The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Immortal; existed before Arda was created
Race
Division
Settlements
Presumably served in Ilmarin, the dwelling of Varda
Pronunciation
i'lmareh
Meaning
Related to ilma,1 'starlight'

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 10 May 2013
  • This entry is complete

Ilmarë

The handmaid of Varda

An almost unknown Maia of the people of Varda. She has the distinction of being the first of the Maiar named in the Valaquenta, where she is described in passing as the handmaid of Varda. Other sources describe her as being one of the most powerful of the Maiar, together with Manwë's herald Eönwë.


Notes

1

The connection of Ilmarë's name to 'starlight' is made explicitly in a note to an early form of the Quenta Silmarillion (in volume V of The History of Middle-earth). That version has some differences from the final form, and not least the fact that Ilmarë was there the daughter of Varda, rather than her handmaid. In that context, the naming of Ilmarë after the starlight of Varda, and the connection of her name to Varda's dwelling of Ilmarin become rather easier to understand.

See also...

Maiar

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 10 May 2013
  • This entry is complete

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2002, 2013. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.
Adding personality profiling to your web presence and client offering helps improve sales and retention.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry