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Ulmo

2024-03-11T06:46:12Z

THE-DOWNFALLEN: [citation needed]

{{sources}}
{{valar infobox
| name=Ulmo
| image=[[File:John Howe - Ulmo.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Ulmo, Lord of the Waters" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=[[Quenya]], {{IPA|[ˈulmo]}}
| othernames=''Ullubōz'' ([[Valarin|V]])"King of the Sea", "Lord of Waters", "Dweller of the Deep", ''Ulu'', ''Gulma''
| titles=
| position=Lord of Waters
| location=[[Ekkaia]]<ref name=s1/>
| affiliation=[[Ossë]], [[Uinen]], and possibly [[Salmar]]
| language=
| notablefor=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Green armor
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|Ulmo loves both Elves and Men, and never abandoned them, not even when they lay under the wrath of the Valar.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Valaquenta]]: Of the Valar"}}

'''Ulmo''' was a [[Valar|Vala]], also known as ''King[citation needed] 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[citation needed] was third in majesty of the [[Aratar]], after [[Manwë]] and [[Varda]].

At several points Ulmo was notable for setting him[citation needed]self apart from his brethren, and also for being the friendliest to the [[Children of Eru]].

==Attributes==
Ulmo was the Lord of Waters and King[citation needed] of the Sea.<ref name=vala>{{S|IIb}}</ref> He[citation needed] was the Ainu most deeply instructed in music, and it was said that in water the [[Eldar]] could hear the echo of the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name=ai>{{S|I}}</ref> He[citation needed] lived in the deeps under [[Ambar]] who alone saw where he[citation needed] devised his music and whence he[citation needed] governed all waters, bays and rivers.<ref name=vala/><ref name=s1/>

From the beginning Manwë had been his closest friend and ally and they came 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[citation needed] was alone, taking no spouse among the [[Valier]]; he[citation needed] 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[citation needed] seldom appeared to the councils of his[citation needed] brethren, save in matters of great importance.<ref name=vala/>

Likewise, he[citation needed] seldomly wore a [[fana]] and rather came to the shores unseen or entered firths of the sea and rivers. It was said his[citation needed] spirit was in the very veins of the world. He[citation needed] spoke through the sound of water, and made music with his[citation needed] horns the [[Ulumúri]]. But whenever he[citation needed] appeared, he[citation needed] was dreadful and terrible "as a mounting wave that strides to the land"; he[citation needed] wore a dark foam-crested helm and a shimmering silver-green mail, and his[citation needed] 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[citation needed] 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> However, it was not done as rebellion towards other Valar, but because it was a role to which he[citation needed] was "appointed ere the making of the World"<ref name="UT1">{{UT|1}}</ref>.

==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 name=ai></ref> 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.<ref name=vala/>

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 seldomly came to the Councils of [[Máhanaxar]], such as the time when the Valar were to prepare to [[Battle of the Powers|attack]] Melkor's fortress of [[Utumno]]. He also was the chief of a minority of the Valar who believed that the Elves should remain free in [[Middle-earth]], and order and heal the hurts of the land with their skills and grace, but this opinion was overruled.<ref>{{S|3}}</ref>

Nevertheless 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 and was pardoned, Ulmo and [[Tulkas]] were still distrustful of him, but both obeyed Manwë's bidding.<ref>{{S|6}}</ref>

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 helping [[Huor]] and [[Húrin]] reach [[Gondolin]] and 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 [[Ulmo's warning]], 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 name=Quendi>{{WJ|AD1}}</ref>

Alternatively, ''Ulmo'' is a [[Quenya]] title, which means "the Pourer", from ''[[ulya-]]'' ("to pour") + ''[[-mo]]'' (agentive ending "-er").<ref name=Quendi></ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earlier writings his [[Gnomish]] name was ''Gulma''.<ref>{{LT2|Appendix}}, p. 349, note "Ulmonan"</ref> Later his Gnomish name was '''''Ylmir'''''<ref>{{LB|1d}}, p. 93</ref><ref>{{SM|2}}, p. 13</ref> (see [[Tuor]]'s ''[[The Horns of Ylmir]]''). [[Noldorin]] translations of his name were given as '''''Nûron''''' and '''''Ulu'''''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "NŪ-" and "ULU"</ref><ref>{{VT|46a}}, p. 7</ref>

