The sixth Most Powerful Being in Middle-earth
Eru Ilúvatar
Q: Who is Eru Ilúvatar?
A: Eru Ilúvatar is the supreme deity in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, particularly in "The Silmarillion." He is the creator of the universe, known as Eä, and all its inhabitants.
Q: What does "Eru" mean?
A: "Eru" means "The One" or "The One Who Is Alone" in the Elvish language of Quenya.
Q: What does "Ilúvatar" mean?
A: "Ilúvatar" translates to "Father of All" in Quenya, indicating his role as the father and creator of all beings and things.
Q: How did Eru Ilúvatar create the world?
A: Eru Ilúvatar created the world through the Ainulindalë, the Music of the Ainur. He first conceived the Ainur, holy spirits, and then they sang a great symphony that brought the universe into existence.
Q: What are the Ainur?
A: The Ainur are divine spirits created by Eru Ilúvatar. They are divided into two groups: the more powerful Valar and the less powerful Maiar. They helped shape and govern the world.
Q: Did Eru Ilúvatar directly intervene in the world?
A: Eru Ilúvatar rarely intervenes directly. However, he did intervene on a few significant occasions, such as the creation of the race of Men and the reshaping of the world after the downfall of Númenor.
Q: What is the significance of Eru Ilúvatar in Tolkien's works?
A: Eru Ilúvatar represents the ultimate source of creation, authority, and destiny. His existence underscores the themes of fate, free will, and the overarching divine plan in Tolkien's mythology.
Morgoth: The Dark Lord of Middle-earth
Q: Who is Morgoth, also known as Melkor, in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium?
A: Morgoth Bauglir, originally named Melkor, is the primary antagonist in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. He appears prominently in "The Silmarillion," "The Children of Húrin," and is briefly mentioned in "The Lord of the Rings." Once a powerful Vala, Morgoth turned to darkness and became the embodiment of evil in Arda, the world where Middle-earth is located.
Q: What led to Morgoth's descent into darkness?
A: Morgoth was originally one of the Ainur, angelic beings created by Eru Ilúvatar. He became corrupted by envy and a desire for power, seeking to dominate Arda and reshape it according to his own will. This led to his imprisonment by the other Valars. However, he escaped and unleashed his malice upon Middle-earth, establishing his stronghold in Angband and waging war against Elves and Men.
Q: How was Morgoth's reign characterized?
A: Morgoth's reign was marked by cruelty and oppression. He enslaved countless beings, twisted their minds, and corrupted them to his cause. His influence extended far beyond Middle-earth, tainting the very fabric of the world. His most infamous act was the theft of the Silmarils, priceless jewels crafted by the Elf Fëanor, which further fueled his hatred and desire for dominion.
Q: How was Morgoth eventually defeated?
A: Despite his immense power, Morgoth was defeated by the combined forces of the Valar, Elves, and Men in the War of Wrath. He was cast out of Arda and banished into the Void, ending his reign of terror. However, his influence lingered long after his defeat, as his legacy of evil continued to shape the events of Middle-earth.
Q: What does Morgoth symbolize in Tolkien's works?
A: Morgoth stands as a powerful symbol of evil, representing the corrupting influence of power and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. His story serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of succumbing to darkness and emphasizing the importance of fighting against evil in all its forms.
Manwë
Q: Who is Manwë?
A: Manwë is the King of the Valar and the chief of the Ainur in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. He is the ruler of Arda (the world) and the most powerful of the Valar.
Q: What is Manwë's domain?
A: Manwë's domain is the air and the winds. He is often associated with the sky, clouds, and birds, particularly eagles.
Q: Who is Manwë's spouse?
A: Manwë is married to Varda, also known as Elbereth, the Queen of the Stars. Together, they reside in Valinor on the peak of Taniquetil, the highest mountain in the world.
Q: What is Manwë's role among the Valar?
A: Manwë's role is to govern the world according to the will of Eru Ilúvatar. He is the leader of the Valar and acts as their chief counselor and guide.
Q: How is Manwë depicted in Tolkien's works?
A: Manwë is depicted as wise, compassionate, and just. He is deeply attuned to the thoughts and desires of Eru Ilúvatar and works to maintain harmony and order in the world.
Q: What is Manwë's relationship with the other Valar?
A: Manwë is highly respected by the other Valar, and they often seek his counsel. He has a particularly close relationship with Ulmo, the Vala of the seas, and Aulë, the Vala of craftsmanship and the earth.
Q: How does Manwë interact with the inhabitants of Middle-earth?
A: While Manwë rarely intervenes directly in the affairs of Middle-earth, he sends his servants, such as the Eagles, to assist and communicate with the Free Peoples. He also plays a role in guiding the Istari (Wizards), who are sent to aid in the struggle against Sauron.
Q: What are some notable actions of Manwë?
A: Manwë played a significant role in the War of Wrath, the final conflict against Morgoth, where he summoned the Host of the Valar to Middle-earth to defeat the Dark Lord. He also convened the councils of the Valar to address major events and crises worldwide.
Varda (Elbereth)
Q: Who is Varda?
