The Silmarillion Terms

The Ainur are the spirits created by Ilúvatar before the beginning of the world. Each Ainu (the singular of Ainur) is born out of Ilúvatar’s thoughts and understands the specific part of Ilúvatar’s mind they… read analysis of Ainu/Ainur

Arda is the Quenya word for “Realm” and refers to the world brought into being by Ilúvatar after its conceptualization during the Music of the Ainur. It’s the home of the Children of Ilúvatar… read analysis of Arda

The Balrogs are fire spirits, a type of Maiar corrupted into Melkor’s service. As Melkor’s servants they take physical forms composed of shadow and fire and carry whips. Gothmog is the Lord of Balrogs… read analysis of Balrog

The less powerful Ainur who descend to Arda to help and serve the Valar are called the Maiar. During the construction of the world, some of the Maiar are seduced by Melkor into his service… read analysis of Maia/Maiar

The fourteen most powerful Ainur who descend to build and rule the world are called the Valar. Each Vala (the singular of Valar) has an affinity for a certain domain (such as air, water, and… read analysis of Vala/Valar

Also known as the Blessed Realm and the undying lands, Valinor is the land of the Valar and the occupied portion of the continent of Aman that lies west of Middle-earth. Inhabited by the Valar… read analysis of Valinor