Why Did J.R.R Tolkien Not Give More Detail About the Vanyar Elves?

J.R.R. Tolkien provided relatively limited detail about the Vanyar Elves for several compelling reasons, reflecting his narrative priorities and the broader mythological structure of his Middle-earth legendarium. This piece explores the reasons behind the relative lack of detail given to the Vanyar Elves, the important role they play, and the significance of other beings like the Valar within Tolkien's captivating world.

Narrative Focus

Tolkien's primary focus in his writings often revolved around the characters and events that drove the central narrative. The Vanyar Elves, characterized as being the most noble and least troubled by the events of the First Age, are often seen as more ethereal and less engaged in the conflicts that shape the stories. This may have contributed to their lesser development in terms of individual characters and histories. The essence of the Vanyar lies in their purity and unblemished nobility, which made them the ideal guardians of the Elves. Their role in the larger mythos is significant, but their focus on spiritual and moral issues made fleshing them out with detailed stories and events less of a priority.

Mythological Structure

Tolkien's legendarium is heavily influenced by his academic background in philology and mythology. The Vanyar can be seen as archetypal figures representing a more idealized form of Elven kind. Their archetypal nature may have made Tolkien less inclined to flesh them out with specific stories or details. Instead, he focused on other themes and characters that better fit the narratives he was developing. This archetypal role of the Vanyar allowed Tolkien to maintain their aloof and serene nature, making them a symbol of unity and harmony in the face of the struggles of the world.

Development Over Time

Tolkien's writings evolved over decades, and he often revisited and revised his ideas. The Vanyar, being part of a larger mythos, may not have received as much attention simply because Tolkien was exploring other themes and characters that he found more compelling or that fit better within the narratives he was developing. The process of world-building is meticulous and involves a constant refinement of concepts. The Vanyar, as a group, have a deep significance but also a reserved and sacred nature, which aligns well with Tolkien's evolving conceptualization of his world. Their subtle presence in the story highlights the intricate balance between spiritual and narrative elements in Middle-earth.

The Valar: The Powers of Middle-earth

The Valar are the greatest of the Ainur, the Holy Ones, essentially the top Angels that Ilúvatar, the God, left in charge of the World. They are mentioned in The Lord of the Rings and quite a bit, though often in clandestine ways. Despite their infrequent direct mentions, their influence is pervasive in the narrative. Here, we provide a comprehensive list of mentions and references to the Valar throughout Tolkien's works.

Mentions of the Valar in The Lord of the Rings

1. **Damrod, a Man of Faramir's Company**: "They prayed to them to turn aside the Mumakil charging in their direction." - *The Two Towers*, Book 3, Chapter 5. 2. **Narrative Voice during Théoden's Charge**: The narrator compares Théoden to Orom, one of the Valar, during the charge at Minas Tirith. - *The Return of the King*, Book 5, Chapter 8. 3. **Gandalf's Blessing**: "Aragorn, he is the heir of Isildur, and has his destiny and his kingdom. The Grey Pilgrim blessed him in the name of the Valar." - *The Return of the King*, Book 5, Chapter 6. 4. **Appendix A**: Descriptions mentioning the light of the Two Trees and the land of the Valar, leading to the mentions of the flight of the Noldor and the choice of the Half-Elves. - *The Return of the King*, Appendix A. 5. **Lúthien, Daughter of Melian**: Lúthien is mentioned as the daughter of Melian, who is of the peoples of the Valar. - *The Appendices*, Genealogies, Lúthien. 6. **The Half-Elves**: The choice of the Half-Elves is mentioned as having been given by the Valar. - *The Return of the King*, Appendix A. 7. **Morgoth as a Vala**: Morgoth, the Great Enemy, is mentioned as originally a Vala. - *The Return of the King*, Appendix A. 8. **The Ban of the Valar**: Various mentions refer to the “Ban of the Valar” and the restrictions placed by the Valar on Man. - *The Return of the King*, Book 5, Chapter 6. 9. **Pharazon’s Title**: Pharazon took the title Lord of the West, which belonged to the Valar, specifically Manw?. - *The Return of the King*, Book 5, Chapter 6. 10. **Númenor’s Estrangement**: Númenor became estranged from the Valar and the Eldar. - *The Return of the King*, Appendix A. 11. **Manw?’s Guardianship**: Manw? laid down his Guardianship and called upon Ilúvatar. - *The Elder Days: The First Age*. 12. **Kine of the Valar**: Wild oxen in the northlands are mentioned as being connected to the Kine of the Valar, specifically Orom?. - *The Return of the King*, Appendix A. 13. **Calendar Days**: Some of the days in the calendars of Men and Hobbits were named after the Valar. - *The Return of the King*, Appendix D. 14. **Lothlórien’s Connection**: The land of Lothlórien is named after Lórien, the name of the gardens of Irmo, a Vala. - *The Return of the King*, Book 4, Chapter 8. 15. **Westward Voice**: In Boromir and Faramir's dreams, a voice from the West speaks to them. - *The Return of the King*, Book 5, Chapter 3.

Individual Valar, such as Manw?, Varda, Melkor, and Orom?, are also mentioned, often described as the Elder King, the Queen of the Stars, the Great Enemy, and the Huntsman of the Valar, respectively.

In conclusion, the limited detail about the Vanyar reflects Tolkien’s narrative priorities, their role in the larger mythos, and his evolving conceptualization of his world. The Valar, on the other hand, play a crucial role in Middle-earth, influencing key events and figures throughout the narrative, even when not directly mentioned.