinor. Varda created the stars with the dews from the vats of Telperion, the silver of the Two Trees. Varda is said to be the Vala most loved and revered by the Elves in Middle-earth.

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.

Varda with Manwë in Valinor, by Ted Nasmith.

Names

Varda means sublime or lofty in Quenya, and Elentári means Star-queen. An epithet of her is Tintalle which means Star-kindler.

In Sindarin she is also known as Elbereth (Star-queen), Gilthoniel (Starkindler), Fanuilos (Ever-white), and Baráda or Bridhil (the equivalent of Varda in Sindarin). In Telerin she is called Baradis.

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.

In NetHack and some other Roguelike games, the name Elbereth is used as a protective charm. [1]

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