Research Notes: What Are the Valar? The Gods of Middle-earth Explained

Overview

The Valar are the fourteen greatest Ainur (angelic powers) who entered the world of Arda after its creation to give it order and form. Created by Eru Ilúvatar before the beginning of time, they participated in the Music of the Ainur which shaped the universe, then descended into the physical world to complete its material development. While they occupy the role of "gods" in Middle-earth's mythology, Tolkien was careful to position them as angelic servants subordinate to the one true God (Eru), reflecting his Catholic theology. The Valar are central to understanding Middle-earth's cosmology, as they shaped the continents, created light sources, guided the Elves, and intervened at critical moments against the evil of Morgoth (originally the greatest Vala, Melkor). Their powers, limitations, relationships, and decisions fundamentally shaped the history of Arda from its creation through the Third Age.

Primary Sources

The Silmarillion

"There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were with him before aught else was made." (Ainulindalë)

"And he spoke to them, propounding to them themes of music; and they sang before him, and he was glad." (Ainulindalë)

"Then Ilúvatar said to them: 'Of the theme that I have declared to you, I will now that ye make in harmony together a Great Music. And since I have kindled you with the Flame Imperishable, ye shall show forth your powers in adorning this theme, each with his own thoughts and devices...'" (Ainulindalë)

"In this Music the World was begun; for Ilúvatar made visible the song of the Ainur, and they beheld it as a light in the darkness." (Ainulindalë)

"No theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite." - Eru's declaration about Melkor's discord (Ainulindalë)

The Valaquenta is "Account of the Valar and Maiar according to the lore of the Eldar" and gives a description of the Valar and Maiar, supernatural powers of Eä. It introduces the Lords and Queens of the Valar, giving background information on each of them and explaining how they relate to one another.

The Maiar are described as "spirits whose being also began before the World, of the same order as the Valar but of less degree."

- Manwë: King of the Valar, Lord of the Winds, commanding the air and birds while maintaining a special connection with Ilúvatar's thoughts. The most powerful Vala (not counting Melkor/Morgoth).

- Varda (Elentári): Queen of the Stars and most beloved by the Elves. She kindled the stars and created the great constellations. She could realign stars into constellations that prophesied the doom of Morgoth. She hallowed the Silmarils so that no mortal flesh, nor hands unclean, nor anything of evil will might touch them without being scorched and withered.

- Ulmo: Lord of Waters, King of the Sea, "The Pourer," "The Rainer." The second most powerful Vala after Manwë. Never forsook the waters of the world and remained closest to the Children of Ilúvatar even in the darkest times.

- Aulë: The smith and master of crafts. Shaped the substances of Arda and taught craft to both Elves and Dwarves. Created the Dwarves in his eagerness to have students, though they were not truly alive until Eru accepted them.

- Yavanna (Kementári): Queen of the Earth, "Giver of Fruits," wife of Aulë. Made the Two Trees of Valinor, Telperion (silver) and Laurelin (golden).

- Oromë (Aldaron/Tauron): "Lord of Trees," the Great Rider. Loves horses and hounds and all trees. He discovered the Elves at Cuiviénen and summoned them to Valinor. Husband of Vána.

- Mandos (Námo): The Judge, Doomsman of the Valar. Keeper of the Houses of the Dead where the spirits of dead Elves await. Husband of Vairë.

- Irmo (Lórien): Master of visions and dreams. His gardens in Lórien are the fairest of all places in the world. Husband of Estë.

- Nienna: Lady of pity and mourning. Called "the gentle" and described as "the healer of hurts and of weariness. Grey is her raiment; and rest is her gift." Sister of Mandos and Irmo. Gandalf was her pupil, learning wisdom and pity.

- Tulkas (Astaldo): "The Valiant." Has ruddy flesh and golden hair and beard. So strong and quick that he needs no weapon or steed. Delights in wrestling and contests of strength. Known for laughing in sport and in battle, possibly the only being with courage to laugh in the face of Melkor. Husband of Nessa.

