Girdle of Melian

The Search for Arien

2007-09-26T15:10:00.000+08:00

Thus as Melian begun her search for Arien, first she went to the household of Lady Vána to beg leave. The emptiness on her halls was echoed by the footsteps of Melian, and the silence were further overshadowed by the absence of Arien, and as she approached the chambers of Vána; covered in drapes of silver, adorned by many of the finest trappings or ornaments and strange crystals; and they cast a silhouette over Melian; but even before she entered, Lady Vána knew the presence of Melian.

'Yes, my dear beloved (as Vána often called her), what doth ye seek my counsel in my chambers with such haste it need be? Please, enter you may!', as she called to Melian. And she saw her face were filled with trouble and unrest. Then Melian bow her head and spoke, 'My Lady of Mercy, i beg for leave to find thy lost servant; and in haste i shall go, before it is too late.' And as Lady Vána began to looked deep into her eyes, Melian added, 'My Lady of Mercy, i beg for thy pardon upon thy servant if i shall bring her to your judgement, for she was betrayed by the lies of Melkor, whom purported to be the fair prince. Hence she was ensnared rather than rebel against the Valar in her own will.' Lady Vána refuted: 'Lady of Mercy I am not! Yet many indeed were deceived by Melkor, if Arien not the least. But if she would return to me alone by her own penitence, perhaps i shall be merciful yet and grant her pardon.' And Melian was silent.

Lady Vána looked upon Melian with her head still bow, with pity. She rised from her seat and touching Melian's forehead, said: 'Yet I can see great love thy held towards Arien, for her thou had put her above thee upon everything else. My beloved, do not despair. You may have my leave. Bring Arien back, but not by force. And this would be an errand of your own, and not one sent by the Lady. But thy good deeds nonetheless any shall forget naught. Bring as many as you can, but let not thyself be tempted. Do as your heart bids.' And Melian looked up to Vána and said, 'The Lady is full of kindness and mercy indeed, and thy words i will keep until my return.' But Vána added: 'Queen Varda is full of kindness and mercy, for she hears all, and listen to those who will plead.'

As Melian walked upon the green-swards upon the hillside, she sang in songs of enchantment, and the little birds would hover around her and sang along, filling the lands about with mirth whilst ahead of her, darkness begins to loom. And many of minions of Melkor heard them, and they began to flee into hiding; some unto the crevices of the mountain rocks, some into the holes beneath the meshes of fallen trees. As she nearing the woods, she heard a sound of brushing leaves within the undergrowth. 'Who is there?', she calls. And coming out of the marshes was one with grey-green cloak carrying a silver bow.'

'It is I, Tilion, i was hunting in the woods when i heard singing in a distance. I stooped to look, for i feared it might be one of those with Melkor. These days things that seemed fair might not appeared to be so. But you do not look like one of them.'

'Nay, I am not one of them.', said Melian. 'Yet i searched for one of is with them, Arien the Golden, handmaid of Lady Vána. Might had you seen or heard of tidings of such one?'. Tilion were suddenly dismayed. 'Alas! That was the least i have expected, and dreaded. I was in a company led by Oromë, they were ahead of me hunting for the vile creatures that Melkor might had bred in the eastern mountains where they hid. I stayed behind perhaps i might catch a glimpse of Arien when we heard that she was lost. The lands about had been blighted by the absence of her Radiance, and had since darkened. Yet for you to venture on this quest alone is perilous.'

'Be it so, i fear not the Enemy. If Arien can be persuaded, my search will not be in vain. For the birds will become my messengers and shall aid my quest.', said Melian. And Tilion said, 'I would gladly assist you in your quest. But i will wait upon word from Oromë, and keep a close watch here. May the blessings of Eru be upon you.' And he took his bow again and disappear into the woods.

From the hillside to the hilltop Melian journeyed, and greeny pastures recede and give way to stony terrain, and from afar, she beheld a hemispheric light of yellow amidst the torrential wind of black dust ahead. Her singing halted and knew Arien is nigh. Ever the winds bids her to haste towards the light, and a foreboding sense returned to her once again that she is within reach of what she sook. The birds cowered in fear at the shuddering tumults and flew here and there in confusion; as though the winds blew against them. But Melian stood firm unperturbed and move on closer.

And it seem Melian is not too late after all, for the prayers of Manwë had been answered; and Melkor is stripped of all his disguise, until he cannot feign no more. 'What is happening to me?', he cried. And his fair appearance had somewhat shed from without, revealing a dark face with slit black eyes with red-pupil glow and his hideous black vaporous, contorted shape. Arien stood petrified and watched in horror: 'What sort of trickery is this? You are...', as she fumbles for words upon her discovery. Melkor couldn't comprehend what had befallen him as he felt his powers ebbed away. As Arien stared at him, she shook and closed her face with her palms in disbelieve.

