Manwë (Quenya Tengwar: full spelling t#5nR or vowel-abbreviated spelling t5nR; IPA: [ˈmanʷe]; from the Valarin Mânawenûz) is the greatest of the Ainur, the King of the Valar, husband of Varda Elentári, brother of the Dark Lord Melkor (Morgoth), and King of Arda. He lives atop Mount Taniquetil, the highest mountain of the world. The winds and airs are his servants. He is the greatest in authority, but not in power, of all the Valar, Melkor being more powerful. He was however the greatest of the Aratar, which Melkor was not counted among.
Biography and History
Manwë is (with Melkor) the eldest of the Ainur, and the one that best understood the will of Eru. When Melkor created the discord in the Music of the Ainur, Manwë took over leading the song. When Arda was formed, Manwë was appointed Ruler of Arda, hence his most common title, the Elder King. Manwë was a kind, compassionate ruler, unconcerned with his own power. But he did not understand evil, even in the form of his own brother. He released Melkor from Mandos, thus allowing him to cause the distrust of Fëanor, the Poisoning of the Two Trees, the murder of Finwë, the theft of the Silmarils, and the revolt of the Ñoldor. To hearten the Eldar, he had Aulë fashion the Sun and the Moon, for he knew the rising of the Atani was coming soon, and sent Thorondor and the Eagles to watch them. After Morgoth's fall, Manwë cast him into the void. In the Final Battle, when Melkor escapes, it is said that the Elder King and the Dark Lord will battle on the Plains of Valinor, but that they will not slay each other. Manwë dresses in blue robes and has blue eyes. He wields a scepter of sapphire made for him by the Ñoldor. The Vanyar are his favorite Elves, and they live with him and Varda on Mount Taniquetil.
Etymology and Titles
Manwë means Blessed One. Súlimo means Lord of the Winds. His titles include Elder King, King of Arda, Lord of the Breath of Arda, King of the Valar, and Lord of the West.
References
External link
- Manwë at Tolkien Gateway