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>

His palace, on the bottom of the [[Outer Sea]], was called [[Ulmonan]].<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, p. 270</ref>

==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}}

{{gondolin}}

[[Category:Aratar]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Valar]]
[[de:Ulmo]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/aratar/ulmo]]
[[fi:Ulmo]]

Valar

2024-03-11T06:38:41Z

THE-DOWNFALLEN:

{{expansion}}
{{people infobox
| name=Valar
| image=[[File:Jerrel Salvatierra - Powers of Arda.jpg|250px]]
| caption="[[:File:Jerrel Salvatierra - Powers of Arda.jpg|Powers of Arda]]" by Jerrel Salvatierra
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈvalar]}}
| othernames=Lords of the West
| origin=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Almaren]], [[Aman]]
| affiliation=[[Ilúvatar]]
| rivalry=[[Morgoth|Melkor]]
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Telerin]], [[Khuzdul]]
| members='''''[[Aratar]]'''''; [[Irmo]], [[Tulkas]], [[Estë]], [[Vairë]], [[Vána]], [[Nessa]] formerly: [[Melkor]]
| lifespan=Immortal
| distinctions=[[Immortality]]; rulers of the [[World]]
| height=
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
{{quote|But this condition Ilúvatar made, or it is the necessity of their love, that their power should thenceforward be contained and bounded in the World, to be within it for ever, until it is complete, so that they are its life and it is theirs. And therefore they are named the Valar, the Powers of the World.|''[[Ainulindalë]]''}}

The '''Valar''' (sg. '''Vala''') were the '''Powers of Arda''' who shaped and rule the world. They lived on the Western continent of [[Aman]].

==Origins==
The Valar were [[Ainur]], [[spirits]] that were brought into being by [[Ilúvatar]]'s thought, and He may therefore be considered their father. Some of the Ainur were also considered siblings "in the thought of Ilúvatar". Each was granted insight into a specific part of Ilúvatar's thought, and was therefore more aligned in spirit with that part. The only exception was [[Melkor]], who was granted insight into every part of Ilúvatar's thought and was the mightiest of the Ainur.

After singing the [[Music of the Ainur|Great Music]], the Ainur witnessed the [[Vision of Ilúvatar]] and the creation of [[Eä]] (the Universe). Many Ainur chose to enter [[Eä]], agreeing not to leave it until the end of Arda (the World). The fourteen greatest Ainur who entered Eä, save [[Melkor]] who rebelled against Ilúvatar, were called the Valar. After entering Eä, the Valar and their followers—those [[Maiar]] who remained loyal to Ilúvatar and rejected Melkor's rebellion—started shaping Arda using their godlike powers over its physical matter, preparing it for the awakening of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], ([[Elves]] and [[Men]]). Doing so required combating the evils of Melkor, who came to Arda to claim it as his own.

As Ainur, the Valar were divine, immortal spirits who had no physical body and could remain invisible. Nonetheless, they often took the shapes of Men, Elves, or other forms of nature.

Some called the Valar "[[gods]]," but they were actually emissaries or regents of Ilúvatar, and they were not to be themselves worshipped.<ref name="L156">{{L|156}}</ref> Their purpose was not to be lords or masters of the Children of Ilúvatar, but rather to serve as elders and guides.<ref name=SI>{{S|I}}</ref><ref>{{S|1}}</ref> The Valar were prohibited from depriving the Children of their free will,<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, p. 339</ref><ref>{{PM|XI2}}, p. 334</ref> killing or otherwise using force against them,<ref name="L156" /><ref>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref> or dominating them through displays of angelic power.<ref name="L156" />

Like all Ainur, the Valar had witnessed much of the unfolding of the history of Arda in the Vision of Ilúvatar, but not all of it. Parts of this history, and certain parts of Ilúvatar's thought, such as the true nature and destiny of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], remained hidden from them.<ref name=s3>{{S|3}}</ref>

==Names, hierarchy and relationships==
These are the names of the Valar as they were known to the [[Eldar]].

