I could be completely off on this, but I was under the impression (in reading Ainulindale) that the difference between Valar/Maiar/etc. was tantamount to the differences between the different choirs of angels (i.e. Seraphim/Cherubim/etc.). To me, this would mean that the Valar/Maiar separation would have been distinguishable even in the pre-Valar state, while they were all still Ainur. It was a distinguishment of species, perhaps characterized by powers, but perhaps also by something more, too. Am I on the right track? Anyone?
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- Eve
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