Valaquenta

Valaquenta begins with a short summary of Ainulindalë. It then goes on to introduce the Lords and the Queens of the Valar, giving a bit of background information on each of them and explaining how they relate to one another. I know these can be difficult to remember or differentiate so I’ve included a printable chart at the back of this book.

Next, we are introduced to the Maiar, spirits like the Valar but of a lesser degree. The last section is titled “Of the Enemies” and explains a bit more about the cruelty of Melkor as well as introducing his servant Sauron.

Meet the Valar

Manwë, King of the Ainur; delights in air, wind, sky, height
Ulmo, Lord of Waters: seas, rivers, fountains, lakes
Aulë, Lord of Substances; Craftsman of the Valar
Oromë (Aldaron), Hunter of monsters and fell beasts
Mandos (Námo), Keeper of the Houses of the Dead
Lórien (Irmo), Master of visions and dreams
Tulkas (Astaldo), Delights in strength and contests

Varda (Elbereth), Lady of the Stars
Yavanna (Kementári), Giver of Fruits; delights in growing things
Nienna, Lady of Sorrow and Lamenter of Griefs
Estë, Healer of Hurts and Sorrows
Vairë, Weaver of Time
Vána, who delights in birds and flowers
Nessa, who delights in dance and racing

The Relationships of the Valar

Manwë dwells with Varda
Aulë dwells with Yavanna
Mandos dwells with Vairë
Lórien dwells with Estë
Tulkas dwells with Nessa
Oromë dwells with Vána
Ulmo dwells alone
Nienna dwells alone

Melkor, now named Morgoth, is no longer counted among the Valar.

The Maiar

The Maiar (singular: Maia) are spirits of the same kind as the Valar but of lesser degree. They are often servants or helpers to the Valar.

Tolkien writes in Valaquenta that the chief of these are…

Ilmarë, Handmaid of Varda
Eönwë, Standard-bearer and Herald of Manwë
Ossë, Vassal of Ulmo and Master of Seas
Uinen, Lady of Seas, Protector of Númenóreans
Melian, Spouse of Thingol, mother of Lúthien; Servant to Vána and Estë
Olórin (also called Mithrandir and Gandalf), Wisest of the Maiar, defender of the Free Peoples

Sauron (also called Gorthaur the Cruel), Servant of Morgoth