Varda: Difference between revisions
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| caption="La Dama de las Estrellas" by [[:Category:Images by NOLANOS|NOLANOS]] | | caption="La Dama de las Estrellas" by [[:Category:Images by NOLANOS|NOLANOS]] | ||
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈvarda ˌelenˈtaːri]}} | | pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈvarda ˌelenˈtaːri]}} | ||
| othernames=''Elbereth Gilthoniel'' ([[Sindarin|S]])</br>''Avradî'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) | | othernames=''Elbereth Gilthoniel'' ([[Sindarin|S]])</br>''Avradî'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) | ||
| titles=Queen of the [[Valar]], Queen of the Stars, Lady of the Stars | | titles=Queen of the [[Valar]], Queen of the Stars, Lady of the Stars | ||
| position= | | position= | ||
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==Attributes== | ==Attributes== | ||
[[File:Jerrel Salvatierra - Varda, Lady of the Stars.jpg|thumb|left|''Varda, Lady of the Stars'' by Jerrel Salvatierra]] | [[File:Jerrel Salvatierra - Varda, Lady of the Stars.jpg|thumb|left|''Varda, Lady of the Stars'' by Jerrel Salvatierra]] | ||
Varda knew all the regions of [[Eä]] and rejoiced in light. She was said to be too beautiful for words, as within her face radiated the light of [[Ilúvatar]]. [[Elves]] loved and revered her most of all the Valar because she created the stars, which the Elves beheld when they first awoke. They called upon her in their hours of deepest darkness.<ref name=vala/> She appeared in shining white ''[[fana]]'' in visions to the Elves of [[Middle-earth]], and thus was called [[Fanuilos]] (Snow-white).<ref>{{RGEO|7}}, p. | Varda knew all the regions of [[Eä]] and rejoiced in light. She was said to be too beautiful for words, as within her face radiated the light of [[Ilúvatar]]. [[Elves]] loved and revered her most of all the Valar because she created the stars, which the Elves beheld when they first awoke. They called upon her in their hours of deepest darkness.<ref name=vala/> She appeared in shining white ''[[fana]]'' in visions to the Elves of [[Middle-earth]], and thus was called [[Fanuilos]] (Snow-white).<ref name=AElbereth>{{RGEO|7}}, p. 66</ref> | ||
Her handmaiden was [[Ilmarë]], a Chief of the [[Maiar]].<ref>{{S|IIc}}</ref> | Her handmaiden was [[Ilmarë]], a Chief of the [[Maiar]].<ref>{{S|IIc}}</ref> | ||
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==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
''Varda'' is a [[Quenya]] name of [[Valarin]] origin meaning "Sublime",<ref>{{WJ|AD1}}, p. 402</ref> "Exalted"<ref>{{RGEO| | ''Varda'' is a [[Quenya]] name of [[Valarin]] origin meaning "Sublime",<ref>{{WJ|AD1}}, p. 402</ref> "Exalted"<ref>{{RGEO|5}}, p. 61</ref> or "Lofty".<ref>{{L|211}}, p. 282</ref> It comes from [[Primitive Quendian]] ''baradâ'', from the [[root]] [[BARAT|BARAD]], being actually a honorific title used as a name.<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, pp. 22, 65</ref> | ||
In the early [[Qenya]], ''Varda'' comes from the same root as ''vard-'' ("rule, govern") or ''varni'' ("queen").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, entry "Varda"</ref> | In the early [[Qenya]], ''Varda'' comes from the same root as ''vard-'' ("rule, govern") or ''varni'' ("queen").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, entry "Varda"</ref> | ||
==Other names== | ==Other names== | ||
The usual [[Sindarin]] for the Valië was '''''Elbereth''''', being more or less equivalent to '''''Elentári''''' ("Star-Queen").<ref name=AElbereth>{{RGEO|7}}, p. 66</ref> ''Elbereth'' derives from Primitive Quendian *''[[elen]]-barathî'', being notable that ''[[bereth]]'' means "spouse", used for one who is "queen" of a king.<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, pp. 22-23</ref> | |||
In [[Adûnaic]], Varda's name is adapted rather than translated, becoming '''''Avradî'''''. | In [[Adûnaic]], Varda's name is adapted rather than translated, becoming '''''Avradî'''''. | ||