As Melkor regained composure, he turned his eyes in a corner, and murmured the name: 'Manwë.' But Arien heard this, vapor hissed from within her head, her hair flutters with the chill wind like dancing flames, and her strength returns so that she looked upon his real face again, and questioned him: 'Who are you?. But Melkor could not answer in fear of disclosing his secrecy. 'Melkor!', cries Melian as she approaches. 'So it is ye who tried to possessed Arien, but her not the least! So did the powers of the Valar not only revealed the truth, but your true disguise! Yet, long ago Manwë had denounced you amongst their kindred for your repugnance.' When Arien found that he was Melkor; whom had been seducing her all along, she burns in anger, igniting her radiance till the fire scorched the hands and face of Melkor. He shrivels in pain and glared upon Melian in vengeful anger, before he flees.

As the storm began to calm, and the fires of Arien had quelled, she turns to Melian; still shaken, and said: 'So you knew he was Melkor in the beginning?'

'Nay, not until the counsels of the Valar did i uncovered the truth. Nevertheless truth has spurred me greatly to warn you, for i knew you were still among the Faithful, and pure in heart. Indeed i came in the hour of need!', says Melian.

'Maybe. Yet my heart is broken. Who shall mend it?', as Arien sighed. 'Thank you Melian, for I shall not forget thy great deeds and friendship, in time perhaps, i shall repay one day.' And she bowed her head and said, 'Now i am ashamed of my own folly, and being with the kind Lady i served. But nevertheless, i shall return to seek her pardon. Never again shall i trust another with promises of love, i shall see to that.'

Melian felt pity upon Arien, and she said to her, 'The Lady is full of kindness and mercy, and she shall be filled with gladness upon your return.' And Arien said, 'Let me return to the temple alone. Do not come with me Melian.' And Melian thought upon the words of Vána and nodded: 'Aye. Go forth, for i have some errands to run. I shall see you again soon. The blessings of Eru shall go with you.'

The Plight of Manwë

2007-09-05T16:23:00.000+08:00

The truth about Melkor's plan to built an army of his own to assail his brother and his peers slowly unfolds in the councils of Manwë with his brethren in his halls upon Taniquetil. And Ulmo was grief to learn the reproach of Ossë.

As Manwë rise and spoke: 'How long should i endure the rebellion of my brother whom had turn against me? Should I call upon Eru himself to make to an end of the bargain that for so my brother would be appeased? For even so, my head would lie under a heavy oath of Judgement!'. And Manwë shook his head in disheartenment. But he did not sit in blind in his throne. For as he ascends his throne and look forth, whilst Varda is beside him, he sees further than any sight, piercing through darkness and mist and many leagues from the uttermost west to the uttermost east, naught is hidden. And of the deeds of Melkor he knew not the least. As of Varda, she has the keenest of ears than any in Arda; and all the sound of the faint whistle of a wind to the cries, from the hills to the valleys, and from the darkness of dwellings, all were known to her, and the most, the treason of the Maiar.

For such of all the Ainur since the Beginning of the Eä, many of the Maiar were ensnared and corrupted by Melkor, robbed of their Sacred Light that imbued within, and in that time the Wheels of Time had swerved back and forth unevenly, impeding its harmonic tune, rendering Arda into disorder. And writhing black clouds was cast over Almaren, covering its ever-light and poisoning it with its black smokes, looks as like black fingers ready to seize hold of its enchanted lands, destroying the living within; marring the design of Arda to which it was purposed from the beginning. And the trees of Yavanna became bend and its branches tangled in meshes whilst the seas of Ossë rose in turmoil, swaying in every direction with its violent gales, drowning the fishes and other creatures living in the sea. But as the winds was sent into chaos on the midst of confusion, Manwë rose and brought them into order, for the power of Breath he held still.

Such was the undoing of Melkor, putting fear to those who oppose him.

'See, ruin that had been unleashed upon Arda by our brethren. Hold not thy patience longer Lord!, Varda cries amidst the noise, as she heard the cries of the kelvar* and the olvar**.

'A brother he has been since the beginning and forsake not have i. But to this destruction that he had brought, i seeketh dost to the council of Eru once again, should it be the last, for i will not so judge my own. But in the coming days and for an Age, i shall grieve.' Thus Manwë left his halls and for a time went alone in the stony pastures, seeking the hearing of Illúvatar.

