Dates

Immortal; all existed before the foundation of Arda

Location

For the most part, the Aratar dwelt in Valinor in the West; the exception was Ulmo, who dwelt beneath the seas of the world

Origins

Beings created by Ilúvatar before the making of the world

Race

Ainur

Division

Valar

Settlements

Associated with the city of Valmar in Valinor; Manwë and Varda dwelt in the halls of Ilmarin on the height of Taniquetil

Pronunciation

a'ratarr ('rr' indicates that the final 'r' should be pronounced)

Meaning

'The Exalted'

Other names

High Ones of Arda

Indexes:

About this entry:

Updated 19 July 1998
This entry is complete

Aratar

The highest of the Powers

"Among [the Valar] Nine were of chief power and reverence; but one is removed from their number, and Eight remain, the Aratar, the High Ones of Arda..."

The Silmarillion
Valaquenta
Of the Valar

The eight greatest of the Valar; Manwë, Varda, Ulmo, Yavanna, Aulë, Mandos, Nienna and Oromë. Though Manwë was held to be the High King of Arda, all these eight were held in equal reverence, and were said to possess a majesty that surpassed even the other Valar.

It seems clear from the quotation above that the Aratar were originally nine, and included Melkor (probably as the greatest of them), but he was removed from this 'order' after his rebellion.

Aratar

The highest of the Powers

See also...

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