As we ascend from the shadows of Middle-earth to the highest peaks of the [[Undying Lands]], we encounter the supreme authority among the [[Valar]]. Manwë is the King of the World, the Peer of [[Melkor]] in the mind of [[Eru Ilúvatar]], and the primary representative of the divine will.
Manwë Súlimo: Elder King of Arda
Manwë is the Lord of the Breath of Arda and the King of the [[Valar]]. He dwells atop [[Taniquetil]], the highest mountain in the world, in the halls of [[Ilmarin]]. From his throne, alongside his spouse [[Varda]], he watches over all the lands and seas, seeing further than any other being in [[Arda]].
The Lord of Air and Winds
Manwë’s dominion is over the atmosphere—the air, the winds, the clouds, and the birds. He is particularly associated with the [[Great Eagles]], who act as his messengers and eyes in [[Middle-earth]].
- Súlimo: His surname, meaning "Lord of the Breath of Arda," signifies his role in the very vitality of the world.
- The First of the Kings: In the [[Ainulindalë]] (The Music of the Ainur), Manwë was the main instrument of the second theme of [[Eru]], standing against the discord of [[Melkor]].
Relationship with Melkor
Manwë and Melkor were brothers in the thought of [[Ilúvatar]]. While Melkor was the most powerful of the Ainur, Manwë was the dearest to Eru and understood His purpose most clearly.
- The Great Oversight: Manwë’s greatest flaw was his own lack of evil; he could not fully comprehend the depths of Melkor’s malice. This led him to release Melkor after his initial three-age imprisonment in the [[Halls of Mandos]], a mercy that eventually led to the darkening of [[Valinor]].
Intervention in Middle-earth
Though the Valar largely withdrew from direct interference after the [[First Age]], Manwë never fully abandoned Middle-earth.
- The Great Eagles: Through [[Thorondor]] and later [[Gwaihir]], Manwë provided aid to heroes like [[Beren]], [[Lúthien]], and the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].
- The Istari: It was Manwë who convened the council of the Valar to send the [[Istari]] (Wizards) to Middle-earth to contest the power of [[Sauron]].
- The Winds of Fortune: Many "lucky" shifts in weather or wind—such as the wind that sped [[Aragorn]] to the [[Pelennor Fields]]—are attributed to Manwë’s subtle influence.
The Final Judgment
Manwë sits in judgment at the [[Ring of Doom]] outside the gates of [[Valmar]]. It is he who will ultimately signal the end of the world and the [[Dagor Dagorath]] (the Battle of Battles), where it is prophesied that the Elder King and the Dark Lord will meet one last time before the world is remade.