And Illúvatar, hearkened to his prayer, said: 'Thy love towards thy brother has spare this turmoil if not but a little longer. But behold! My hand stay no longer in rest. Verily I said unto thee, thy plight I had not forsaken, but await the time when the first fire of light that sears the darkness from the sky; for amongst thy Kingdom, I will send to you one, an emissary to succour thy burden upon Arda. To the first Laughter thou shall hear from the heavens amidst the winds, and in that moment, thou shall welcome him.' And Manwë upon hearing the words of Eru, although he did not fully understood them, was glad in his heart. (It was said that from here Illúvatar lifted up His right hand and withdraw the secret Gift of Melkor, and thereafter he no longer had the power to change his shape to his will, nevertheless wearing any disguise, but stayed in his dreadful face and shape forever; though this were not actually recorded in the tale of The Silmarillion but in other writings.)

When Melian, whom were present in the councils of the Valar heard the judgement of the Ainur, she were filled with dread. And she return to Lorien in despair and in dark trepidation on the fate of the Maiar. As she sat by the springs of a stone fountain, she spoke to Olórin: 'Many amongst us had betrayed our cause and turn into the service of Melkor with all sorts of promises and treacherous gifts. The Doom of the Valar is upon us! Whence shall my heart seeks comfort and rest?' Olórin rather differs, 'Such a doom only befall those who turn away from the Light. But aren't we are still of one of the Light, and fear we need be? Thus have comfort upon thy heart.

'Yet fear i had upon our brethren, and what doom might befallen them!', said Melian.

Olórin turned to her and said: 'Bitter news tis' indeed, but neither of us can intervene aught. Yet great pity thy heart holds for thy brethren, perhaps the truth shall set the hearts of thy brethren unto thy counsels, be it so.'

'Of the friendship i held the most with Lady Arien, whom i most loved, thus pity i had for her, for she was bribed by Melkor to aid his pursuit and abandon her own servitude to the Mistress.', said Melian. On a moment she pondered upon the words of Olórin and a forewarn sense came to her, 'I must make haste, for Arien must learn of the truth!'

As Melian turned and walked away, Olorin looked at her and nod: 'Truth shall prevail indeed!'

*kelvar in Elvish meaning 'animals or living things that move'.
**olvar meaning 'living things that do not move; with roots in the earth'.

The Temptation of Arien

2007-08-30T14:17:00.000+08:00

In the words of Melian.

She was a handmaid of Lady Vána
Bright is her raiment of gold;
Her hair streams like glowing fire
Beautiful is she behold;

Her eyes set like bright gold rays,
As she stood on the hilltop amidst the sky of grey;
Bright she shone from sight far away,
like colours of a Sun before it was made;

Light traverse whither she goes,
Flowers blossoms at the gentle tread of her sole;
Many of hosts awe upon her splendour,
Never waning her beauty endeavours;

When Melkor had finally found her, he was swooned by her beauty, but before he could reveal himself to her, he resort to cloth himself in a fair mantle as that of a fine prince, to hide his real form, and thrusting himself, he beseeched Arien to take his troth, and promised her a kingdom of her own, where she will be a Queen and him, the King.

Often he would seek her, and of they went, up as far as many leagues away from her abode, into the hills, dells, and the vales; thereafter she meet Melian the less. In disguise Melkor put on his pretense to lure Arien into his net, but she were undecided, though greatly was she tempted by Melkor's proposition. This grevious matter will then be hidden not from the seers, so Arien thought to herself, even as Melkor plead her not to reveal his plans. When Lady Vána had sought her to no avail, she became troubled and filled with wonder, for she had a keen foresight that Arien was not anywhere nigh her abode, and watches not the keeping of her garden.

As Melian was Arien's closest friend, she bids Melian find her, and Melian felt a sense of dread. For not long she caught a glimpse of two figures by the slope of a hill behind a beech. And Melian called to Arien and said to her: 'Lady Vána has been troubled by your absence. I beg thee make haste and return ere the Lady's mood fail whence even i might not sustain.' But Arien hesitated and said nervously, 'I will return but in a little while. Beg i may to leave us!'. Melian was dismayed but turn towards the other, and she asked: 'Who might this fair prince hither be?' But he would utter not his true name but calling himself by other names. And Melian her eyes could not pierce the shadow within him to reveal his true self, thus both being deceived. (for he is but more powerful than that of the Maiar).

