Peoples and creatures
Ainur
Ainur were the mightiest being created by Eru. Divine spirits, the Holy Ones. There are two "orders" of Ainur - Valar and Maia. The Ainur were the offspring of Eru's thoughts.
The Tolkien Encyclopedia
THE PUBLIC MIDDLE-EARTH ENCYCLOPEDIA
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Peoples and creatures
Balrogs
Balrogs, or “Demons of Might” (loose translation in Elvish), are primordial spirits. Originally Maiar, these fiery demons carried swords and whips, moving quickly. Balrogs did have some mastery over magical arts. Most…
Peoples and creatures
Barrow-wights
Barrow-wights were evil spirits serving the Witch-King that possessed the corpses of the ancient kings and queens of the ancient land of Cardolan that once belonged to the Dunedain. The spirits were…
Peoples and creatures
Elves
The Elves (Quendi) awoke under the starlight of the Years of the Trees and they are the oldest race in Middle-earth. What differentiates them from Men and Dwarves is immortality. Oromë named…
Peoples and creatures
Ent
Ents or Ent-Folk are living creatures within Middle Earth that date as far back as the First Age, Years of the Trees. They were brought to sentience by Yavanna (Quenya for “Giver…
Peoples and creatures
Hobbits
Hobbits are a small people closely related to Men, best known through the inhabitants of the Shire and Bree. Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin belong to this people; they are not…
Peoples and creatures
Maiar
The Maiar are Ainur of the same broad order of being as the Valar, but of lesser degree. Within the history of Arda they assist the Valar in shaping and governing the…
Peoples and creatures
Noldor
The Noldor are one of the principal kindreds of the Eldar, distinguished in Tolkien’s histories by their learning, craftsmanship and central role in the rebellion and wars of the First Age.
Peoples and creatures
Quendi
Quendi is what the Elves called themselves. Quendë - speaker, the one who speaks with voices.
Peoples and creatures
Valar
The Valar (Quenya; singular Vala) were the Powers of Arda who governed the world under the direction of Eru Ilúvatar. They dwelt on the western continent of Aman. "Valar or the "powers, rulers" were the first creation of Ilúvatar…