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  • Updated 12 March 2008
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High Ones of Arda

The Aratar, greatest among the Valar

A title of the eight greatest of the Valar, the Aratar.

Manwë The High King of Arda, and greatest of all the Valar
Varda The Kindler of the stars, and spouse to Manwë, with whom she dwells on Taniquetil. Varda is more commonly known as Elbereth in Middle-earth.
Ulmo Lord of the seas of Arda, Ulmo dwells apart from the other Valar in the depths of the Outer Sea.
Yavanna Called the Giver of Fruits, the guardian of all growing things.
Aulë The great Smith of the Valar and master of stone and metal, Aulë was the maker of the race of Dwarves.
Mandos The Doomsman of the Valar, who keeps the spirits of the slain in his Halls in the west of Aman.
Nienna The mistress of mourning, who weeps for Arda and the fate of its peoples in her halls on the western edge of the World.
Oromë The Huntsman of the Valar, who travelled most often to Middle-earth, and who discovered the Elves there soon after they had awakened.

The eight Aratar, or High Ones of Arda. Originally, Melkor was also numbered among these powerful beings.


See also...

Hihdei, Valanya

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