The Power of Nine

[Anna Licumo]

Joy, there were more than 9 Valar. I think the number was 14.

You're right, there were 14 some Ainur, but there were only 9 Valar. (Those were the Ainur who were sent to earth and so got a new special name.) Although to be REALLY specific, there were only eight, since Melkor got kicked out and "was no longer considered among the nine." Further proof, perhaps, that this discordance against Eru's song leading to a non-odd and special number is conclusive with Tolkien's diliberate use of such numbers.
Or maybe I'm just having too much fun with my copy of the Sill! [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]