A: Varda, also known as Elbereth, is one of the Valar in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. She is the Queen of the Stars and the spouse of Manwë, the King of the Valar.
Q: What is Varda's domain?
A: Varda's domain is the stars and the light. She is responsible for creating the stars and constellations, and she is often associated with light and purity.
Q: What are Varda's other names?
A: Varda is also known as Elbereth, which means "Star-Queen" in Sindarin, and Tintallë, which means "Star-kindler" in Quenya.
Q: What is Varda's role among the Valar?
A: Varda's role is to bring light to the world and to illuminate the skies. She is revered by the Elves, who hold her in the highest esteem for her creation of the stars.
Q: How is Varda depicted in Tolkien's works?
A: Varda is depicted as radiant, beautiful, and majestic. Her presence is often described as awe-inspiring, and she is considered the most beautiful of the Valar.
Q: What is Varda's relationship with the Elves?
A: Varda has a special relationship with the Elves, who revere her above all other Valar. They often invoke her name in prayers and songs, seeking her protection and guidance.
Q: How does Varda interact with the inhabitants of Middle-earth?
A: While Varda does not often intervene directly in the affairs of Middle-earth, her influence is felt through the light of the stars and the guidance they provide. Her name is frequently invoked by the Free People in times of need.
Q: What are some notable actions of Varda?
A: One of Varda's most significant actions was the creation of the stars, which brought light to the world before the creation of the Sun and Moon. She also placed the Silmarils, created by Fëanor, in the sky as stars after they were rescued from Morgoth.
Q: What is the significance of Varda's name, Elbereth, in Tolkien's works?
A: The name Elbereth is often invoked by characters in Tolkien's works, particularly by the Elves and those allied with them. It symbolizes hope, purity, and the enduring light that guides them through the darkness.
Ulmo
Q: Who is Ulmo?
A: Ulmo is one of the Valar, the powerful beings created by Eru Ilúvatar. He is the Lord of Waters and holds dominion over all seas, rivers, and lakes.
Q: What is Ulmo's role in the world?
A: Ulmo governs all bodies of water in Middle-earth and has a deep connection with the Elves and Men who live near or rely on water. He is responsible for the music and voices heard in the waters.
Q: How does Ulmo communicate with others?
A: Ulmo often communicates through dreams or by inspiring thoughts and feelings, especially when his direct presence might be overwhelming. He also uses the sound of water to convey messages.
Q: Does Ulmo reside in Valinor with the other Valar?
A: No, Ulmo does not reside in Valinor. He prefers to dwell in the depths of the seas and is often solitary, rarely attending the councils of the Valar.
Q: What is Ulmo's relationship with the other Valar?
A: Ulmo is considered a close ally of Manwë, the King of the Valar, but he often acts independently. He is deeply concerned with the fate of Middle-earth and its inhabitants.
Q: How did Ulmo aid the Elves and Men?
A: Ulmo played a significant role in aiding the Elves and Men throughout history. For example, he guided Tuor to Gondolin and inspired Turgon to build the hidden city. He also sent messages and warnings to various leaders through dreams and visions.
Q: What is Ulmo's appearance like?
A: Ulmo is often described as a majestic figure, clad in a cloak of shimmering sea green and adorned with a crown of seaweed and shells. His presence is often accompanied by the sound of waves and the music of the sea.
Q: What is Ulmo's significance in Tolkien's mythology?
A: Ulmo represents the untamed and ever-changing nature of water. His deep concern for Middle-earth and its inhabitants highlights the theme of divine intervention and guidance in Tolkien's works.
Ungoliant: The Spider of Darkness
Q: Who is Ungoliant in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium?
A: Ungoliant is a monstrous spider from J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, known for her dark influence and insatiable hunger for power. She plays a pivotal role in the shaping of Middle-earth's history.
Q: What are Ungoliant's origins and her alliance with Melkor?
Q: What significant act of destruction did Ungoliant and Melkor commit together?
A: Ungoliant and Melkor descended upon Valinor, enveloping the Two Trees, the world's primary light source, in darkness. Ungoliant drained the Trees of their sap, extinguishing their brilliance, while Melkor seized the Silmarils, priceless jewels crafted by the Elf Fëanor.
Q: How did the alliance between Ungoliant and Melkor end?
A: Their partnership ended in betrayal when Ungoliant, driven by her insatiable hunger, demanded Melkor's share of the treasures they had plundered. Melkor refused, leading to a fierce battle where Ungoliant entangled Melkor in her webs. However, Melkor's Balrogs, monstrous fire demons from his underground fortress, came to his rescue, driving Ungoliant into the desolate north of Middle-earth.
Q: What was Ungoliant's legacy after retreating to Middle-earth?
A: After retreating to Middle-earth, Ungoliant established her lair in Ered Gorgoroth, transforming the land into a desolate wasteland under her dark influence. There, she mated with other spiders, devouring them and giving birth to monstrous offspring.
Q: What is known about Ungoliant's ultimate fate?
A: Ungoliant's ultimate fate remains a mystery. Some tales suggest she perished in the depths of her insatiable hunger, consuming herself in a final act of darkness. Others say her existence continued, lurking in the shadows, her hunger for power and destruction never satiated.