Melian return with tidings brought much to the amazement of Vána. 'Of this name of his i have not heard since the Beginning of the Ainur nor whence Arda were yet shaped, if it doth hidden from my sight!' For all the names of the Ainur that descent hither none were hidden from the Valar. Vána began to seek the counsel of her peers, and it revealed soon to Melian that the Maiar were being ensnared.

The Fall Of The Maiar

2007-08-23T16:00:00.000+08:00

It was said that when Melkor came once again to the halls of Manwë, Sauron did not go with him, for he dared not approach the Valar, and he hides still and await his new Master's bidding. In that time, Sauron chanced upon the Maiar of flaming spirits under the subterranean walls of the hills nigh to the eastern shores of Almaren. In great labour they were, toiling days unnumbered in the darkness, delving and moulding of stone beneath the mountains in the shaping of lands in Aulë's work. And Sauron's voice came down from the dark tunnels of earth, seemingly in a fair tone:

"O fiery ones who toil under great incessant labours of your master, behold ye the Prince of your kindred, for I bring good tidings from the Valar. Your days of hard toil and grinding works are over. You have endured hardship and the rule of your master for many ages untold, and need not endured longer, my brothers. For there is one Valar whom had took pity on thee, and will deliver thou from thralls, and grant you rest and rewards which thou deserved; if thou will serve him."

It was said that those who hearkened to his voice became enamoured by his words, for it seem true to them that they were made thralls by Aulë, and that they were weary of their labours. Of one voice spoke from the dark:

"Who dost thou speak of this Valar? Whither shall we find him?"

And Sauron answered:

"He is here, if i may bid you now to leave thy pitiful holes and follow me."

"Aye.", echoed others from the deep. It was said that these were some of the earliest followers of Melkor, and Melkor was pleased with Sauron; some he gave to Sauron's command as bounties. The fair appearance of these spirits were later corrupted by Melkor and became dreadful apparitions of Fire, whom later known by the Elves as the fell Valaraukar, or by Men, they were called Balrogs. But Melkor gradually learned that there is another the Greatest amongst their kind, whom no fire nor even waters could contend save Ulmo himself, and from the Valauraukar he learned of one named Arien, but she dwell not under the mountains or hills, nor toil under the earth and stones; and thereafter ever his ears listened for tidings of her whereabouts through his spies.

As Aulë look out from the balcony perched on top of his hall, his heart was troubled by the silence under the mountains, where all work seems to cease; coupled by the missing of one of his great servant. And he thought,

'What clouds of deceits shrouding the deeds elsewhere unbeknownst? What treachery and malevolent arts could had come to the works whom i summoned?'

Now Melkor has the power over the Flames, yet he still had naught over the Waters. Hence he tread upon the shores of isle of Almaren, and call upon the vassals of the water that he might draw to his allegiance, which then his powers would be complete to contend with the might of the Valar. Thus he met with Ossë, riding on the whirlwind of the sea towards the shores with his spouse Uinen, and Ossë came to Melkor and said:

'What doth ye seek of me, O Vala?

And Melkor said unto him: 'I had seen thy powers upon the waters of Ulmo, yet why must thou tarry the waters for long under the shadow of Ulmo?'.

'Nay, under no shadow i tarried nor dwelt.'

'If that be so, come forth and dwell here no further, for there are plenty of space yet in Arda and the seas are wide. Join me, and together we shall explore the empty confines of the sea and perhaps we shall find innumerable treasures and riches untold.'

At this, Ossë pondered a while and said to him: 'If that place which thou speaketh true, am i not still a messenger of Ulmo, and when he bids me, will i not come unto him?'

But Melkor replied: 'A messenger you might be, but a slave you are not! Yet, if we were to work together, maybe you need not be one. For i promised thee for the help if thou shall bring unto me, i will make you as great as Ulmo himself, and your own kingdom of sea you shall have a rule! Thus, no messenger nor servant you will be any longer.'

And it seem to Ossë that he echoed the same sentiments, and his heart yearning ever to upscale the unknown sea leagues beyond this plains. But Uinen was troubled; for his wish seem perilous. She said to him softly, 'My Lord, shouldn't we seek the counsels of Ulmo for such grave matters?'

'My Lady, am i bound to oaths under the deeps of the sea of Ulmo that i must seek his counsels ever and anon? Or will you not follow me whither i will go even it came from a Vala?' Uinen was troubled by his words and answered, 'Of these oaths, i do not have any power over it, nor i will gainsay any counsels of Ulmo, or any of the Valar. But i will follow whither you may go, whichever counsel you may choose.' But Uinen's voice drawing seemingly softer: 'Yet, i heard of Melkor that he was no longer a Vala, thus cautious you need be Lord.' At this Ossë was filled with doubt, and he turn towards Melkor and asked, 'What doth thou request of me, or shall have me do?'

