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Varda Elentári: Queen of the Stars

Varda, also known as [[Elbereth]], is one of the [[Aratar]] (the eight most powerful Valar) and the spouse of [[Manwë]]. She dwells with him in the halls of [[Ilmarin]] atop [[Taniquetil]]. Of all the [[Ainur]], she is the most feared by [[Melkor]], for her beauty is filled with a holy radiance that he can neither possess nor endure.


The Kindler of Stars

Varda’s greatest work was the creation of the stars. In preparation for the awakening of the Elves, she took the silver dews from the vats of [[Telperion]] (one of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]]) and set them in the firmament.

  • The Sickle of the Valar: She fashioned the constellation of the [[Valacirca]] (the Big Dipper) as a challenge to Melkor and a sign of his eventual doom.
  • The Awakening: When the first Elves awoke at [[Cuiviénen]], the first thing they saw were the stars of Varda, causing them to love her above all other Valar.


The Light in the Darkness

Varda’s power is synonymous with light and the rejection of the shadow.

  1. Hallowing the Silmarils: When [[Fëanor]] created the [[Silmarils]], Varda hallowed them so that no creature of evil or mortal flesh could touch them without being scorched and withered.
  2. Protector of the Elves: The Elves of Middle-earth call upon her name in times of great peril. The mere invocation of "Elbereth" or "Gilthoniel" has been known to repel shadows and strike fear into the hearts of the [[Nazgûl]].
  3. The Phial of Galadriel: The light trapped in the phial given to [[Frodo Baggins]] was the light of the star [[Eärendil]], which was itself a Silmaril set in the sky by the grace of Varda.


Relationship with the World

While Manwë hears all sounds and voices of the world, Varda hears all cries for help that come from the darkness. She is said to be "too beautiful for words," and in her face radiates the light of [[Eru Ilúvatar]]. She rejected Melkor before the world was even made, seeing his true nature before any other, which is why he hates and fears her more than any other being in [[Arda]].


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