The Divine Relationship Between Manw? and Eru Ilúvatar in Tolkien's Mythology

In the vast and intricate universe that J.R.R. Tolkien crafted, the relationships between divine beings are as intricate and meaningful as the stories they preside over. At the very heart of this vast cosmology stands Eru Ilúvatar, known as the One, the Unborn, and the Eternal, the equivalent of the Almighty God in Christian mythology. From the thoughts of Eru Ilúvatar, many beings were born, among them the Valar and the Maia. Manw?, one of the Valar, exemplifies the subaltern nature of the created beings to the Creator.

Eru Ilúvatar: The Primordial Creator

Eru Ilúvatar is the supreme being in Tolkien's legendarium. He is the Firstendi, the uttermost First, the Unborn Child, and the One. As the Creator of all that exists, including the Ainur and the entire material realm, Eru Ilúvatar holds a central and unassailable position in the mythology. He is the source of all creation, the ground of being, and the ultimate authority governing the divine realm and the physical universe.

Manw?: The Valar's Role

Manw?, also known as Manw? Súlimo, is one of the most powerful and esteemed of the Valar. He is the High King of the Valar, with his court in the airs of Arda (Middle-earth). Manw? is the Lord of the Wind and Lord of the airs, and he presides over the northern region of Arda. His appearance is tall, stately, and resplendent. His substance is thought to be light, rarefied, and closer to the divine essence. Among the Valar, he is known for his wisdom, fairness, and noble character.

Manw? protects and nurtures the earth and its inhabitants, and he is often depicted riding the Mountains of the West (which are said to be populated by Irmo, Lord of Dreams) in his white steed Vingilot. The High Lord is also said to be accompanied by winds and men of the West. This title and his role reflects his close association with the spirit of the winds and the air.

Divine Hierarchies and Relationships

The relationship between Eru Ilúvatar and Manw? can be compared to that between the Christian God and His archangels, such as Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael. Each of these archangels is a manifestation of divine grace, appointed to carry out specific roles in the service of God. Similarly, Manw? is a manifestation of Eru Ilúvatar's will and power, tasked with overseeing the regions of the air and ensuring the well-being of the cosmic realm.

Creator and Created Servant

Just as Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael are subordinate to the Almighty and serve Him in the Christian cosmology, Manw? stands as a servant to Eru Ilúvatar in Tolkien's universe. However, it is crucial to note that despite this hierarchical relationship, the Valar and other Ainur remain powerful and wise beings in their own rights. They have the ability to influence and interact with the world, but they must always do so in accordance with Eru Ilúvatar's will and the cosmic order He has established.

Conclusion

The relationship between Manw? and Eru Ilúvatar encapsulates the fundamental concepts of divinity and subordination in Tolkien's mythology. It serves as a poignant reminder of the hierarchical nature of the divine hierarchy, where each being, though possessing immense power and wisdom, remains in the service of the ultimate Creator. Understanding this relationship provides valuable insights into the intricate web of divine beings and their roles in the vast and complex mythos of Middle-earth.

For readers interested in exploring more about this divine relationship, further studies could include the origins and roles of the other Valar and Maiar, as well as the impact of their individual powers and actions on the broader narrative of Middle-earth.