The Most Powerful Angel in Middle-earth: A Deeper Dive into Tolkien's Legendarium

Understanding the Mythos of Eru Ilúvatar and the Ainur

In J.R.R. Tolkien's expansive and intricate legendarium, the concept of supreme beings and their roles in creating and governing Middle-earth is both profound and multifaceted. At the pinnacle of this hierarchy lies Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme being who created all beings, including the Ainur, Valar, and Maiar. While the term "angel" is not used in Tolkien's works, the Ainur and their roles in the creation and governance of Middle-earth can be compared to this concept.

The Formation and Roles of the Ainur

The Ainur, also known as the Holy Powers, were the first inhabitants of thevoid beyond time. Eru Ilúvatar created them as servants and singers of his take, forming them from the essence of his thought. These beings, the Ainur, sang praises to Eru, creating a great harmonious melody that came to form the Music of the Ainur. This composition ultimately led to the creation of the universe, including E? (the World That Is).

Among the Ainur, the most prominent beings are the Valar, the Powers of old, and their Maiar, or spirits, who served them. The Valar are described as the more powerful Ainur who directly influenced the creation and governance of the world, whereas the Maiar are lesser Ainur who often acted as lesser servants to the Valar or performed their own minor works independent of them.

The Rise and Fall of the Most Powerful Valar

It is often debated who among the Valar is the most powerful. The initial contender for this position would be Morgoth, who, originally known as Melkor, was indeed one of the most powerful of the Ainur. However, his corruption and eventual fall from grace play a significant role in shaping the power dynamics within the Valar.

Morgoth, once the greatest of the Valar, was filled with greed and intense desire for power. His malevolent influence led him to challenge Eru in his rebellion against the Creator, which ultimately resulted in his banishment from Valinor. This fall from grace not only removed him from the Valar but also left him as an outcast and a threat to the peace and order of the world.

Following Morgoth's fall, the remaining Valar, particularly the Elder King Manw?, became the de facto leader and the most powerful among them. Manw?, the High King of the Valar, had a natural ability to rule with wisdom and fairness, even among the diminished ranks of Valar. He was acknowledged as the leader of the Valar and the guardian of Ardrossan (Aardearin, Airuin, Arda).

The Role of the Maiar and Their Allies

While the Valar were the main rulers of Middle-earth, the Maiar played a crucial role in various capacities. These spirits, far more numerous and diverse than the Valar, performed their own minor works and often acted as messengers or advisors to the Valar. Many Maiar were closely aligned with the Valar, either as Aiwendil (Aragorn), Curonsy (Samwise Gamgee), or as Maiar in their own right.

The Maiar are often depicted as both powerful and versatile. Some were powerful enough to accompany the Valar in their journeys, such as the Maiar like E?nw?, who served as a herald and captain of Manw?. Others, like Sauron, who was once a mighty servant of Melkor, became corrupted and turned against the Valar, seeking power for themselves.

Conclusion

The most powerful angel in Middle-earth, as one might interpret the term, is not a single being but a complex web of celestial powers. While Morgoth initially held the title of the most powerful, his corruption and fall led to a reconfiguration of power dynamics among the Valar and the Maiar. Manw?, the Elder King of the Valar, emerged as the leader and the de facto most powerful among them. The roles of the Ainur, Valar, and Maiar are integral to the narrative of Middle-earth, each playing a unique and essential part in the unfolding of the story.