Valar

In J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy universe, Middle-earth, the Valar are the Powers of Arda who live on the Western continent of Aman.

Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.

The Valar were the fourteen powerful spirits of the race of the Ainur who entered Arda after its creation to give order to the world and combat the evils of Melkor. They dwelt originally on the Isle of Almaren, but after its destruction they moved to Aman and founded Valinor.

Lords of the Valar

• Manwë Súlimo, King of the Valar
• Ulmo, King of the Sea
• Aulë Mahal, the Smith
• Oromë Aldaron, the Great Rider
• Námo Mandos, Judge of the Dead
• Irmo Lórien, Master of Dreams
• Tulkas Astaldo, Champion of Valinor

Queens of the Valar (Valier)

• Varda Elentári, Queen of the Stars
• Yavanna Kementári, Giver of Fruits
• Nienna, Lady of Mercy
• Estë the Gentle
• Vairë the Weaver
• Vána the Ever-young
• Nessa the Dancer

(These are the names of the Valar as they were known to the Eldar. In Middle-earth, they were known by other names of Sindarin origin; for example they called Varda Elbereth. Men knew them by many other names, and sometimes worshipped them as Gods. It should be noted that, with the exception of Oromë, the above are not actual names but rather titles: the true names of the Valar are nowhere recorded.)

Melkor was at one time numbered among the Valar, but he was forced out of their number.

The Valar were the greatest of the Ainur who witnessed the Vision of Ilúvatar and so came to create Arda. Melkor came to Arda to claim it for his own.

Manwë and Melkor fought, and Manwë called other spirits to help him in his battle. Among these were the other Valar and the Maiar. Melkor withdrew from the battle, and the others continued their creation of the World. But Melkor saw this, and returned to fight for control of Arda.

The Valar have no fixed shape, but often take the shapes of Men and Elves, or they can remain invisible. Melkor however lost the ability to change shape before his fall, as did later his servant Sauron.

See also: Valaquenta

Ainur of Middle-earth
Music of the Ainur | Ainulindalë
Lords of the Valar:	Manwë | Aulë | Oromë | Irmo | Mandos | Tulkas | Ulmo
Queens of the Valar:	Varda | Yavanna | Vána | Estë | Vairë | Nessa | Nienna
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