Ainu (Middle-earth)
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- For other meanings of Ainu see Ainu (disambiguation)
In J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy legendarium, the Ainur (singular Ainu) are spirits who are direct representatives of the supreme deity Eru Ilúvatar. Ainur means "The Holy Ones" in the Elvish language of Quenya. They were the very first creation of Eru.
[edit] Origins
Before the creation of Eä (the universe), Eru created the Ainur, spirits comparable to angels. The universe is created with Arda (the world) at its centre through the Music of the Ainur or Ainulindalë.
Several of the Ainur decided to enter Eä after the Music was corrupted by the greatest of their number, Melkor. Eru, by self-set limitations, would not interfere with Arda in any way and as such the further shaping and governing of Arda was left to these Ainur. Melkor, wanted to claim Arda for himself. In response, Manwë and twelve others of the most powerful decided to contest him, becoming known as the Valar, or The Powers. Eventually and with the aid of the Vala Tulkas, who entered Arda last, Melkor was temporarily overthrown, and the Valar began shaping the world. Many lesser Ainur who entered Eä became known as the Maiar.
[edit] See also
| Ainur from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium | |
|---|---|
| Ainulindalë (Music of the Ainur) | |
| Lords of the Valar: | Manwë | Ulmo | Aulë | Oromë | Námo (Mandos) | Irmo (Lórien) | Tulkas |
| Queens of the Valar (The Valier): | Varda | Yavanna | Nienna | Estë | Vairë | Vána | Nessa |
| The Enemy: | Morgoth (a.k.a. Melkor) |
| Maiar: | Eönwë | Ilmarë | Ossë | Uinen | Salmar | Sauron | Melian | Arien | Tilion | Gothmog Curumo (Saruman) | Olórin (Gandalf) | Aiwendil (Radagast) | Alatar and Pallando | Durin's Bane |