Varda's titles and epithets include ''The Kindler'', ''Lady of the Stars'', ''Queen of the Stars'', and ''Snow-white''. In [[Quenya]] these are ''[[Elen]][[tári]]'' "Star-queen",<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 67</ref> ''Tintallë'' "Star-kindler" (after she used the dews of Telperion to kindle new brighter stars<ref>{{S|Captivity}}</ref>), and ''[[Airë]] [[Tári]]'' the "holy queen"<ref name=Shibb>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, pp. 363-4 (note 45)</ref> and these epithets appear in [[Galadriel]]'s lament, ''[[Namárie]]''. Epithets in [[Sindarin]] '''Gilthoniel''' (Starkindler) and '''Fanuilos''' (Ever-white), and in [[Adûnaic]] ''' | Varda's titles and epithets include ''The Kindler'', ''Lady of the Stars'', ''Queen of the Stars'', and ''Snow-white''. In [[Quenya]] these are ''[[Elen]][[tári]]'' "Star-queen",<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 67</ref> ''Tintallë'' "Star-kindler" (after she used the dews of Telperion to kindle new brighter stars<ref>{{S|Captivity}}</ref>), and ''[[Airë]] [[Tári]]'' the "holy queen"<ref name=Shibb>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, pp. 363-4 (note 45)</ref> and these epithets appear in [[Galadriel]]'s lament, ''[[Namárie]]''. Epithets in [[Sindarin]] '''Gilthoniel''' (Starkindler) and '''Fanuilos''' (Ever-white), and in [[Adûnaic]] '''''Gimilnitîr''''' ("starkindler"). | ||
==Genealogy== | ==Genealogy== | ||
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{{familytree| MEL | | MAN |~| VAR | |MEL=[[Melkor]]|MAN=[[Manwë]]|VAR='''VARDA'''}} | {{familytree| MEL | | MAN |~| VAR | |MEL=[[Melkor]]|MAN=[[Manwë]]|VAR='''VARDA'''}} | ||
{{familytree/end}} | {{familytree/end}} | ||
==Inspiration== | ==Inspiration== | ||
The Valar, being divine beings below the ultimate Creator, [[Ilúvatar]], are thought of as being the [[Middle-earth]] equivalent of saints and angels; it has therefore been suggested that Varda, in her role as the most loved and prayed-to Vala, may be an equivalent of the Virgin Mary in Tolkien's own Catholic faith. Another suggestion is the goddess of wisdom, [[Wikipedia:Sophia (wisdom)|Sophia]], also associated with the stars.<ref>Rose Thomas, "Is Varda the Wisdom of Eru?", in ''[[Amon Hen 245|''Amon Hen'' 245]]'', pp. 15-6</ref> | The Valar, being divine beings below the ultimate Creator, [[Ilúvatar]], are thought of as being the [[Middle-earth]] equivalent of saints and angels; it has therefore been suggested that Varda, in her role as the most loved and prayed-to Vala, may be an equivalent of the Virgin Mary in Tolkien's own Catholic faith. Another suggestion is the goddess of wisdom, [[Wikipedia:Sophia (wisdom)|Sophia]], also associated with the stars.<ref>Rose Thomas, "Is Varda the Wisdom of Eru?", in ''[[Amon Hen 245|''Amon Hen'' 245]]'', pp. 15-6</ref> | ||
Revision as of 11:50, 7 June 2021
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| Varda | |
|---|---|
| Vala | |
 | |
| "La Dama de las Estrellas" by NOLANOS | |
| Biographical Information | |
| Pronunciation | Q, [ˈvarda ˌelenˈtaːri] |
| Other names | Elbereth Gilthoniel (S) Avradî (A) |
| Titles | Queen of the Valar, Queen of the Stars, Lady of the Stars |
| Location | Ilmarin, Taniquetil |
| Affiliation | Ilmarë |
| Family | |
| Spouse | Manwë |
| Physical Description | |
| Gender | Female |
| Gallery | Images of Varda |
- "O stars that in the Sunless Year
With shining hand by her were sown,
In Windy fields now bright and clear
We see your silver blossom blown!" - ― Hymn to Elbereth
Varda Elentári, known in Sindarin as Elbereth Gilthoniel, was a Valië, one of the Aratar, the wife of Manwë and Queen of the Valar.
Attributes
Varda knew all the regions of Eä and rejoiced in light. She was said to be too beautiful for words, as within her face radiated the light of Ilúvatar. Elves loved and revered her most of all the Valar because she created the stars, which the Elves beheld when they first awoke. They called upon her in their hours of deepest darkness.[1] She appeared in shining white fana in visions to the Elves of Middle-earth, and thus was called Fanuilos (Snow-white).[2]
Her handmaiden was Ilmarë, a Chief of the Maiar.[3]
History
Before the Music of the Ainur, Varda saw Melkor's mind, and despised him. Melkor feared and hated Varda the most out of all the Valar. In the beginning, Melkor had been unable to control light, which Varda was most associated with. When Manwë contested with him for Arda, Varda came from the deeps of Eä to his side.[1] The Maiar Ilmarë and Olórin were affiliated with her.
During the Spring of Arda, she filled the Two Lamps with light.[4] After their destruction at the hands of Melkor, Varda and the rest of the Ainur forsook the outer lands and removed to Aman.