- Vána: The Ever-young, younger sister of Yavanna. "All flowers spring as she passes and open if she glances upon them; and all birds sing at her coming." Wife of Oromë.

- Nessa: Lithe and fleetfooted, sister of Oromë. Loves deer which follow her train, but she can outrun them, swift as an arrow with the wind in her hair. Renowned for dancing on the ever-green lawns of Valimar. Wife of Tulkas.

- Estë: "The Gentle," healer of hurts and weariness. Grey is her raiment; rest is her gift. Walks not by day but sleeps upon an island in the tree-shadowed lake of Lórellin. Wife of Irmo.

- Vairë: The Weaver. Weaves all things that have ever been in Time into her storied webs, and the halls of Mandos that ever widen as the ages pass are clothed with them. Wife of Mandos.

- The creation of the Two Lamps (Illuin and Ormal) and their destruction by Melkor - The creation of the Two Trees of Valinor by Yavanna - The Battle of the Powers when the Valar defeated Melkor and imprisoned him for three Ages - The summoning of the Elves to Valinor - The release of Melkor from imprisonment (a fateful decision) - Melkor and Ungoliant's destruction of the Two Trees - The theft of the Silmarils and murder of Finwë - The War of Wrath at the end of the First Age - The Downfall of Númenor and the Changing of the World

Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

Unfinished Tales

The Valar are mentioned in Unfinished Tales particularly in relation to: - The Istari and their mission to Middle-earth - The nature of the Maiar and their relationship to the Valar - Further details on the shaping of Arda

The History of Middle-earth

In Tolkien's earliest conceptions, the Valar were more closely associated with pagan mythologies. The Valar could have children called Valarindi - an idea later discarded. Fionwë and Ilmarë were first conceived as children of Manwë and Varda; Gothmog as son of Melko.

Scholar Marjorie Burns notes that between The Book of Lost Tales and the published Silmarillion, the Valar had greatly changed, "civilized and modernized," becoming "slowly and slightly" more Christian.

In early conceptions, the word Vala was associated with Quenya words for happiness and blessedness, meaning "Happy ones" before being reconceived as being associated with power.

Key Facts & Timeline

- Years of the Lamps: The Valar create two great Lamps (Illuin and Ormal) to light the world. They dwell on the isle of Almaren. This is the Spring of Arda. Melkor destroys the Lamps, marring the world.

- VY ~1900: The Valar withdraw to Valinor in the west and create their realm there. Yavanna makes the Two Trees (Telperion and Laurelin) which give light to Valinor but leave Middle-earth in darkness.

- Years of the Trees: Approximately 1,500 Valian Years (14,373 solar years) when the Two Trees illuminate Valinor

- VY ~1050: Cuiviénen - The Elves awaken in Middle-earth. Oromë discovers them.

- Battle of the Powers: The Valar wage war on Melkor, break Utumno, and imprison him for three Ages to protect the newly awakened Elves.

- The Great Journey: The Valar invite the Elves to Valinor. Three kindreds (Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri) undertake the journey. Those who reach Valinor become the Calaquendi (Elves of Light).

- VY ~1400: Melkor completes his sentence and is released - a fateful decision by the Valar

- VY ~1495: Melkor and Ungoliant destroy the Two Trees. Melkor steals the Silmarils and murders Finwë. The Noldor rebel and leave Valinor against the will of the Valar.

- FA 1: The Sun and Moon are created from the last flower of Telperion and last fruit of Laurelin. Time begins to be measured in solar years. Men awaken.

- FA 1-590: The long wars between the Noldor (and their allies) and Morgoth in Middle-earth. The Valar do not intervene directly.

- FA 542: Eärendil the mariner sails to Valinor wearing a Silmaril and begs the Valar to pardon and aid the peoples of Middle-earth

- FA 545-587: The War of Wrath - The Valar, Maiar, Vanyar, and Noldor of Valinor come to Middle-earth in the mightiest host ever assembled. They defeat Morgoth's forces. The war lasts over 40 years and shatters Beleriand, causing it to sink beneath the sea.

