[Legolas]

Eru Lluvatar closely instructed Ulmo in the art of singing before the beginning of the world, giving him more power and foresight than even Manwe.

I see Ulmo as the vala most true to his original intention, to protect Middle Earth and the like.

I'm not sure where to start - most of this seems to be misconception. Ulmo is my favourite Vala and definitely most actively involved aiding the Children (so far as we are aware), but Ulmo was not more powerful than Manwe. Together they were closest to Eru's will, but Manwe more so than Ulmo. He is not mentioned nearly as much because of his detached role from the histories; it is important to keep in mind that the history of Middle-earth as we know it is not written from the perspective of some omniscient outsider, but [mostly] elves [who had much direct contact with Ulmo in their first years of Arda]. Under such circumstances, the actions of Manwe remain very unknown to us. It's also important to note that Manwe was so in tune with Eru's will and consequently good that he could not percieve evil; being bound to Eru's will, he was forced to believe things stated as fact (so long as he did not know of proof against). This is what seemed "weak" and "stupid" to many when Melkor was let loose... I encourage to read Tolkien's essay Ósanwe-kenta. Also, the chief mission of the Valar was not to "protect" Middle-earth, but govern it. The only protection Middle-earth needed was against itself (except for Melkor's doings); who then is to fight this war?

Here are some of the passages that led me to the above conclusions.

From The Silmarillion:

And Manwë and Ulmo have from the beginning been allied, and in all things have served most faithfully the purpose of Ilúvatar.

Manwë and Melkor were brethren in the thought of Ilúvatar. The mightiest of those Ainur who came into the World was in his beginning Melkor; but Manwë is dearest to Ilúvatar and understands most clearly his purposes.

Ulmo is the Lord of Waters. He is alone. [...] He is next in might to Manwë, [/b]

But Manwë Súlimo, highest and holiest of the Valar, sat upon the borders of Aman, forsaking not in his thought the Outer Lands. For his throne was set in majesty upon the pinnacle of Taniquetil, the highest of the mountains of the world, standing upon the margin of the sea. Spirits in the shape of hawks and eagles flew ever to and from his halls; and their eyes could see to the depths of the seas, and pierce the hidden caverns beneath the world. [...] Manwë has no thought for his own honour, and is not jealous of his power, but rules all to peace.

Just one of the many notes of the elves-Ulmo link:

The Teleri learned much of Ulmo, and for this reason their music has both sadness and enchantment.

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In the second and third ages, Ulmo was the most loyal vala to the plights of men and elves, aiding them in their quests, from tuor to ,

Tuor and the Fall of Gondoin were part of the First Age.

[ October 08, 2003: Message edited by: Legolas ]