In the beginning of time Eru who in Middle Earth is called Illuvitar (God) created the Ainur. Illuvitar gave the Ainur a theme and the Ainur made a great music before Illuvitar. From this music Illuvitar creates the world and the Ainur descend into it. The greatest of the Ainur are the Valar. There were originally 15 of them, but Melkor (Sauron's master) is no longer counted among the Valar. The rest of the Ainur are called the Maiar and they are the servants of the Valar. Sauron, Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and the Balrog are Maiar. Read the Silmarillion, you will get all this info and more in it.
__________________
Yet the lies that Melkor, the mighty and accursed, Morgoth Bauglir, the Power of Terror and of Hate, sowed in the hearts of Elves and Men are a seed that does not die and cannot be destroyed; and ever and anon it sprouts anew, and will bear dark fruit even unto the latest days.
|