'The sea has many ears, yet if thou listen and wait a while longer, thou shall hear my voice in a time, and aid thou shall bring to me. Yet denounce your service to Ulmo and serve me; not as a Master as thou shunned it, but as a helper, and your reward will i promise.'

It was said that Ossë stayed his thoughts for a while before he yielded to Melkor's offer, yet this treason was never hidden from Ulmo himself in the beginning. (as Melkor said true: 'The sea has many ears.') And Uinen was utterly displeased, but reluctant to abandon her spouse.

Thus herald the Fall of the Maiar of the Ainur, the most treacherous of the evil deeds of Melkor before the birth of the Firstborn and Men; likewise, his deeds did not end here.

Next : The Temptation of Arien

Dissent

2007-08-07T17:49:00.000+08:00

It came to pass when the full strength of Melkor had arisen, out of the depths of the burning Flame, so was the darkening of the lands about Almaren. And as the shadow of Melkor drawn close to the stony stairway that leads to halls of the Valar, Melkor proclaimed:

"From stone to ash and ash to stone, i had risen once again, and i shall be put into shame no longer. Am i not of the Valar also, that i had no part of the share of my brother's kingdom? Nay! Hither i will be the rightful king! And i shall call upon my summons, my own servants and maids, with unquestionable authority therein to rule and to overrule against; and none shall step over my crown. Woe to thee to ignore my pleas! Verily i said unto thee; grant me the kingship of Arda and perhaps my anger shall abate."

To this there were no answer echoed within the halls, and Melkor's voice grew louder:

"Is my brother sleeping that he will not heed my calls, or doth not he welcome me from his halls anymore?"

At this the voice of Manwë echoed from within the halls:

"O Brother, has thou forgotten the time we last spoke of these matters? Thy request or pleas shall be heard only from the prayers of Eru. Yet whither thou hast gone whence i beg ye to stay and seek the counsel of the One?"

For Melkor both feared and hated the name of the One, and dared utter not His Name, said:

"Of Him abode His own domain and His Rule is in the Timeless Space; yet of Arda we dwelt this domain and thus is Ours to lord it and rule by will. Doth not His laws that binded His domain shall come also and thus be bounded with Arda? Nay, the Hither Lands shall be Ours for the taking, and Ours to rule; and shall not be binded by any laws nor counsels save us!"

And of Manwë he spoke:

"Yet the creation of Eä comes from Eru alone. Through the voice of Eru alone, comes forth the Ainur, thus He alone is the Master, from the beginning of Creation till the End of Days. Thus doth not as we pleased but unto His purpose as sung from the beginning of time. Is my Brother not part of the Music also and had he not understood the ways of Illúvatar? For to each He gave different Gifts so that each may present their works of their gifts to achieve His ultimate purpose. Yet the mind of Illúvatar is mysterious, for we only a part of His mind were revealed and yet some part were still hidden, but we question not His mind, until the time when it shall be made known to all."

Thus Manwë had spoken enough, yet Melkor not fully understood them, but grew hot in his heart and in hatred towards his brother and all the Valar, and pledged that war will come to the Hither Lands in nigh a time.

Thereafter a time, it seem to Manwë beheld from afar strange clouds of grey hovering the sky, drawing ever nigh to his halls, and the air filled with dread. Somehow Yavanna felt the tremors from the depths of the earth crawling up to the roots of her gardens and were dismayed, and from the dreams of Irmo, he saw many tall and dark brooding shapes took form.

For in his secrecy, Melkor pondered and devise his vile schemes to usurp the kingdom of his brother, and he knew that in order to achieve his goal, he not only had to contend with one but many amongst the Valar, and his strength alone would not suffice. Hence he would need some that would join him to form his own circle of dark forces, and the easiest and foremost targets would be those whom are seemingly 'weaker' than himself, if not better. His target would most likely be of the Maiar, the 'lesser' Ainur. And he would sought whatever ways to draw the Maiar to swear in his allegiance, at first not by force, but by his most effective methods; his words. For Melkor has acute skill in devising his lies, disguising its hidden purposes and making the sound of his words seemingly sweet and colourful to the ear of the listener.