- End of FA: Morgoth is bound with the chain Angainor and cast through the Door of Night into the Timeless Void

- SA ~1000: The Valar send five Maiar in the form of the Istari (Wizards) - though this may have been Third Age. Sources vary.

- SA ~3000-3319: The Númenóreans grow proud and covetous of immortality. Sauron corrupts them.

- SA 3319: The Downfall of Númenor - King Ar-Pharazôn breaks the Ban of the Valar and sails to wage war on Valinor. The Valar lay down their Guardianship and call upon Eru. Eru destroys Númenor, changes the world from flat to round, and removes Valinor from the physical world. Only Elves can now reach it by the Straight Road.

- TA ~1000: The Istari (five Maiar including Gandalf and Saruman) arrive in Middle-earth, sent by the Valar to contest Sauron through inspiration rather than force

- TA 3019: The War of the Ring - The Valar do not intervene directly, but the Istari (especially Gandalf) play crucial roles

Significant Characters

Seven male Valar (Lords): Manwë, Ulmo, Aulë, Oromë, Mandos (Námo), Irmo (Lórien), Tulkas

Seven female Valar (Queens/Valier): Varda, Yavanna, Nienna, Estë, Vairë, Vána, Nessa

- Olórin (Gandalf): Wisest of the Maiar, pupil of Nienna who taught him pity and wisdom. Sent to Middle-earth as one of the Istari.

- Curumo (Saruman): Chief of the Istari, originally a Maia of Aulë. Fell to temptation of power and became corrupted.

- Aiwendil (Radagast): One of the Istari, concerned primarily with nature and animals.

- Alatar and Pallando: The Blue Wizards who went to the East; their fates unknown.

- Sauron: Originally a Maia of Aulë who betrayed his kind and became Morgoth's principal lieutenant and successor. Single-minded and determined, obsessed with conquering Middle-earth. Poured his spirit into the One Ring, binding his power to it.

- Balrogs: Maiar corrupted by Morgoth into demons of fire and shadow.

- Melian: A Maia who served Vána and Estë, later departed to Middle-earth and married Thingol, becoming Queen of Doriath.

- Eönwë: Herald and chief servant of Manwë, commanded the host in the War of Wrath.

- Ilmarë: Chief handmaiden of Varda.

- Arien: Tended the golden flowers in Vána's gardens, later became guide of the Sun.

- Ingwë, Finwë, Elwë: The three Elven ambassadors brought to Valinor who convinced many Elves to make the Great Journey

- Fëanor: Greatest of the Noldor, created the Silmarils. Refused the Valar's request to surrender them to restore the Trees.

- Eärendil: Half-elf mariner who sailed to Valinor and successfully pleaded for the Valar's intervention against Morgoth

Geographic Locations

Themes & Symbolism

Scholarly Interpretations & Theories

Contradictions & Different Versions

Cultural & Linguistic Context

- Valar: Quenya, meaning "Powers" (later conception) or "Blessed Ones" (earlier conception) - Ainur: Quenya, meaning "Holy Ones," the angelic spirits - Aratar: Quenya, meaning "Exalted," the eight mightiest Valar - Maiar: Quenya, meaning "Beautiful Ones," lesser Ainur - Valier: Quenya, meaning "Queens of the Valar" - Eä: Quenya, meaning "It is" or "Let it be," the universe - Arda: Quenya, meaning "Realm," the Earth - Máhanaxar: "Ring of Doom" or "Council-circle"

- Manwë: "Blessed One" or "Good Being" - Varda: "Lofty" or "Sublime," Elentári means "Star-queen" - Ulmo: Related to "pour" or "rain" - Aulë: Related to "invention" - Yavanna: "Giver of Fruits," Kementári means "Queen of the Earth" - Oromë: Related to "horn" or "mountain," also called Aldaron "Lord of Trees" (Quenya) and Tauron (Sindarin) - Mandos/Námo: His true name is Námo, meaning "Ordainer" or "Judge"; Mandos is the name of his dwelling - Irmo/Lórien: True name Irmo, meaning "Master of Desire"; Lórien is his dwelling place - Nienna: Related to "tear" or "lamentation" - Tulkas: "Strong" or "Steadfast," Astaldo means "Valiant" - Melkor: "He who arises in Might," later called Morgoth "Black Enemy" or "Dark Enemy of the World"

