
Valar (Valian Years) by Phobs
The Aratar (Q. "The Exalted"), also known as the Máhani (V. Māchanumāz) or simply just the Eight, are the High Ones of Arda, the greatest among the Valar and the most powerful and revered of those Ainur who descended into Eä. Their names are spoken with reverence by the Eldar, for they stand closest to the mind of Eru Ilúvatar, shaping the world according to His great design. Among all the Ainur who entered Arda, only these eight: Manwë, Varda, Ulmo, Yavanna, Aulë, Mandos, Nienna and Oromë, were counted among the Aratar, for their majesty, wisdom, and might surpass that of their brethren. Though Manwë was held to be the High King of Arda, the Aratar were honored equally in reverence, their authority and splendor extending beyond the lesser Valar.
The Eight Aratar[]
- Manwë Súlimo – Lord of the Winds, High King of Arda, the chief of the Valar, beloved of Eru. From his halls upon Taniquetil, he watched over the world, ruling with wisdom and justice.
- Varda Elentári – Lady of the Light, Queen of Arda, the most revered among the Elves, she kindled the lights of the heavens and set the stars in their courses.
- Ulmo – Lord of Waters, dwelling alone in the deep places, he shaped the seas and rivers, speaking in whispers to those who would listen.
- Aulë Mahal – The Smith of Valar, the fashioner of the substance of Arda, he crafted the earth’s bones and forged its treasures. From his hand came the Dwarves, though their true life was granted by Eru.
- Yavanna Kementári – The Giver of Fruits, she brought forth all growing things, the forests and fields, and the mighty Two Trees of Valinor.
- Námo Mandos – The Doomsman of the Valar, keeper of the souls of the dead, he pronounces the unalterable judgments of fate.
- Fui Nienna – The Lady of Mourning, she weeps for the sorrows of the world, yet through her grief comes wisdom and endurance. From her teachings came the virtue of pity, which even softened the hearts of the strong.
- Araw Oromë – The Huntsman of Valar, the lord of forests and the wild places, he rode forth against the darkness and led the first Elves to Valinor.
In the earliest ages, the Aratar were nine, and among them stood Melkor, greatest in power, the mightiest of the Ainur. Yet his rebellion against Eru’s design, his breaking of the harmony of the Great Music, and his descent into darkness led to his renunciation. No longer was he named among the Aratar, and his place was erased, for he had forsaken the purpose given to him.