Question of Origins - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Legolas · 12-29-2001, 09:40 PM

A further note on Melkor - the Ainur were "the primordial spirits who existed with Ilúvatar and with Him created the world through the Music of the Ainur." After the creation of Arda, many entered it to help/guide those in it. Fifteen of those that went in were notably powerful than the rest. Fourteen of the those became known as the Valar (or 'Powers of Arda,' they went on to establish Valinor), and the fifteenth was Melkor. If you are familiar with Lucifer in the Bible, it's kind of like that...he strayed from the 'good' path. The Ainurs who took form and entered Arda but were not as strong as the fifteen (though still immensely powerful) became known as the Maiar. I pretty much paraphrased most of this from the Encyclopedia of Arda - was a pretty good explanation there.

Examples of the Valar - Ulmo, Nienna (who taught Gandalf much), Manwë Súlimo
Examples of the Maiar - Sauron, the 5 Istari (Saruman, Gandalf, Radagast, Pallando, Alatar)

12-29-2001, 09:40 PM	#3
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	A further note on Melkor - the Ainur were "the primordial spirits who existed with Ilúvatar and with Him created the world through the Music of the Ainur." After the creation of Arda, many entered it to help/guide those in it. Fifteen of those that went in were notably powerful than the rest. Fourteen of the those became known as the Valar (or 'Powers of Arda,' they went on to establish Valinor), and the fifteenth was Melkor. If you are familiar with Lucifer in the Bible, it's kind of like that...he strayed from the 'good' path. The Ainurs who took form and entered Arda but were not as strong as the fifteen (though still immensely powerful) became known as the Maiar. I pretty much paraphrased most of this from the Encyclopedia of Arda - was a pretty good explanation there. Examples of the Valar - Ulmo, Nienna (who taught Gandalf much), Manwë Súlimo Examples of the Maiar - Sauron, the 5 Istari (Saruman, Gandalf, Radagast, Pallando, Alatar) __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.