Ainur

Ainur are the divine spirits in Tolkien’s legendarium, described as the Holy Ones created by Eru Ilúvatar before the world (Ea) came into being. They are immortal beings who exist outside the physical universe but can assume forms within it. They are not gods, but subcreators whose wills and talents helped shape creation.

In the time preceding Arda, the Ainur participated in the Music of the Ainur, a great theme that laid the foundations of the world. Ilúvatar then expanded the vision and brought Ea into being, incorporating the Ainur’s music into the fabric of creation. After the Music, many Ainur entered Ea to fulfill roles in Arda.

The Ainur who entered Ea are divided mainly into two groups: the Valar, the greater order who govern Arda from Valinor, and the Maiar, lesser Ainur who serve the Valar and interact with the world in various ways. The Valar, led by Manwë (and his queen Varda), shaped aspects of the world and guided its inhabitants. The Maiar served the Valar and could take physical forms; notable members include Gandalf (Olórin), Saruman (Curunír), Radagast (Aiwendil), and the two Blue Wizards (Alatar and Pallando), as well as Sauron and Melian among others. Some of the Maiar, such as those who became the Balrogs or the Istari, played pivotal roles in Middle-earth’s history.

Ainur are generally immortal, with power and presence bound by Ilúvatar’s design. Their actions and fates significantly influenced the history of Arda, from its early ages to the later ages of the world.