I found that the Christian framework of heavenly beings (gods, angels, host, etc) really helped me “get it” too. I’m only aware of Melkor being evil within the Ainur category (though I’ve read some differing opinions about their ability to err), is there specific other examples that you know of?
I’d be happy to dig into that too in another article! Here’s a preliminary answer that probably covers it, from Morgoth’s Ring (History of Middle-earth X):
“And as is known well, the prime among these is Melkor. Measureless as were the regions of Ea, yet in the Beginning, where he could have been Master of all that was done - for there were many of the Ainur of the Song willing to follow him and serve him, if he called - still he was not content.
And he sought ever for Arda and Manwe, his brother, begrudging him the kingship, small though it might seem to his desire and his potency; for he knew that to that kingship lluvatar designed to give the highest royalty in Ea, and under the rule of that throne to bring forth the Children of God.
And in his thought which deceived him, for the liar shall lie unto himself, he believed that over the Children he might hold absolute sway and be unto them sole lord and master, as he could not be to spirits of his own kind, however subservient to himself. For they knew that the One Is, and must assent to Melkor's rebellion of their own choice; whereas he purposed to withhold from the Children this knowledge and be for ever a shadow between them and the light.”
Thanks for this, great breakdown!! If you ever wanted to // could do a Part II, would love to hear your thoughts of main Maiar like Melian, Ossë, Melian, Uinen, Tilion, and Arien 🙏🏻 and my best, congratulations on your forthcoming bundle of joy!!
Hi Patrick, this is new ground for me, thanks for writing it up! I like the idea that the wizards came "over the Sea," because that's where Gandalf ostensibly returns at the end of the tale. In the Rings of Power series (Amazon), Gandalf makes a very different entrance... by meteor (?) I mean, it's storytelling with an impact, but I'm not sure what to make of it. You?
The old Iron Crown game supplements Lords of Middle-Earth cover all the named Vala and Maia and stat them out for game purposes (and make up some new ones, I think).
Thank you for this post! The Balrogs always fascinated me so this post was very helpful! Please with your wife good luck for me and congratulations on your little one!!!! Babies and the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Sending prayers!
Great post!
I found that the Christian framework of heavenly beings (gods, angels, host, etc) really helped me “get it” too. I’m only aware of Melkor being evil within the Ainur category (though I’ve read some differing opinions about their ability to err), is there specific other examples that you know of?
Congrats on the baby!
I’d be happy to dig into that too in another article! Here’s a preliminary answer that probably covers it, from Morgoth’s Ring (History of Middle-earth X):
“And as is known well, the prime among these is Melkor. Measureless as were the regions of Ea, yet in the Beginning, where he could have been Master of all that was done - for there were many of the Ainur of the Song willing to follow him and serve him, if he called - still he was not content.
And he sought ever for Arda and Manwe, his brother, begrudging him the kingship, small though it might seem to his desire and his potency; for he knew that to that kingship lluvatar designed to give the highest royalty in Ea, and under the rule of that throne to bring forth the Children of God.
And in his thought which deceived him, for the liar shall lie unto himself, he believed that over the Children he might hold absolute sway and be unto them sole lord and master, as he could not be to spirits of his own kind, however subservient to himself. For they knew that the One Is, and must assent to Melkor's rebellion of their own choice; whereas he purposed to withhold from the Children this knowledge and be for ever a shadow between them and the light.”
Thanks for this, great breakdown!! If you ever wanted to // could do a Part II, would love to hear your thoughts of main Maiar like Melian, Ossë, Melian, Uinen, Tilion, and Arien 🙏🏻 and my best, congratulations on your forthcoming bundle of joy!!
I’d be more than happy to dig into them! And thank you so much; we’re grateful.
Awesome, and of course!
This is a good summary. I especially like Tolkien’s insistence that the job of the Istari is to encourage and advise rather than dominate.
Hi Patrick, this is new ground for me, thanks for writing it up! I like the idea that the wizards came "over the Sea," because that's where Gandalf ostensibly returns at the end of the tale. In the Rings of Power series (Amazon), Gandalf makes a very different entrance... by meteor (?) I mean, it's storytelling with an impact, but I'm not sure what to make of it. You?
The old Iron Crown game supplements Lords of Middle-Earth cover all the named Vala and Maia and stat them out for game purposes (and make up some new ones, I think).
https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Lords_of_Middle-earth:_Vol._I
Thank you for this post! The Balrogs always fascinated me so this post was very helpful! Please with your wife good luck for me and congratulations on your little one!!!! Babies and the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Sending prayers!
This was extremely helpful!
I just started the Silmarillion and I’m in chapter 2 where the Maiar suddenly appear!