It was said that he had first approached Sauron who himself were wandering in places alone in the pursuit of great knowledge and hidden treasures in uncharted lands, though at first his skills was only set to works in offering to Aulë. But it seems Sauron has of mind like Melkor, ever searching for greater knowledge and power, and wishes upon that power only for his own gain. Thus with great ease Melkor succeeded to entice Sauron to join him; by promising great gifts and power unimaginable. Of Sauron, he was not only wise in the skills of crafts, but also in his tongue, like Melkor (though he was unwise in his part to serve another master), and he was appointed as Melkor's second-in-command, an offspring of Darkness. And in due time, his work was slowly perverted by Melkor's malice, driven by lust for the riches and share of the spoil.

Hence befell the first fall of the Maiar, wise and great in the lore of that people. But Sauron was not the only evil fruit that Melkor had come to harvest upon. As were told earlier, in the dreams of Irmo, there were many.

The Birth of Darkness

2007-08-02T15:22:00.000+08:00

Now the city of the Valar had grown to its peak of splendour, tall in its full stature and majestic in the midst of Middle-earth , like a great crown upon Arda. The island, in which they abode at first were named Almaren, in the Great lake in the middle of Arda. The Valar had begun shaping Middle-earth as purposed by Illúvatar since the beginning of the Music and the visions that were behold to them. In that time, Middle-earth was still at an infant stage, and they built and delved mountains, sea streams, lakes, hills and brought order to them, and Yavanna began planting the land with her seeds that she devised. Of the Fires of the World, they were subdued and buried deep beneath the hills, with the help of the fiery spirits.

Now Melkor had seen all that was done, and little he did in aiding the Valar, for his desire is ever drawn towards kingship and dominion over the realm, and he grew impatient. For great might was given to him by Illúvatar at the beginning before his discord; and that he thought that he should deserve the crown on his own. He began to seek Manwë his brother, in the halls of Taniquetil, to beseech him of this request.

Melkor

'O Brother, when shall thou grant me thy kingship and share thy kingdom with me? For I had part also in the aid of the labours of Arda. Do ye remember not long ago that I was once a great part of the Music of the Ainur?'

Manwë

'Thy kingdom thou shall have a share, my brother, if thou had put in good works into Arda in accordance to our Maker. But of thy kingship, these matters thou and I shall seek beforehand the prayers of Eru, for these are grave matters which I cannot be of judge.'

Melkor knew what was said and remembered that once long ago Illúvatar had spoken to him with shame about his dissolution, and he knew what will befall him shall he be under the judge of Eru again.

Melkor

'We shall see.'

Manwë did not fully understand what he meant, moreover Varda was beside Manwë, and she look into Melkor's eyes and perceived his hidden thoughts which are perilous. Melkor stared into her terrible eyes and fled in their presence, and he hated her ever since. Manwë was dismayed.

In a period, Melkor brooded in the darkness, and resorted to rethink his strategy, for all the powers and knowledge that he had the most part, he only desired to turn everything according to his own. First, he desired the Light, and when he could not have it for himself alone, he resort to descend into the Flame below, burned with fire and wrath, down into Darkness; and unto Darkness became his dominion. Thereafter, in darkness he used most of his evil works upon Arda, and desire to filled all the living things with fear.

Of The Maiar

2007-07-31T11:12:00.000+08:00

In the beginning of time, there were others that were with the Valar from the Music of the Ainur, and these were called Maiar. They were of the same race as the Ainur, but of less degree. A number of them also they descended upon Arda, but they were tasked merely to be servants and helpers to the Valar.

They were beings of spirit whom seldom also take forms visible to Elves and Men, and they dwell at most times in Valinor, seldom to Middle-earth. Of their number who appeared is not known, but here are some of those names that were written in the history of the Eldar (Elves). And many names there were given by the Elves and Men, of those that had seen them:

Eönwë - Appointed as the Chief among the Maiar in Valinor, Eönwë was the banner-bearer in the might of arms, and herald of Manwë. His might and strength in arms are no matched by any in Arda, saved the Valar.

Ilmarë - She was a maid and mentor to Varda, and also a chief among the Maiar along with Eönwë.

Ossë - A servant and messenger of Ulmo, He that rules over the Seas, Ossë also loved the Seas and the sound of the roaring waves, but he loved more the coasts, the shores and the isles, and delights in the winds amid the gushing waves. His spouse is Uinen, lover of creatures that dwell in deep waters as well as that dwell in the shores and the beautiful corals. To her often the mariners cry, for when the seas shook in gales of storm, she can lay calm to the seas, as will to the wildness of Ossë.

Sauron - A servant of Aulë, the Maker of Things and master of crafts, Sauron was at first a faithful servant, and a fast learner, his thirst for knowledge has never been satiated; thus all the more he seeks to gain more knowledge of Beings and things of the world; which aforetime, was fair. In shining stones and gems of great smithcraft he delights the most. Before time, he was clothed in raiment of light and fair as was his face to behold.

