The Valar: Guardians of Arda ✨
| Valar | Emoji | Role/Domain | Alternate Names (Languages) | Ritual & Invocation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manwë | 🌤️ | King of the Valar, ruler of air and winds | Súlimo (Quenya), Manawenûz (Adûnaic) | Invoke for guidance, clear vision, and to control weather elements |
| Varda | ⭐ | Queen of the Stars, Lady of Light | Elbereth (Sindarin), Tintallë (Quenya) | Invoke for protection, spiritual illumination, and blessings under the stars |
| Ulmo | 🌊 | Lord of Waters, ruler of oceans, rivers, and rain | Ullubôz (Adûnaic), King of the Sea (Westron) | Invoke for emotional healing, travel by sea, and prophetic dreams |
| Aulë | 🔨 | Master of Crafts, lord of the earth and creation | Mahal (Khuzdul), Óli (Quenya) | Invoke for creativity, craftsmanship, and protection during construction |
| Yavanna | 🌿 | Giver of Fruits, nurturer of all growing things | Kementári (Quenya), Ivon (Sindarin) | Invoke for fertility, agriculture, and ecological balance |
| Námo (Mandos) | ⚖️ | Keeper of the Dead, judge of souls | Mandos (Sindarin), Vefantur (Quenya) | Invoke for ancestral guidance, wisdom in judgment, and transition rituals |
| Oromë | 🏹 | Great Hunter, protector of forests and wildlife | Aldaron (Quenya), Tauron (Sindarin) | Invoke for strength in battle, connection to nature, and hunting success |
| Nienna | 🌫️ | Lady of Mercy, teacher of endurance through sorrow | Queen of Tears (Westron) | Invoke for emotional healing, grief rituals, and compassionate understanding |
🌤️ Manwë
Role/Domain: King of the Valar, ruler of air and winds
Alternate Names: Súlimo (Quenya), Manawenûz (Adûnaic)
Symbols & Offerings: Feathers, incense smoke, eagle figurines
Mythological Story:
Manwë sits atop the holy mountain Taniquetil, from where he watches over the world and commands the winds. His partnership with Varda, the queen of stars, is said to strengthen both of their powers. Together, they bring light and clarity to the world. He is also a protector, sending his eagles to help in times of need.
⭐ Varda
Role/Domain: Queen of the Stars, Lady of Light
Alternate Names: Elbereth (Sindarin), Tintallë (Quenya)
Symbols & Offerings: Star-shaped candles, white flowers, starlight crystals (e.g., quartz)
Mythological Story:
Varda created the stars and set them in the heavens. When Melkor, the first Dark Lord, sought to corrupt Arda, she stood as a beacon of hope, placing her stars to guide and protect all who walk in darkness. Her most famous star, Eärendil, is a symbol of hope and resistance against evil.
🌊 Ulmo
Role/Domain: Lord of Waters, ruler of oceans, rivers, and rain
Alternate Names: Ullubôz (Adûnaic), King of the Sea (Westron)
Symbols & Offerings: Shells, water from rivers or oceans, silver or blue stones
Mythological Story:
Ulmo is one of the most active Valar in the world, often guiding and helping both Elves and Men in secret. He communicates through the sound of water—waves crashing, rivers flowing, and the rain falling. One of his greatest deeds was saving the island of Númenor from destruction for as long as he could.
🔨 Aulë
Role/Domain: Master of Crafts, lord of the earth and creation
Alternate Names: Mahal (Khuzdul), Óli (Quenya)
Symbols & Offerings: Hammers, metal tools, precious metals
Mythological Story:
Aulë is the creator of the Dwarves, whom he shaped out of stone. Though his creation was unplanned by Ilúvatar, Aulë’s humility and love for his work earned him Ilúvatar’s blessing. He is the patron of craftsmen, smiths, and builders, and his creations are among the most beautiful and enduring in Arda.
🌿 Yavanna
Role/Domain: Giver of Fruits, nurturer of all growing things
Alternate Names: Kementári (Quenya), Ivon (Sindarin)
Symbols & Offerings: Seeds, flowers, fruits, green leaves
Mythological Story:
Yavanna sang into existence the trees, plants, and animals of the world. Her greatest creation was the Two Trees of Valinor, Telperion and Laurelin, which brought light to the world before the creation of the sun and moon. She is fiercely protective of nature and is invoked in all matters of growth and preservation.
⚖️ Námo (Mandos)
Role/Domain: Keeper of the Dead, judge of souls
Alternate Names: Mandos (Sindarin), Vefantur (Quenya)
Symbols & Offerings: Black stones, bones, incense
Mythological Story:
Mandos governs the Halls of the Dead, where all Elves go after death to await reincarnation. His judgments are final, and he is feared and respected by all. He was the one who pronounced the Doom of the Noldor, condemning them for their rebellion against the Valar.
🏹 Oromë
Role/Domain: Great Hunter, protector of forests and wildlife
Alternate Names: Aldaron (Quenya), Tauron (Sindarin)
Symbols & Offerings: Bows, animal totems, wood carvings
Mythological Story:
Oromë is known for riding through the forests of Middle-earth on his great horse, Nahar, hunting evil creatures and protecting the wilderness. It was Oromë who first discovered the Elves when they awoke by Cuiviénen, and he became their protector and guide.
🌫️ Nienna
Role/Domain: Lady of Mercy, teacher of endurance through sorrow
Alternate Names: Queen of Tears (Westron)
Symbols & Offerings: Tears of sorrow (water), white cloth, weeping willow branches
Mythological Story:
Nienna is the Valar who mourns the suffering of the world. Her tears are endless, but through her grief, she teaches wisdom and compassion. She is revered for her mercy and endurance, and even the other Valar turn to her in times of sorrow.