The Ëalar (Q."Beings") were those of the Ainur, immortal spirits originating in the Timeless Halls, who chose to descend into Eä, the created universe, to fulfill their role in the great design of Eru Ilútarar. Unlike their brethren who remained in the Timeless Halls, the Ëalar bound themselves to the unfolding reality of Eä, taking on shapes or Fánar and assuming roles that would tie them irrevocably to the fate of the world.
Some of the Ëalar had entered Arda and some of them became known as the Valar, the Powers of the World, who governed and shaped the lands, seas, and skies. Others, of lesser might, were their attendants, the Maiar, who served their masters in manifold ways.
Hovewer not all Ëalar who descended into Eä chose to remain in Arda. Some lingered in other regions of the cosmos, exploring the unformed expanse or dwelling in the vast emptiness of the Void. These Ëalar, unattached to the governance of Manwë, followed purposes of their own. Among them were those who later entered Arda but did not align themselves with the Valar, such as Ungoliant, and other Demons of the Void whose origins and motives remain shrouded in mystery.
The precise nature of the Ëalar and their relation to other spiritual entities within Arda, such as the Spirits of Arda, remains a subject of speculation. It is uncertain whether all spirits within Arda are Ëalar, or whether some are of a different origin, born of Eä itself or fashioned by the creative acts of the Valar.
Classes among the Ëalar:[]
- Ainur
- Alahíri (Spirits of the Timeless Halls)
- Ëalar
- Ardhonrim
- Valar, Maiar and Faerië
- fallen Maiar or Umaiar
- Spirits of Arda?
- ?
- Amartari or Demons of the Void
- Naiar or En-Keladim
- Ardhonrim