The Valar and Illuvator's Children - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Groin Redbeard · 07-11-2008, 03:36 PM

This is something that has always bothered me, and I don't know if Tolkien has ever expounded on it or not. Do the peoples of Arda worship the Valar as the gods of nature and Illuvator as the supreme god? I picture the everyone worshipping the Valar as the Greeks, or Romans, would worship their gods. This would explain why the dwarves worship Aule as their primal god, since they are both great smiths (besides the fact that it was Aule that created the dwarves). The Numenorean's were great sailors. If this would then be the case then Valarie that the Numenorean's worship would be Ulmo or Osse?

The other option, which I think is less favorable, is that everyone worships the true god of Illuvator with the Valar being sub-gods. This would give favor to Tolkien's Catholic background, with Jesus being their true savior (just like Illuvator) with dozens of saints that god blesses to do his holy work on earth (sort of like the Valar, or the Istari). Though I must warn you that I'm not Catholic, so I'm not an expert on any of this by a longshot, and I'm sure I am messing this point up somehow.

What do y'all think about this?

07-11-2008, 03:36 PM	#1
Groin Redbeard Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Facing the world's troubles with Christ's hope! Posts: 1,635	The Valar and Illuvator's Children This is something that has always bothered me, and I don't know if Tolkien has ever expounded on it or not. Do the peoples of Arda worship the Valar as the gods of nature and Illuvator as the supreme god? I picture the everyone worshipping the Valar as the Greeks, or Romans, would worship their gods. This would explain why the dwarves worship Aule as their primal god, since they are both great smiths (besides the fact that it was Aule that created the dwarves). The Numenorean's were great sailors. If this would then be the case then Valarie that the Numenorean's worship would be Ulmo or Osse? The other option, which I think is less favorable, is that everyone worships the true god of Illuvator with the Valar being sub-gods. This would give favor to Tolkien's Catholic background, with Jesus being their true savior (just like Illuvator) with dozens of saints that god blesses to do his holy work on earth (sort of like the Valar, or the Istari). Though I must warn you that I'm not Catholic, so I'm not an expert on any of this by a longshot, and I'm sure I am messing this point up somehow. What do y'all think about this? __________________ I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeatof peace on earth, good-will to men! ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow