The Maiar (Minor Gods)

This is a series of posts developed by Vicki to help explain and detail the mythology of Middle Earth. These will be posted throughout the week.

Maiar are lesser Gods of Middle-Earth, and usually champions of a specific duty. Though most are align with the majority of the Vaiar, there are some who champion Morgoth's cause, like Sauron and Saruman. The list below details some of the lesser known Maiar.


Arien: One of the few fire spirits to resist Morgoth's call (and become a Balrog) Arien stayed true to Eru and the Valar. For this, she was rewarded with the care of guarding the Sun across the sky, to ensure it would never fall. AKA, the Sun Goddess.

Tillion: The moon god. He is charged with escorting the moon across the sky every night, to protect it from harm. In the beginning, the moon was as bright as the sun, and crosses the sky at opposite intervals of the sun, meaning the two would always be seen and would meet at midnight. However, Tillion fell in love with Arien, and began to follow her path instead. Once, he came too close, and the moon was burned. It is said these burns caused the moon to become as dim as it is today.

Eonwe: Eonwe is the messenger of the Gods, and the General of their armies. He is considered the greatest warrior for his skill (quote: "Tulkas is stronger, and Orome the better Archer, but Eonwe is the consummate warrior").

Erinti: Eonwe's sister, and the hand maiden of Varda. She is considered kind and beautiful, but little else is known about her.

Melian: Melian is unique among the Maiar, for when the Gods left Middle Earth, she stayed behind to marry a Sindar Elf (Elu Thingol). She used powerful protective charms to keep her husband and his people safe from harm for centuries, until her husband was killed by dwarves over a Silmaril. She returned to the undying lands after. She is known for her magic, and her singing; it is said she taught the Nightingales to sing.

Osse: The second in command to the water Valar Ulmo, Osse, he is Lord of Tides. It was Osse who created the Isle of Numenor, rising it up from the bottom of the Sea. During the great war with Morgoth, Osse's loyalty was in question, for Morgoth valued him highly. While he almost betrayed the Valar, his wife Uinen convinced him to remain true. However, this fickle loyalty is said to be the cause of sea storms, for like Osse his intentions may change in the blink of an eye.

Uinen: Osse's wife. She is the goddess of fresh water lakes and rivers, and 3rd most powerful water spirit, next only to Osse and Ulmo himself. When Osse nearly betrayed the Valar, is was Uinene who convinced him to stay true. The Valar nearly banished him afterwards, but Uines pleaded her husband's case, and won him forgiveness from the Valar.

Tom Bombadil: The first being to ever set foot in Middle Earth. Once the chief of Yavann's people, he was in charge of Wild Wood that once covered most of Middle earth. Now, the forest is all but gone, and Tom's powers is reduced to a small area near the shire. Within those boundaries however, Tom's power is absolute. While the forest is all but gone, Tom stays in Middle earth with his wife, Goldberry, aiding those who need it.

Goldberry: Tom Bombadil's Wife. A lesser water spirit, she appears as a beautiful human woman to the untrained eye. She lives in Middle Earth with her husband in the Old Forest near the shire, helping those who come across their path.

List: The Gods (Valar) of Middle Earth

The following list briefly describes the list of Middle Earth Gods (Valar) in the world. More information will be given as requested or as there is displayed interest. As a key point, the Valar do not play active roles in the World of Middle Earth, due to the events of the First Age. There are plenty of Maiar (Demi-Gods) around in Middle Earth, but that will be for a separate post - Vicki knows much more about that!

Manwe: Master of the Air, King of the Valar.

Varda: Mistress of the Stars, Queen of the Valar.

Ulmo: Master of the Water and Seas.

Aule: Master of the Elemental/Non-Living Earth. Creator of Dwarves, the Second Born, and thus the God all Dwarves pray to.

Yavanna: Mistress of the Living Earth.

Namo: Master of Fate and Doom.

Nienna: Mistress of Conscience (Grief/Pity/Suffering)

Orome: Master of Nature and Hunting.

Vana: Mistress of Youth, Birth, Renewal, Flowers and Fire.

Tulkas: Champion of the Valar, Master of Courage

Nessa: Mistress of Joy.

Irmo: Master of Spirits, Dreams, and Love.

Este: Mistress of Renewal. Often the God that Jon's Clerics believe in.

Vaire: Mistress of Time, Memory and Stories. Mother of Okiro (Separate Post on him to come!)

Melkor/Morgoth: The God of all that is unholy and evil. His name is not to be trivially mentioned. Imprisoned in the bowels of the World at the end of the first age.

As a side-note, all the Valar were created by one great Creator God, Called Eru. None knows what happened to Eru though. It was Eru who created both the Elves (First Born) and Humans (Third Born).