A title given to Vairë, fifth of the seven Queens of the Valar and spouse to the Doomsman Mandos. 'Weaver' is in fact the literal translation of Vairë's name, and it refers to her weaving of tapestries depicting all the histories and events of Arda. These weavings were hung from the walls of the Halls of Mandos, which were said to grow and widen as the world's history passed.
We are not told what purpose these extraordinary tapestries served, nor indeed whether they had any particular purpose at all. Our only minor clue is a reference in The Etymologies (in volume V of The History of Middle-earth) to Vairë as 'the doom-goddess'. Though this is far from specific, it does imply a possible connection between her weaving and the fates of Arda. It may even hint that she could weave, or even influence, events that were yet to take place, though the true meaning of Vairë's endless weaving remains shrouded in mystery.
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- Updated 2 October 2018
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