Something that the Rings of Power series really brought to light is how important the Valar are in determining the early fate of Middle Earth. The later Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films did very little in the way of mentioning these supreme original beings that helped to shape their world, considering what a substantial portion of Tolkien’s lore resides around these powerful beings.

On the other hand, the latest Amazon series started to rectify this. It included lots of references, both directly and indirectly, to the Valar and their mighty contributions throughout the ages. However, those who have only seen the Peter Jackson films might not understand their significance. So here is every reference to the Valar, explained.

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Varda

phial of Galadriel

In very first scene of the show, the Rings of Power has a subtle reference to Varda, one of the most important symbols of hope and endurance in times of darkness. Galadriel talks about:

“A time when the world was so young there had not yet been a sunrise. But even then, there was light.”

This is thanks to Varda, the Valar of the stars. When darkness first fell upon Eru Illuvatar’s universe, Varda created these lights in the sky to guide those in need back to safety, which is why stars are so important in Middle Earth. It was her stars that first awoke the elves in Cuivienen. They have loved the stars ever since, because they remind them of the light of Valinor, their home. It was also Varda who sent Elrond’s father on his famed voyage across the heavens with the last remaining Silmaril.

Morgoth

Morgoth destroys trees of valinor

The apparent peace of the introduction of Rings of Power sadly doesn’t last long. Galadriel quickly moves on to tell the audience of the evil that was brought into the world when Morgoth extinguished the light of the trees of Valinor and brought the great wars to their people, introducing them to the concept of death.

Morgoth’s Valar name is Melkor, and he is representative of Lucifer from the Bible. He is the fallen creation of Eru who was given the world, but decided to rebel and try to steal the power of creation from Illuvatar, because he was jealous of the elves and men that had been created. Melkor was Sauron’s master, and together they brought unimaginable suffering to the world. This suffering is what Halbrand claims to be repenting for when he tries to convince Galadriel to join him in ruling Middle Earth in the final episode.

Manwe

Nimloth petals falling

The reference in the series to Manwe, and indeed all links to Manwe himself, are much more subtle than the other Valar, because he is the ruler of the wind. He is Illuvatar’s right-hand man, and is probably the greatest protector and lover of Middle Earth and its peoples. He is believed to be the reason that of Gandalf returned from the dead in the Lord of the Rings.

Manwe is alluded to in Rings of Power when Miriel reminds Elendil of the myth of the white petals of Nimloth, and how, if they ever fall from the sacred white tree, it is symbolic of the tears of the Valar falling. During episode 4, this is exactly what happens as the Numenorians exile Galadriel from the city. A gust of wind sends the petals streaming through the sky around them — a very sure sign to Miriel that she is making a mistake in letting Galadriel go. Many fans suspect that this well-timed gust of wind was in fact Manwe, trying to steer Eru’s beloved creations toward the right path.

Aule

The High Elves eat at the dinner table

One rare moment when one of the Valar is actually named in the series is the scene in which Gil-galad invites Prince Durin to dine in the elven kingdom, so that he can establish the possibility of using Mithril to heal the Lindon Leaves of the sick trees that are dying. The high king tactfully states:

“Lord Durin, I would like to commend you. Khazad-Dum has been called the quietest of dwarven kingdoms, but in recent months your furnaces are said to be burning as bright as the eyes of Aule himself.”

Aule is the Valar of smithing, and is responsible for creating the crafts of metal, wood, and stone craft. He is said to have created some of the world's most incredible weapons in his forges, and he is also the only one of the Valar able to make sentient life. It has often been asked why Illuvatar didn’t punish Aule for creating the dwarves, but his intentions were pure, and the dwarves became great allies to Illuvatar’s own children of elves and men, so all was forgiven. Interestingly though, both Morgoth and Sauron studied under Aule and learned their skills in craftsmanship from him.

Yavana

Arondir gives Bronwyn Alfirin seeds

The final reference in the current series is to Yavana, the Valar of nature. She is the one responsible for creating the trees of Valinor, the most treasured memory of the elven people, and loves to nurture the plants and forests of the world. She is considered the mother of the Ents. In Rings of Power, she is mentioned by Arondir as he tells Bronwyn about the significance of the Alfirin seeds and their symbol of new life growing after death. He tells her:

“One of the Valar watches over growing things, and those who tend them.”

And indeed, this is what Yavana does, with all of her heart.

However, these few references are only some of the many Valar of Tolkiens’ world. The fact that more have yet to be mentioned suggests that there may be even more important parts for the Valar to play in seasons to come.

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