Ea versus Arda
 

I don't know if this has been discussed before, but what is the difference between Ea and Arda? They both mean the World, right?

Is it simply that Ea refers to the Earth as a physical entity which exists, while Arda refers to the World as a realm or kingdom? This would be rather like the kingdom of Numenor as distinct from the island itself.

Hmm your not quite there. Theres quite a difference actually between the two.
Eä Is the Universe in Middle Earth. It was created through the music of the Ainur when Ilúvatar cried:
Arda on the other hand refers to the World (realm of Manwë).It was created as a place of inhabiting for the Children of Eru.

I have another theory, Iargwaith. If you take the whole saying of which you quoted the first words it seems that Eä is the planet core.

Therefore I think that Eä is the Flame Imperishable at the heart of the World. And therefore letting the ideas and imagines of the Valar Be. Holding the World together at the planet core.
The World is called Arda, and therefore they are two different things, but they have alot to do with eachother. I think Arda is the World, and Eä is the Core.

Eä holds Arda together, being it's heart.

greetings,
lathspell

...and here I thought this forum was for Novices!!! ...tee hee...

I think Ea=the universe, Arda and the Void, and Arda is the earth. I think this is discussed in Morgoth's ring somewhere....

It is described as such in the index to the Silmarillion. Also, Varda is described as "Lady of the Stars, who knows all the region of Ea", suggesting that the stars, which were not part of Arda, were part of Ea.

lathspell, that is a very interesting theory indeed. But it is stated elsewhere (as others have mentioned) in the Silmarillion and it is in Morgoths Ring that Eä is the Universe.

There are also said to be other Ainur dotted around Ea, who some of the Valar know.

Wow...where is this stated? Which book preferably [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Ilu is everything including God (Eru), spirits, Ea and the Void.
Ea is the Universe, natural creation; it does not include God (Eru), spirits or the Void (Timeless Halls).
Arda is properly the Solar System (Kingdom of Manwe) though it is sometimes used to refer to the Earth.
Ambar/Imbar (The Habitation) is the Earth.

[ February 03, 2003: Message edited by: Tar Elenion ]