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Legolas · 12-27-2012, 01:58 PM

I wrote a thread a decade ago (!) here that might be helpful. With tongue firmly in cheek, I titled it uh.. wots a maiar ???/ because of a trend at the time of new members wanting to use "Maia" to classify every powerful being that wasn't obviously any other familiar race (human/elf/dwarf/etc.).

The beings known as the Ainur existed before and outside of Ea (Ea = creation, the physical universe, etc.). When Eru spoke it into existence, he allowed those that were interested to enter.

The greatest fourteen of those that entered Arda were called the Valar, and the rest, being their servants, were the Maiar. Each Maia is associated with a specific Vala or two.

For example, Olórin (Gandalf) was of Manwë's people and also spent much time with Nienna. You can see the influence or common ground they shared in Olórin's actions as Gandalf. Like Manwë, Olórin was called wisest of the Maiar, and as Gandalf, he was diplomatic and concerned with good above all else. From his time with Nienna, he learned the "pity, and endurance in hope" (from Valaquenta) that are on display throughout the story.

12-27-2012, 01:58 PM	#16
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	I wrote a thread a decade ago (!) here that might be helpful. With tongue firmly in cheek, I titled it uh.. wots a maiar ???/ because of a trend at the time of new members wanting to use "Maia" to classify every powerful being that wasn't obviously any other familiar race (human/elf/dwarf/etc.). The beings known as the Ainur existed before and outside of Ea (Ea = creation, the physical universe, etc.). When Eru spoke it into existence, he allowed those that were interested to enter. The greatest fourteen of those that entered Arda were called the Valar, and the rest, being their servants, were the Maiar. Each Maia is associated with a specific Vala or two. For example, Olórin (Gandalf) was of Manwë's people and also spent much time with Nienna. You can see the influence or common ground they shared in Olórin's actions as Gandalf. Like Manwë, Olórin was called wisest of the Maiar, and as Gandalf, he was diplomatic and concerned with good above all else. From his time with Nienna, he learned the "pity, and endurance in hope" (from Valaquenta) that are on display throughout the story. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art. Last edited by Legolas; 01-01-2013 at 01:44 AM.