What differentiates the Valar from the Maiar?

[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.