The fiery spirits - There are those of a form of flaming spirits whom are chosen as guardians of fire and protector of the realm of Valinor. Arien was one named, and the mightiest, for she could withstand any fire that none could surpassed; and she was a maiden and guardian of Vána. There are others of lesser might than Arien, and many names they were given.

Tilion - A faithful servant and hunter in the company of Oromë, he loves everything that were made of silver. His weapon was a silver bow, made by Aulë as a gift.

Aiwendil - He is the lover of birds and beasts; thus he would go under the tutelage of Oromë, and he was learned of many skills of tongues of birds and other beasts, as well as tamer of wild beasts. But of birds, he is most skilled. He was later known as Radagast by the Elves and Men and he did not appear to them until the beginning of the Third Age.

Curumo - He was one of the wisest among the Maiar, of like mind with Sauron, but he helped Aulë and Yavanna in the building and tendering of the city of Valimar more than pursuing his own desire of knowledge of Realms without. He was later known as Curunir in the tongues of Elves, or known by Men as Saruman.

Olórin - Among the wise, it was told that he was the wisest of all Maiar. He was also akin to the fiery spirits; and he dwell for the most part in Lorien, and obtained the skills of visions and dreams of Irmo. But due to his fiery form and mood, his ways often took him to the house of Nienna; where it was told that there he learned pity and patience, and his fires were quelled, though somewhat the trace did not wholly departed from him. Of his tales nor did it surface until the Third Age; whom his name was spoken by the Elves as Mithrandir; otherwise known in Middle-earth as Gandalf.

Melian

There Melian came, the Lady grey,

and dark and long her tresses lay,

beneath her silver girdle seat,

and down unto her silver feet.

- Her name also means the Beloved; in Sindarin tongue, she is more akin to Yavanna, of like beauty if not of Valar, and Elves and Men that beheld her could not find words to declare her fairness and beauty, and would otherwise fell into a swoon of many thoughts that are fair. It was also told that those of Elves and Men alike that look into her eyes have known to remove them from curse and evil spells that bound them. Along with Olórin, she dwelt long in Lorien, as a maiden to both Vana and Estë, thus she grew both in great wisdom and gentleness; yet obtained skills in healing and songs.

Herein her story is unfold, much as is told in the Quenta Silmarillion, based on Melian's account, in much detailed.

Of the Valar

2007-07-24T15:50:00.001+08:00

Of the Ainur, they are many. Some abode still with Illúvatar beyond the borders of Eä, but others among them whom many are the greatest, took leave of Illúvatar and descended upon it. The Ainur named the place of their dwelling Valinor. But Illúvatar made this condition; that their powers should be contained and bounded into the World until it's end, and they take forms and shapes of men and women and that they might clothe themselves of which aforetime, they were unclad. Even in a naked form, the Elves cannot clearly see them, though they are present. And to these, they were named the Valar, the Powers of the World.

These are the names of the Valar and Valier (female) in due order. There are seven of them; and to the Queens, seven also :

Manwë - Perhaps the chief of the Valar and brother to Melkor, he was appointed by Illúvatar to be the ruler of the Kingdom of Arda. He was the Lord of the Breath, and he delights in the winds and the clouds and the breeze of the grass. All birds and eagles comes at his bidding. Thorondor, Lord of the Eagles, is his most trusted ally. With him dwell Varda, the Lady of the Stars, the fairest and of beauty too great to behold, in the summit of Taniquetil, highest of the mountains of Earth.

Ulmo - He is the Lord of the Waters, and he dwells alone within the depths of the sea. The sound of roaring waves were his music and voice, and he had no resting place. He walk seldom upon the land, and come less to the councils of Manwë, his closest brethren; unless at utmost need. All the seas, bays, rivers, lakes are his veins, thus his spirit reside in all over the world. These great gifts only to him alone Illúvatar had given, thus even Melkor has no power over the seas, and he hated it.

Aulë - He was the Master of Crafts and Smiths, builder of stone and forging of lands, decorated with gems and gold of the Earth. Melkor was most jealous of his gifts; and where he could create nothing like Aulë, he would seek to destroy it, or corrupt it in his mockery. Thus there was a long strife between both, and ever did Melkor marred and unmake the works of Aulë, and Aulë grew weary in restoring the tumults and the disorder of Melkor. In Aulë the most that were to meet with the outcome and fate of the Elves. With him dwells Yavanna, the Giver of Fruits. To the trees and other things that grow from the earth, she most tendered and care.