Tolkien drew on multiple mythological traditions:

- Norse mythology: The structure resembles the Æsir (gods) and their hall Asgard. The council of the Valar resembles the Norse thing (assembly). The destruction and remaking of the world has parallels to Ragnarok.

- Greek/Roman mythology: Pantheon of gods with specific domains (sky, sea, earth, smithcraft, etc.). The Music of the Ainur has elements similar to Orphic creation myths involving cosmic harmony.

- Christian angelology: The hierarchical structure (Valar/Maiar similar to archangels/angels), the fall of Melkor paralleling Lucifer's fall, the role as divine messengers and servants.

- Platonic philosophy: The concept of the Music showing the world in vision before it becomes material has Platonic elements of ideal forms becoming physical reality.

Questions & Mysteries

Compelling Quotes for Narration

1. "There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were with him before aught else was made." - The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë

2. "In this Music the World was begun; for Ilúvatar made visible the song of the Ainur, and they beheld it as a light in the darkness." - The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë

3. "No theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite." - Eru to Melkor, The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë

4. "The Valar took to themselves shape and hue; and because they were drawn into the World by love of the Children of Ilúvatar, for whom they hoped, they took shape after that manner which they had beheld in the Vision of Ilúvatar, save only in majesty and splendour." - The Silmarillion, Valaquenta

5. "For it is not the land of Manwë that makes its people deathless, but the Deathless that dwell therein have hallowed the land." - On why Valinor doesn't grant immortality

6. "Mighty are the Ainur, and mightiest among them is Melkor; but that he may know, and all the Ainur, that I am Ilúvatar, those things that ye have sung, I will show them forth, that ye may see what ye have done." - The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë

7. "Some there are who have seen the Valar in this guise, and some there are who have heard their voices." - The Silmarillion, Valaquenta

8. "Ulmo loves both Elves and Men, and never abandoned them, not even when they lay under the wrath of the Valar." - The Silmarillion

Visual Elements to Highlight

1. The Music of the Ainur - Angelic beings singing creation into existence in the Timeless Halls, with visual discord as Melkor introduces his themes

2. The Vision of Eä - The Ainur beholding the world as a light in darkness, seeing oceans, mountains, stars before they exist

3. The Descent into Arda - The fourteen Valar entering the shapeless void and beginning to give it form

4. The Two Lamps - Massive pillars holding enormous lamps (Illuin silver, Ormal golden) illuminating the world

5. The Destruction of the Lamps - Melkor casting them down, creating cataclysmic devastation

6. The Creation of the Two Trees - Yavanna singing the Trees into being on the green mound Ezellohar, one silver (Telperion), one gold (Laurelin)

7. The Ring of Doom - The Valar seated on their thrones in a circle, bathed in the light of the Trees, making fateful decisions

8. Oromë Discovering the Elves - The great huntsman on horseback finding the Elves newly awakened at Cuiviénen

9. Valinor in Its Glory - The Blessed Realm with Taniquetil rising above all, Valimar the golden city, the Gardens of Lórien, all illuminated by the Trees

10. The Darkening of Valinor - Melkor and Ungoliant destroying the Two Trees, darkness falling

11. The War of Wrath - The greatest host ever assembled, Valar and Maiar in terrible majesty, marching against Morgoth

12. The Downfall of Númenor - The great wave overwhelming the island, the world being changed from flat to round, Valinor removed from the world

13. Individual Valar in Their Domains: - Manwë and Varda upon Taniquetil looking over all the world - Ulmo rising from the depths of the ocean - Aulë in his smithies crafting - Yavanna among growing things - Nienna weeping in her halls - Mandos in the halls of the dead with Vairë weaving history into tapestries - Tulkas wrestling or laughing in battle

