The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Eternal (predated even the Ainur)
Location
Originally held by Ilúvatar, but sent out into the heart of the world at its creation
Origins
Unknown, but presumably created by Ilúvatar
Other names

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About this entry:

  • Updated 21 January 2009
  • Updates planned: 1

Secret Fire

The fire at the heart of the world

"Therefore Ilúvatar gave to their vision Being, and set it amid the Void, and the Secret Fire was sent to burn at the heart of the World; and it was called ."
The Silmarillion
Valaquenta

A mysterious power, never explained in detail, that seems to represent the principle of existence and creation. Little can be said of it for certain, though it seems to be identified with, or at least connected to, the Flame Imperishable of Ilúvatar. When Gandalf met the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, he spoke of himself as a servant of the Secret Fire. It has been conjectured that these words referred to his fire-ring Narya, but it seems unlikely that he would reveal this to a bitter enemy. More plausibly, Gandalf's words identify him as a servant of the power of Ilúvatar.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 21 January 2009
  • Updates planned: 1

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