What differentiates the Valar from the Maiar?

[Mithalwen]

In the Judeo Christian tradition there are different orders of Angels wit different powers and functions.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

In the Judeo Christian tradition there are different orders of Angels wit different powers and functions.

Exactly. The Ainur were the greater in terms of spiritual stature and in the hierarchy, and the Maiar were simply the same order of being but of lesser power and "rank", having the tasks of aiding their superiors.

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

In the Judeo Christian tradition there are different orders of Angels wit different powers and functions.

I have recently been delving into greek mythology again, so the first real world example that came to my mind was the division between the twelve Olympian gods and the rest of the gods.

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

I have recently been delving into greek mythology again, so the first real world example that came to my mind was the division between the twelve Olympian gods and the rest of the gods.

Yes, there were plenty of lesser gods and demi-gods in the Greek pantheon. Interestingly enough, many Greek heroes reached godlike stature and became parts of constellations, which mirrors Eärendil's ascent into the heavens.

In regards to heavenly hierarchy, Dante in his Divine Comedy divided the angelic hosts in much the same order as St Jerome and St. Gregory the Great: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels.

[Belegorn]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

I have recently been delving into greek mythology again, so the first real world example that came to my mind was the division between the twelve Olympian gods and the rest of the gods.

I'm not really sure it's quite the same, although they are lesser. Like there is Hebe who serves the Olympians for example, but it seems for the most part they all do their own thing. The Fates, not even Zeus is above, and remember they had to overthrow their parents and their brethren, the Titans who were the first gods, after Cronus castrated his own father Ouranos before that. There is one real similarity with Poseiden and the gods of all the various waters, the rivers, streams, etc., who are under him. And Zeus is the father of the Gods and Men. Some of the Olympians like Apollo and Ares are his children, not so with the Valar. Hercules ascended to godhood was once a man.

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by Belegorn

I'm not really sure it's quite the same, although they are lesser. Like there is Hebe who serves the Olympians for example, but it seems for the most part they all do their own thing. The Fates, not even Zeus is above, and remember they had to overthrow their parents and their brethren, the Titans who were the first gods, after Cronus castrated his own father Ouranos before that. There is one real similarity with Poseiden and the gods of all the various waters, the rivers, streams, etc., who are under him. And Zeus is the father of the Gods and Men. Some of the Olympians like Apollo and Ares are his children, not so with the Valar. Hercules ascended to godhood was once a man.

That's all true, and I agree that the forming and the history of the division is very different. But the concept is pretty similar, I think. They're all gods, but some have more power and distinction than others. That's the main parallel I was thinking of.

[Belegorn]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

In the Judeo Christian tradition there are different orders of Angels wit different powers and functions.

Indeed. Like the Archangels would be of the world of Briah [this, the creative world, and below God acts through His ministers] and the other Angels [Angelic orders] of the world of Yetzirah [the formative world]. Each of the four worlds corresponds to a letter of the divine name Y-H-V-H. Going to another Abrahamic religion in islam the wings an angel [malaika, or power as they are called] possess [ch. 35; v. 1] show the number of their responsibilities.