;Lords of the Valar
* '''[[Manwë]] Súlimo''', King of the Valar, husband of Varda
* '''[[Ulmo]]''', King of the Sea
* '''[[Aulë]] the Smith''', husband of Yavanna
* '''[[Oromë]] Aldaron''', the Great Rider, husband of Vána
* '''[[Mandos]] (Námo)''', Judge of the Dead, husband of Vairë
* [[Irmo|Lórien]] (Irmo), Master of Dreams and Desires, husband of Estë
* [[Tulkas]] Astaldo, Champion of Valinor, husband of Nessa

;Queens of the Valar (''Valier'')
* '''[[Varda]] Elentári''', Queen of the Stars, wife of Manwë
* '''[[Yavanna]] Kementári''', Giver of Fruits, wife of Aulë
* '''[[Nienna]]''', Lady of Mercy
* [[Estë]] the Gentle, wife of Irmo
* [[Vairë]] the Weaver, wife of Mandos
* [[Vána]] the Ever-young, wife of Oromë
* [[Nessa]] the Dancer, wife of Tulkas

In bolded names are the eight greatest of the Valar known as '''High Ones of Arda''' or '''Máhani''' and '''[[Aratar]]''' ([[Sindarin]]: ''Rodyn'') "Exalted". Melkor, the most powerful of all, is not counted among them.

The brothers [[Irmo|Lórien]] and [[Mandos]] are referred to collectively as the '''''[[Fëanturi]]''''' or "Masters of Spirits".

In Middle-earth, the individual Valar were known by other names in other languages. For example in [[Sindarin]], Varda was called "Elbereth". [[Men]] knew them by many other names, sometimes referring to them as "gods" at first. The [[Dwarves]] called Aulë, their creator, ''[[Aulë#Names and etymology|Mahal]]''. The [[Rohirrim]] knew Oromë as ''[[Béma]]''.
===Relationships between the Valar===
In the mind of Eru, some Valar were siblings and others were couples. Supposedly it was the Valar who first practiced marriage, and later passed on their custom to the Elves. However, this doesn't seem to make much sense. The last marriage among the Valar (the only that took place within the world) was that of Tulkas and Nessa on Almaren.

Ulmo and Nienna (and Melkor) were unmarried. In the diagram below the Aratar are in '''bold''' font and the Fëanturi are in ''Italic'' font.

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{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ILU | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ILU=[[Ilúvatar]]}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| |!| | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| VAI |~| MAN | | NIE | | IRM |~| EST | | ULM | | MEL | | MWE |~| VAR | | AUL |~| YAV | | VAN |~| ORO | | NES |~| TUL |VAI=[[Vairë]]|MAN='''''[[Mandos]]'''''|NIE='''[[Nienna]]'''|IRM=''[[Irmo]]''|EST=[[Estë]]|ULM='''[[Ulmo]]'''|MEL=[[Morgoth|Melkor]]|MWE='''[[Manwë]]'''|VAR='''[[Varda]]'''|AUL='''[[Aulë]]'''|YAV='''[[Yavanna]]'''|VAN=[[Vána]]|ORO='''[[Oromë]]'''|NES=[[Nessa]]|TUL=[[Tulkas]]}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>

==History==
When the Valar entered [[Eä]], Manwë and Melkor fought, and Manwë called other spirits to help him in his battle. Among these were the other Valar and the [[Maiar]]. After this [[First War with Melkor]], the Enemy withdrew from the battle into distant places of [[Eä]], and the others continued to shape the World.