She resided with Manwë in Ilmarin and aided him in the rule of Arda. With her, Manwë saw beyond all eyes, through mist and darkness, and with him, Varda heard all voices from every corner of the world.[1] In Valinor, she kept the dews of the Two Trees in the Wells of Varda. When Mandos foretold of the coming of the Elves and how they would always look to Varda in reverence, she took it upon herself to set new stars for the Elves to see when they awakened. She created the newer stars with the dews from the vats of Telperion, the first of the Two Trees, in preparation for Awakening of the Elves. The set of stars she made was known as the Sickle of the Valar. This was said to be the greatest labour of the Valar since the beginning of time, and when the Elves awoke in Middle-earth, they beheld first the stars which Varda had made. For this, Varda was the Vala most loved and revered by the Elves.[5][1]
She also hallowed the Silmarils of Fëanor when he created them, so that any being or creature of evil could never handle them without being burned.[6] After the death of the Two Trees, Varda was tasked once again with filling the world with a new light. Therefore she took the remaining flower of Telperion and the fruit of Laurelin and placed them in vessels made by Aulë. Varda bequeathed to them such light and power that they outshone the ancient stars. In doing so, she established the courses of the Sun and Moon.[7] Initially she purposed the Sun and the Moon to be in the sky together, but Irmo and Estë pointed out that she had deprived the world of night-time and the stars, which was still necessary for rest and sleep. Therefore Varda changed her counsel and altered the courses of the Sun so that it should spend a certain time hidden, allowing for the stars to be seen again. At the end of the First Age, she placed Eärendil as a star in the sky.[8]
In Middle-earth, she was revered by the Elves who called her name and sung hymns to her (such as the Elven Hymn to Elbereth) and perhaps answered to prayers, even to Samwise Gamgee.[9] The very mention of her name was said to be deadly to evil spirits, such as when Frodo uttered the name in the presence of the Morgul Lord.
Etymology
Varda is a Quenya name of Valarin origin meaning "Sublime",[10] "Exalted"[11] or "Lofty".[12] It comes from Primitive Quendian baradâ, from the root BARAD, being actually a honorific title used as a name.[13]
In the early Qenya, Varda comes from the same root as vard- ("rule, govern") or varni ("queen").[14]
Other names
The usual Sindarin for the Valië was Elbereth, being more or less equivalent to Elentári ("Star-Queen").[2] Elbereth derives from Primitive Quendian *elen-barathî, being notable that bereth means "spouse", used for one who is "queen" of a king.[15]
In Adûnaic, Varda's name is adapted rather than translated, becoming Avradî.
Varda's titles and epithets include The Kindler, Lady of the Stars, Queen of the Stars, and Snow-white. In Quenya these are Elentári "Star-queen",[16] Tintallë "Star-kindler" (after she used the dews of Telperion to kindle new brighter stars[17]), and Airë Tári the "holy queen"[18] and these epithets appear in Galadriel's lament, Namárie. Epithets in Sindarin Gilthoniel (Starkindler) and Fanuilos (Ever-white), and in Adûnaic Gimilnitîr ("starkindler").
Genealogy
| Melkor | Manwë | VARDA | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Inspiration
The Valar, being divine beings below the ultimate Creator, Ilúvatar, are thought of as being the Middle-earth equivalent of saints and angels; it has therefore been suggested that Varda, in her role as the most loved and prayed-to Vala, may be an equivalent of the Virgin Mary in Tolkien's own Catholic faith. Another suggestion is the goddess of wisdom, Sophia, also associated with the stars.[19]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Of the Valar"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Donald Swann, The Road Goes Ever On, "A Elbereth Gilthoniel", p. 66
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Valaquenta: Of the Maiar"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Beginning of Days"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Shelob's Lair"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Four. Quendi and Eldar: Appendix D. *Kwen, Quenya, and the Elvish (especially Ñoldorin) words for 'Language': Note on the 'Language of the Valar'", p. 402
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Donald Swann, The Road Goes Ever On, "Namárië (Farewell)", p. 61
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 211, (dated 14 October 1958), p. 282
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings: Eldarin Roots and Stems", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), pp. 22, 65
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, Appendix: Names in the Lost Tales – Part I, entry "Varda"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings: Eldarin Roots and Stems", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), pp. 22-23
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 67
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", pp. 363-4 (note 45)
- ↑ Rose Thomas, "Is Varda the Wisdom of Eru?", in Amon Hen 245, pp. 15-6
| Ainur | ||
|---|---|---|
| Valar | Lords | Manwë · Ulmo · Aulë · Oromë · Mandos · Irmo · Tulkas · |
| Valier | Varda · Yavanna · Nienna · Estë · Vairë · Vána · Nessa | |
| Maiar | Arien · Blue Wizards · Eönwë · Gandalf · Ilmarë · Melian · Ossë · Radagast · Salmar · Saruman · Tilion · Uinen | |
| Úmaiar | Sauron · Balrogs (Gothmog · Durin's Bane) · Boldogs | |
| Concepts and locations | Almaren · Aratar (indicated in italics) · Creation of the Ainur · Fana · Máhanaxar · Ainulindalë · Order of Wizards (indicated in bold) · Second Music of the Ainur · Timeless Halls · Valarin · Valinor · Valimar | |
