Who are the Valar in The Lord of the Rings?

The Valar [ˈvalar] (singular Vala) are characters in J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium. They are “angelic powers” or “gods” subordinate to the one God (Eru Ilúvatar); they are the most powerful of the Ainur who chose to go into the World (Arda) and complete its material development after its form was determined by the Music of the Ainur (Ainulindalë).

What were the Valar called in Middle-earth?

List of the Valar. These are the names and attributes of the chief Valar as they were known to the Eldar in Aman. In Middle-earth, they were known by other names of Sindarin origin; Varda, for example, was called Elbereth. Men knew them by many other names, and sometimes worshipped them as gods.

What happened to the Elves of Middle-earth?

With the arrival of the Elves in the world and later in Valinor, a new phase of the regency of the Valar began. Summoned by the Valar, many Elves abandoned Middle-earth and the eastern continent for the West, where the Valar concentrated their creativity.

What did Melkor do to the Noldor?

Melkor stole the Silmarils from Fëanor, killed his father, Finwë, chief of the Noldor in Aman, and fled to Middle-earth. Many of the Noldor, in defiance of the will of the Valar, swore revenge and set out in pursuit.

What did the Valar do in the Second Age?

During the Second Age, the Valar’s main deeds were the creation of Númenor as a refuge for the Edain, who were denied access to Aman but given dominion over the rest of the world. The Valar, now including even Ulmo, remained aloof from Middle-earth, allowing the rise of Morgoth’s lieutenant, Sauron, to power as a new Dark Lord.

Are the Valar angels or angels?

Scholars have noted that the Valar resemble angels in Christianity, but that Tolkien presented them rather more like pagan gods. Their role in providing what the characters on Middle-earth experience as luck or providence is also discussed.

What is the male of the Valar?

The males are called “Lords of the Valar”; the females “Queens of the Valar,” or Valier. Of the seven male and seven female Valar, there are six married pairs: Ulmo and Nienna are the only ones who dwell alone.