Long before the [[Awakening of the Elves]], the Valar - namely Aulë, Varda and Manwë - created the [[Two Lamps]] that illuminated the world, and while they were dwelling in the isle of [[Almaren]], nature prospered in the [[Spring of Arda]]. But Melkor saw this, and returned to fight for control of Arda, destroying the Lamps and thus marring the world further. The Valar retreated to [[Aman]] and founded [[Valinor]].<ref>{{S|1}}</ref> Outside the golden gates of the city [[Valimar]], the Valar gathered in [[Máhanaxar]] to hold their great councils, bathed in the light of the [[Two Trees]], and some of the most momentous decisions of Eä's history were made.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Aulë and the Seven Fathers.jpg|thumb|''Aulë and the Seven Fathers'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

While they dwelt in Valinor, most of Arda was dark and under the control of Melkor. Eventually the Valar (even Ulmo) came to the [[Ring of Doom]], and fearing about what would befall the Children, they began the [[Battle of the Powers]], at the end of which they broke [[Utumno]] and [[Chaining of Melkor|imprisoned Melkor for three Ages]]. It was then decided to invite the Elves to Valinor. [[Ulmo]], despite initially disagreeing with this decision, helped the [[Eldar]] traverse the [[Great Sea]] to the [[West]]. During that period the Valar welcomed the [[Calaquendi]] in Valinor and they prospered under their guidance and the holy [[Light of Valinor]].<ref name=s3/>
[[File:Douglas Chaffee - Stars.jpg|thumb|left|''Stars'' by Douglas Chaffee]]

But Melkor and [[Ungoliant]] killed the Two Trees and their [[Light of Valinor|Light]], and the Valar and the Elves mourned the [[Darkening of Valinor]]. [[Fëanor]], the most gifted of the Elves, rebelled against the Valar and refused to surrender the [[Silmarils]] to rekindle the Trees, and then opted to leave Valinor to wrest the Silmarils from the Dark Lord after he stole them. He blamed the Valar for Morgoth's deeds and most Elves were persuaded that because the Valar had abandoned them, the [[Noldor]] must follow him to [[Middle-earth]]. He and his [[Sons of Feanor|sons]] [[Oath of Feanor|vowed]] to fight anyone and everyone—Elf, Man, Maia, or Vala—who withheld the Silmarils.<ref>{{S|8}}</ref><ref>{{S|9}}</ref>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Ulmo Appears before Tuor.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - '' Ulmo Appears before Tuor'']]
After the departure of the rebelling Noldor, the Valar created the [[Sun]] and [[Moon]] from the last living growth of the Two Trees and appointed two Maiar to steer them through the skies. However, after the Enemy attempted to destroy the Moon, the Valar fortified Valinor. The [[Nurtalë Valinóreva|Hiding of Valinor]] made it inaccessible to Morgoth, but also exiled the Noldor who followed Fëanor.<ref>{{S|11}}</ref>

The Valar virtually abandoned the peoples of Middle-earth who suffered during the [[Wars of Beleriand]], although they had their ways to guide them through their sufferings: [[Ulmo]] urged [[Turgon]] and [[Finrod]] to build their hidden kingdoms and guided [[Tuor]] to [[Gondolin]] as a messenger for Turgon.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos.jpg|thumb|''Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Near the end of the [[First Age]], [[Eärendil]] breached the Hiding of Valinor and went before the Valar, and asked them for aid for Men and Elves in Middle-earth, to fight against Morgoth; and the Valar accepted his plea. The [[Host of the Valar]], composed of Maiar and [[Amanyar]] came to [[Beleriand]] and fought the great [[War of Wrath]] and managed their final victory over the Dark Lord, who was judged again, and expelled from Arda.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> The road to Valinor opened again for the Elves, both the exiled Noldor and the [[Moriquendi]] of Middle-earth.

