Know Your Valar: Manwë and Varda

In an effort to establish more clearly in my mind the different Valar, I thought I would put together some memorable graphics and a short description for each of the main ones. Today’s post is about Manwë and Varda…

Manwë

• Type: Vala
• Name meaning: “The good”
• Other titles: “King of Arda”, “Lord of the Air”
• Appearance: His eyes and clothing are blue and his sceptre is made of sapphire.
• Location: Lives in the mansions of Ilmarin atop the mountain of Taniquetil
• Loves: All birds, particularly eagles, are sacred to him. He has a soft spot for the Vanyar Elves because of their skill in poetry.

Varda

• Type: Vala
• Name meaning: “Sublime”/”Lofty”
• Other titles: “Queen of the Heavens”, “Queen of Light”, “Gilthoniel”, “Elbereth”, “Lady of the stars”
• Appearance: Extremely beautiful
• Location: Lives in the mansions of Ilmarin atop the mountain of Taniquetil
• Loves: Light. She rekindled the stars, lit the Lamps of the Valar, and placed the Sun and Moon in the heavens.