Discrete Analytical Themes

Theme 1: The Cosmological Foundation - From Music to Matter

Theme 2: Angelic Intermediaries in a Monotheistic Framework

Theme 3: The Pantheon - Domains, Hierarchies, and Relationships

Theme 4: The Shaping of Arda - From Lamps to Sun and Moon

Theme 5: Melkor's Discord - The Problem of Evil Among the Divine

Theme 6: Intervention and Restraint - The Valar's Evolving Relationship with Middle-earth

Theme 7: The Elves, the Ban, and the Gift - Differential Treatment of the Children

Theme 8: Servants and Emissaries - The Maiar as Extensions of Valar Power

Sources Consulted

Primary Source Wikis and Databases:

Scholarly and Analytical Sources:

Specific Topic Resources:

Letters and Primary Text Resources:

Q&A and Discussion Forums:

Specialized Articles:

Additional Notes

The Valar exemplify Tolkien's career-long project of creating a mythology for England that would be both genuinely mythological (with divine beings, cosmic battles, creation stories) and theologically sound from a Catholic perspective. The evolution of the Valar from the more pagan conception in The Book of Lost Tales to the more angelic presentation in the published Silmarillion shows Tolkien refining this balance over decades.

The story of Aulë creating the Dwarves is a perfect exemplar of Tolkien's sub-creation philosophy. Aulë makes the Dwarves in his eagerness to have students to teach his crafts, but they are not truly alive—merely puppets—until Eru accepts them and grants them independent will. This shows both the limits of sub-creative power (cannot grant true life/the Flame Imperishable) and the generous nature of Eru (who accepts Aulë's repentant offering and makes it real). This parallels Tolkien's view of his own creative work as a form of worship.

The Valar stories contain some of the most visually spectacular elements in Tolkien's entire mythology: the creation of the world through music, the massive Lamps lighting the world, the incomparable beauty of the Two Trees, the War of Wrath with the greatest host ever assembled, the literal changing of the world from flat to round. These cosmic-scale events contrast with the more intimate, character-driven narratives of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The equal number of male and female Valar (seven each) and their relationships as married pairs is unusual in mythological pantheons, which tend to be male-dominated. However, scholarly criticism notes that the female Valar tend to have "softer" domains (growing things, healing, weaving, dancing) while the male Valar have more "active" domains (kingship, smithcraft, hunting, war). This reflects both progressive elements (equality in number and importance) and traditional elements (gendered domains) in Tolkien's conception.

A common misconception is that Valinor makes people immortal. The texts are explicit: "it is not the land of Manwë that makes its people deathless, but the Deathless that dwell therein have hallowed the land." Mortals who reached Valinor would not become immortal; they would feel more keenly their mortality and eventually die. This theological point is crucial to understanding the Ban of the Valar and the tragedy of Númenor's fall.

1. How much detail to provide on each individual Vala versus focusing on key figures? 2. Should the script emphasize the theological framework or the narrative events? 3. How to balance the cosmic scale (creation of universe) with accessible storytelling? 4. Should Melkor's fall be integrated into the main narrative or treated separately? 5. How much time to spend on the evolution of Tolkien's conception (Book of Lost Tales vs. Silmarillion)?

- Open with the Music of the Ainur—the universe literally sung into existence - Frame the Valar as "before the beginning" - the cosmic backstory to everything in Middle-earth - Emphasize the visual spectacle of the Two Trees and their destruction - Use the progression of light (Lamps → Trees → Sun/Moon) as a through-line - Connect to familiar characters: Gandalf and Saruman are Maiar, servants of the Valar - The mystery of divine intervention: why help sometimes and not others? - The tragic dimension: even divine beings make catastrophic mistakes (releasing Melkor)

This research provides comprehensive foundation for an episode that can explore both the grand cosmic mythology and the intimate theological questions at the heart of Tolkien's created world.