The [[Edain]] suffered much during the Wars and under Morgoth, and the Valar created the isle of [[Elenna]] for them, and blessed them and their descendants with wisdom, knowledge and longevity. But they imposed a ban on them to never travel westwards. Although the [[Númenóreans]] dominated the mortal lands, eventually they were restricted by the [[Ban of the Valar]] and the fear of death. They envied the Valar and the Elves for their [[immortality]], and [[King of Numenor|King]] [[Tar-Atanamir]] was the first to speak against the immortals.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Eagles of Manwë.jpg|thumb|left|''The Eagles of Manwë'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Eagle-shaped storm clouds, called the "Eagles of the Lords of the West", were sent by Manwë when he tried to reason or threaten the Númenóreans. But after several generations, [[Númenor]] fell under the corrupting influence of [[Sauron]], who eventually assured King [[Ar-Pharazôn]] that if he ever reached Aman he would become immortal. He gathered a [[Great Armament|great host of ships]] and sailed to break the Ban of the Valar and wage war upon them. But Manwë was aware of what transpired, and the Valar then laid down the Guardianship of Arda. Ilúvatar responded by catastrophically changing the shape of Arda. After the destruction of [[Númenor]], the Undying Lands were removed from Arda so that Men could not reach them and only the Elves could go there by the [[Straight Road]] and in ships capable of passing out of the Spheres of the earth.<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>

By the [[Third Age]], the Valar worried about the growing [[Shadow]] of Sauron, and they held counsel. They sent some Maiar who came to the mortal lands in the guise of old men, a part of some restrictions imposed upon them. They formed the order of the [[Wizards]] and opposed Sauron until his demise in the [[War of the Ring]].<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RK}}</ref>

It is said that their guardianship will grow weak and the Dark Lord will eventually escape the [[Doors of Night]]. The Valar will fight him again in the [[Dagor Dagorath]], when the world will be destroyed, but the Ainur along with Elves and Men will sing anew a Second [[Music of the Ainur]]. All the Ainur know is that the Second Music will be greater than the First Music. Even the Ainur do not know anything of the second world or the Second Music only that it will be greater than the First Music.

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Valar.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
The word ''[[vala]]'' is [[Quenya]] for "(angelic) power" and derives from the [[root]] [[BAL]], having to do with mightiness and power. The [[Primitive Quendian]] form of the word was ''bálā'', pl. ''bal-ī''.<ref name=Ety>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 350 (root appearing as "BAL-")</ref> Related words suggested authority or divinity, eg. ''vala-'' ("to rule").<ref>{{HM|WJ}}, p. 404</ref>.

The Valar were commemorated in the day-name ''[[Valanya]]'' and personal names such as ''[[Valandur]]'' or ''[[Valandil]]''. The word is also the name of [[Tengwa]] [[Vala|#22]].

==Other names==
In [[Sindarin]], they are called '''''Belain''''', sg. '''''[[Balan]]''''' as in the day-name ''[[Valanya|Orbelain]]'' and the constellation ''[[Valacirca|Cerch i Mbelain]]''. More commonly, they were called '''''Rodyn''''' (singular ''Rodon'') instead.

The Valar are also called '''the Lords of Valinor'''<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> or '''''númeheruvi''''' ("Lords-of-West").<ref>{{HM|SD}}, p. 246</ref>

In [[Adûnaic]], the Valar were '''''Avalôi''''' (pl.) and '''''Avalôim''''' (subj. pl.) "Powers". The female form (equivalent to ''Valie'') was '''''Avalê''''' ("goddess").<ref>{{HM|SD}}, pp. 241, 305, 428</ref> They had also the title '''''Barîm an-Adûn''''' ("Lords-of-West").<ref>{{HM|SD}}, p. 247</ref>

In [[Ælfwine|Ælfwine's]] translations in [[Old English]], the Valar were called ''Frean'' ("lords"), ''Ese'' ("gods"), ''Bregan'' ("rulers") and ''Maegen'' ("powers").