Námo and Irmo were the Fëanturi, the Master of Spirits. Námo, the elder of the two, is the Judge and Keeper of the Houses of the Dead, and he dwells in Mandos. He is the doomsman of the Valar, and he pronounces his doom and his judgements on the Elves and alike, except those chosen by Illúvatar outside the keeping and judgements of Valar (Men). Vaire was his spouse, the weaver of history into her storied webs; and as the halls of Mandos widen in ages, so as her webs that adorned its halls.

Irmo, the younger, was the master of visions and dreams. He dwells in the gardens of Lorien, filled with many spirits and memories, with spouse Estë; the Healer of weariness. And it was said that many will come often to the fountains of Lorien to draw refreshments in the easing of their burden of Arda.

Nienna, sister of Estë, dwells alone in the uttermost borders of the world, for she is acquainted with grief and sorrow, and often she mourns for the wound of Arda that Melkor afflicted. And seldom she comes into the land of the Valar, where there is joy and gladness. And to those that would listen to her, may learn pity and hope.

The last to come to Arda, are the mighty Lords of Valiant. Not to be confuse with the Lords of War, as they make not War, but delights in challenge and contest of strength; and they came indeed in hour of need when the Shadow of Melkor has ever becoming rife and rampant in the lands of Arda. One such was named Tulkas, the Mighty, he who laughs ever, in sport or war, and does not know the meaning of fear. He is said to be slow to anger but slow also to forgive. His weapons are his hands, and he need not a steed, for his feet are as fast as the winds. His spouse is Nessa, whom also fleetfooted, and loved the fair creatures of speed but delights more in dancing in the greens of Valimar, the city of the Valar. There was another named Oromë, brother of Nessa; and he was a mighty hunter and tamer of beasts.

Oromë prefer the lands in Middle-earth, and often there he rides his white steed Nahar, the mightiest of horse, to hunt for monster and evil beasts. But he loved horses and hounds, and often he would tame the beasts of the wild lands, and many would come at his bidding, and would train them for the pursuit of the fell and evil creatures of Melkor. He also has spouse named Vána, the Ever-Young.

Melkor no longer counted as a Valar.

Coming next: Of the Maiar

The Beginnings

2007-07-20T18:07:00.000+08:00

In the beginning, there was Eru, the One, in Elvish tongue is named Illúvatar, He that is Alone; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, before anything else is made. To each of them were given thoughts and themes of music, and they sang and before Him. Through the Music of the Ainur, Eru revealed to each of them inner thoughts and visions, that each may understood his purpose and intent, and the themes are woven together in unison and harmony.

Among the Ainur, Melkor is bestowed the greatest gifts of power and knowledge, and he often seek the places of the void alone, which it seem to him that Illúvatar took no thought of it. In time, he grew impatient of the void and his desire grew more into bringing Being things of his own, and he begin to conceive his own thoughts. These thoughts have woven into the Music, and brought discord onto the theme of his brethren, and the Music broke down into a cacophony of sounds, one that is deep and beautiful, and the other that is loud and vain. Twice Illúvatar proclaimed a new theme, but twice Melkor contended to it, until the third time, Illúvatar rose, high and terrible, and the Music ceased.

To this chaos Melkor brought, Illúvatar rebuke him, and the Ainur were afraid. Those things that Melkor seek from the void and sung, Illúvatar proclaimed to show them forth, but warned that no music may be played that is not from Him. Thence Melkor was filled with shame, and sowed anger in his heart. Then Illúvatar brought them into Eä (the World) and behold them the vision of their Music, giving them sight which before it was only hearing, set in His design the things that were sung before. But not all things were revealed unto the Ainur, for Illúvatar has kept hidden the things that were to come forth an in age, the coming of the Children of Illúvatar, the Elves and Men.

In the beginning, the World was empty, stretched out miles immeasurable, and Illúvatar had chose a place for Ainur, in Arda (Realm of Earth), set apart from the place that He had prepared for the Elves and Men. In the mind of Illúvatar, the forming of lands, stones and mountains were set in perfect precision and order. Seas were formed symmetrical. Thus begun the long labour of the Ainur of the building and shaping of Arda in accordance to the visions wrought into the theme of Music until a time; wherein Illúvatar will set a place for the Firstborn, the Elves.

Melkor the mightiest of the Ainur saw these visions too and his mind was ever bent towards that place. And thus he feigned to aid the Ainur in the building and ordering for the good of all things; but deep in his heart, he desired rather to subdue the Elves and Men into his will, to control them and to make him their formidable Ruler and Master, and to them his servants.