Review: The Silmarillion – Valaquenta
Introduction
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion is a sweeping and intricate mythological work that lays the foundation for the legendarium of Middle-earth. Within this collection, Valaquenta serves as a crucial segment, expanding upon the Ainur introduced in Ainulindalë and detailing the nature, hierarchy, and roles of the Valar and Maiar—the powerful spiritual beings who shape and govern Arda. While Ainulindalë narrates the creation of the world through the Great Music, Valaquenta shifts its focus to individual deities, their attributes, and their influence on the unfolding history of Middle-earth.
This chapter is not a story in the traditional sense but rather a theological and mythological account, akin to a pantheon description in real-world mythologies. It serves to deepen our understanding of the divine forces that influence the later events of The Silmarillion, establishing the moral and cosmic framework within which the conflicts of Arda unfold.
The Structure and Purpose of Valaquenta
Unlike other parts of The Silmarillion, Valaquenta is more of a compendium than a narrative. It introduces the Valar, the highest of the Ainur who entered Arda, their Maiar followers, and their eternal adversary, Melkor (later known as Morgoth). The chapter is structured in three primary sections:
The Valar – A listing of the fourteen ruling Valar, their individual domains, and their personalities.
The Maiar – A briefer description of these lesser spirits who serve the Valar.
Melkor and His Servants – A contrast to the benevolent Valar, focusing on Melkor’s corruption and the origins of his followers.
Through these descriptions, Tolkien presents a structured mythology, reminiscent of polytheistic pantheons such as those of Greek, Norse, or Hindu traditions.
The Valar: The Powers of the World
The Valar are the most powerful beings in Arda, each embodying a particular aspect of creation. Their presence mirrors the divine archetypes seen in various mythologies, yet Tolkien imbues them with unique personalities and relationships.
Manwë – The King of the Valar and Lord of the Winds, Manwë serves as the chief representative of Eru Ilúvatar’s will. His wisdom and authority contrast with his inability to fully comprehend evil, making him a flawed yet noble ruler.
Varda – Known as Elbereth among the Elves, she is the Queen of the Stars. Her association with light makes her one of the most beloved figures in Elven culture.
Ulmo – The solitary and enigmatic Lord of Waters, Ulmo operates independently of the other Valar and often intervenes directly in the affairs of Middle-earth.
Aulë – The Smith of the Valar, Aulë represents craftsmanship and creation, paralleling figures like Hephaestus or Vishvakarma. His creation of the Dwarves foreshadows the themes of free will and divine oversight.
Yavanna – The Giver of Fruits, she embodies nature and growth, prefiguring her eventual creation of the Ents.
Mandos (Námo) – The Doomsman of the Valar, Mandos presides over the spirits of the dead, embodying fate and judgment.
Nienna – The Lady of Mourning, Nienna’s wisdom stems from grief, and she plays a subtle yet powerful role in shaping the resilience of the Children of Ilúvatar.
Each Vala reflects a distinct aspect of the natural and spiritual order, establishing a framework that defines the forces at work in Middle-earth’s history.
The Maiar: Lesser but No Less Significant
While the Valar are the principal divine beings, the Maiar are their lesser counterparts. These spirits, though not as powerful, are still immensely influential. Among the most well-known Maiar are:
Ossë and Uinen – The spirits of the sea, Ossë’s wild nature contrasts with Uinen’s calming influence.
Eönwë – The herald of Manwë, known for his immense martial prowess.
Ilmarë – The handmaiden of Varda.
Melian – One of the most important Maiar, Melian becomes the Queen of Doriath and the mother of Lúthien, directly influencing the events of The Silmarillion.
Curumo (Saruman), Olórin (Gandalf), and Aiwendil (Radagast) – While not explicitly mentioned in Valaquenta, these Maiar later take on the forms of the Istari, or Wizards, in The Lord of the Rings.
The Maiar serve as an essential link between the celestial and mortal realms, playing critical roles in shaping Middle-earth’s history.
Melkor: The Great Antagonist
Melkor, later called Morgoth, is the dark counterbalance to the Valar. While once the mightiest of the Ainur, his rebellion and subsequent corruption define the central conflict of The Silmarillion. His desire to dominate rather than create distorts his power, making him the ultimate embodiment of greed, destruction, and chaos.
Unlike Sauron, who is merely a servant of Morgoth, Melkor’s evil is more profound—he is not just a dark lord, but a force of cosmic discord. His corruption extends beyond himself, infecting many Maiar who become his servants, including:
Sauron – Originally a Maia of Aulë, Sauron’s descent into evil mirrors Melkor’s corruption.
Balrogs – Powerful fire-demons who serve as Morgoth’s enforcers.
Ungoliant – A shadowy entity of immense hunger, she aids Morgoth in one of his most heinous acts—the destruction of the Two Trees of Valinor.
Tolkien’s portrayal of Melkor as a once-great but fallen being aligns with traditional myths of Lucifer, Loki, or Ahriman, reinforcing the theme of pride leading to ruin.
Themes and Symbolism in Valaquenta
Mythological Parallels – Valaquenta shares similarities with various creation myths, such as Greek Titanomachy or Norse cosmology, reinforcing Tolkien’s deep scholarly knowledge of myth.
The Nature of Power – The differing approaches of the Valar and Melkor illustrate the contrast between creation and domination.
The Balance of Good and Evil – Unlike a simple binary conflict, Tolkien presents a complex interplay where even good beings, such as Aulë, make questionable decisions.
Hierarchy and Free Will – Though the Valar hold immense power, they are not omnipotent, nor do they directly control the fate of Middle-earth.
Conclusion
Valaquenta is a unique and foundational chapter in The Silmarillion, offering a detailed look at the divine figures who shape Middle-earth’s destiny. While it lacks a traditional narrative structure, its mythological depth and theological undertones provide essential context for the events that follow. By establishing the Valar, the Maiar, and the threat of Morgoth, Tolkien constructs a pantheon that is both deeply inspired by real-world mythologies and wholly original.
For readers interested in the grand themes of creation, divinity, and power, Valaquenta is a fascinating study of how Tolkien weaves mythology into his world. It is not merely background lore—it is the foundation upon which all later stories in The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings are built.
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