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', the Valar were more closely associated with pagan mythologies. Other than marrying, they were able to have children. [[Fionwe]] and [[Ilmare]] were first conceived as the children of Manwë and Varda and [[Gothmog]] as the son of Melko. Some '''[[Valarindi]]''' ("Offspring of the Valar") were made Maiar in the later legendarium.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/81130376337/children-of-the-valar|articlename=Children of the Valar|website=[http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com Ask About Middle-earth]}}</ref>

In those earlier conceptions, the word ''Vala'' was associated with [[Qenya]] words for happiness and blessedness, as seen in the words ''valin'' and ''valimo'' ("happy"). Thus the word Valar meant "Happy ones" before being reconceived as being associated with power. The Qenya form referring specifically to a male Vala was ''Valu'', whereas the female form of the Vala was ''Valde'' or ''Valis''. <ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/quen-eng.htm|articlename=Quettaparma Quenyallo|website=Arda}}</ref>

In the ''[[Etymologies]]'' it said that the word has no female form, and a female Vala is called ''Valatári'' or "Queen of the Valar".<ref name=Ety/> In the published ''Silmarillion'' the female form is ''Valie''.

==See also==
*''[[Valaquenta]]''
* [[Maiar]]
{{references}}
{{ainur}}
[[Category:Quenya demonyms]]
[[Category:Valar| ]]
[[de:Valar]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/ainur/valar]]
[[fi:Valar]]

Ainur

2024-03-11T06:34:18Z

THE-DOWNFALLEN:

{{race infobox
| name=Ainur
| image=[[File:Anna Kulisz - Ainulindale.jpg|250px]]
| caption=Ainulindale by [[:Category:Images by Anna Kulisz|Anna Kulisz]]
| pronun={{IPA|[ˈaɪnur]}}
| othernames=''Ayanûz'' ([[Valarin|V]]), Holy Ones, Great Ones,
| origin=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Arda]], [[Almaren]], [[Aman]]
| affiliation=
| rivalry=
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Khuzdul]], [[Black Speech]], [[Westron]], etc.
| people=[[Valar]], [[Maiar]]
| members=[[Melkor]], [[Manwë]], [[Ulmo]], [[Varda]], [[Aulë]], [[Yavanna]], [[Mandos]], [[Sauron]], [[Gothmog]], [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]]
| lifespan=Immortal
| distinctions=
| height=
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=[[Fana]]
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The '''Ainur''' (singular '''Ainu''') were divine [[spirits]], the 'Holy Ones'. They were the first beings created by [[Ilúvatar]], the 'order' of the [[Valar]] and [[Maiar]], made before [[Eä]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref>

==History==
===Origins===
{{Main|Creation of the Ainur}}
The Ainur were the first, and mightiest, beings created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the beginning of the World. The Ainur were the "offspring of [[Ilúvatar]]'s thought", and each was given understanding only of that part of the mind of Ilúvatar from which they came. The exception to this was [[Melkor]], the greatest of the Ainur, who had a part of the gifts of all the others.

Although all Ainur are made of the thought of Ilúvatar, in His mind some were siblings. Thus for instance, [[Melkor]] and [[Manwë]] were considered brothers.

The Ainur were "kindled with the [[Flame Imperishable]]". Ilúvatar instructed them in music, until he brought them together to make the [[Music of the Ainur]]; the great song that created the [[Vision of Ilúvatar]] and ultimately the real World.<ref name="Ainu"/>

===Within Eä===
Through the Music of the Ainur, Ilúvatar created a Vision of the World, and explained much of its nature and destiny to them - so the Ainur have much knowledge of the World, but are not omniscient. Then [[Ilúvatar]] granted the World true being. Many of the Ainur desired to descend into it and form it in readiness for the coming of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] ([[Elves]] and [[Men]]).<ref name="Ainu"/> Fourteen of these great Ainur became the [[Valar]], or Powers of [[Arda]].<ref>{{S|IIb}}</ref> The fifteenth, Melkor, turned aside from that path and became known as [[Morgoth]], the Dark Enemy.<ref>{{S|IId}}</ref> The many lesser Ainur that accompanied the Valar into [[Arda]] are known as [[Maiar]].<ref>{{S|IIc}}</ref>

