Druadan

Druadan is a fictional character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, appearing primarily in his unpublished works, particularly in the *Quenta Silmarillion* and related texts. He is a Maiar, an angelic or spirit-like being of the Valar, and serves as the steward of the Valar in the realm of Valinor during the early stages of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Druadan is first mentioned in Tolkien’s notes as one of the lesser-known Maiar, though his role is not as prominent as those of his more famous counterparts, such as Melian or Ossë. His name is derived from the Sindarin language, meaning something akin to "guardian" or "keeper," reflecting his function as a protector or overseer. Unlike the Valar, who are more directly involved in the governance of Arda, Druadan appears to have had a more administrative or supportive role, possibly assisting in the maintenance of Valinor’s order.

His presence is briefly referenced in Tolkien’s drafts of the *Quenta Silmarillion*, particularly in passages describing the early history of the Ainur and their interactions with the Eldar. However, his character remains largely undeveloped, and his exact duties or significance are not detailed beyond his status as a Maiar. Some scholars speculate that he may have been intended to play a minor but meaningful role in the broader narrative of Tolkien’s mythopoeic universe, though no definitive canonized account of his actions exists.

Druadan’s inclusion in Tolkien’s works reflects his tendency to populate his legendarium with a vast array of beings, many of whom remain obscure or only partially defined. His name and brief mention serve as a reminder of the intricate and expansive nature of Tolkien’s imagined world, where even minor figures contribute to the larger tapestry of Middle-earth’s history.