Those Ainur who entered the World at its beginning remain bound to it until its end.<ref name="Ainu"/> Though Melkor was eventually thrown into the [[Void]] by the others, he is prophesied to return before [[the End]].<ref name="Istari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref> Little is known of the ultimate future of the Ainur, even by themselves, but it is said that, after the death of the World, they will make a [[Second Music of the Ainur|Second Music]], even greater, with the race of [[Men]].<ref>{{S|1}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
The Ainur are [[immortal]], angelic beings, nonetheless they do possess gender. This, however, has widely been regarded as a [[Fana|bad move]]. Those who later descended to Arda took on common male and female forms to appear to the Elves in, and have an inherent male or female gender even when formless. This is because their gender is based on their being, which is independent of any physical form they may assume.<ref name="Ainu"/> But unlike the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], they do not actually need [[hröa]]r. Nevertheless, they can take tangible physical form called '''''[[fana]]''''', but this is a manifestation of their spirit and they do not technically have bodies the way [[Elves]] and [[Men]] do. As such, an Ainu cannot quite be killed. However, Ainur's spirits can be weakened, in ways that hinder their ability to take shapes, influence the world, or even affect the world at all.<ref>{{L|200}}</ref>

For example, [[Sauron]]'s spirit was repeatedly weakened by successive damage when he was defeated by [[Huan]] in the form of a [[Werewolf]];<ref>{{S|Beren}}</ref> in the [[Downfall of Númenor]] which destroyed his ability to take fair form;<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> his defeat in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] when he lost the ability to take a physical form,<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref> and had to regain his power in the [[East]] for about 1000 years;<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> and finally with the destruction of [[the One Ring]] which broke his ability to affect the world at all, reducing his spirit to a state that could no longer do harm.<ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref> None of these things killed Sauron outright. A similar fate faced [[Saruman]] when he was murdered by [[Gríma]]—because of his evil deeds, his spirit was allowed to fade as Sauron's spirit faded.<ref>{{RK|VI8}}</ref>

But when [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] was killed by [[Durin's Bane]], not only was he brought back, but his spirit was significantly restrengthened into an even more powerful form, [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]].<ref>{{TT|III5}}</ref>

[[Morgoth|Melkor]] though was the most powerful of the Ainur (greater than the rest of the Valar combined), and his spirit, instead of fading away, was exiled from [[Arda]] altogether through the [[Door of Night]] into the [[Void]]. It's prophesied that Melkor would return at the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]] in Arda's last days for one final confrontation against the Valar and the Children of Ilúvatar. In this confrontation, it is stated that he is "destroyed".<ref name="Istari"/>

==Line of Melian==
One of the [[Maiar]] named [[Melian]], alone of all the Ainur, wedded an [[Elves|Elf]], King Elu [[Thingol]] of [[Doriath]].<ref>{{S|Thingol}}</ref> From her, a strain of the Ainur entered the bloodlines of the [[Elves]] and [[Men]], passed down through generations. [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] were Melian's descendants as well as the [[Kings of Númenor]] and their heirs.

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Ainur.mp3|Ardamir}}
The word ''Ainu'' is [[Quenya]] and is related to words for "holiness" such as ''[[aina]]'';<ref>{{S|Appendix}} ''aina''</ref> the female form is given as '''''Aini'''''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "AYAN"</ref>

It is derived from the original [[Valarin]] word for ''Ainur'', which was '''''Ayanûz'''''.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 399</ref>

They are also referred to as '''Great Ones''' or '''Holy Ones'''.<ref name="Ainu"/>

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[[Category:Quenya demonyms]]
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