#radaghast

The Maiar are Ainur that are in lesser stature than the Ainur that are The Valar. They are spiritual beings that are the product of the thought of Ilúvatar, but they do not have the same power as the Valar. The realms of influence and power are more focused and less broadly felt. They are for the most part servants/assistants to the Valar in their deeds. 

Unlike the Valar who are numbered 14 (15 before Melkor fell to darkness), the number of the Maiar are unknown. Most do not take on physical appearances like the Valar and choose to remain in the Unseen World. We only know a handful of names.

Melkor corrupted many Maiar to his service. The Balrogs were perhaps Maiar of fire before they were turned to evil purposes. Sauron, himself, was a Maia that was in service of Aulë, but Melkor turned his desire for order to evil and he became one of the greatest of Melkor’s servants.

All the Istari, the Wizards sent to Middle-Earth to help the Children of Ilúvatar in their fight against Sauron were Maiar. Saruman was the Maia Curumo who also served Aulë and Gandalf was ever with Nienna under the name Olorín, where he learned pity and patience. The words of Olorín could stir the hearts of who heard out of despair.

There are other Maiar that will appear in The Silmarillion more prominently. Melian, a Maia that tended the gardens in Loríen, is chief among them. She wandered in the forests of Beleriand and when the elves were marching westward to Valinor, she managed to entrance Elwë, one of the kings of the Teleri, while she was singing with her nightingales. They became married and Elwë called himself Thingol. She is the mother of Luthien, and through her daughter she is the ancestor of the Half-Elven, the Kings and Queens of Númenor, and the line of Kings of Gondor.

Others also appear in the narrative, Eonwë, the herald of Manwë. Ossë and Uinen are Maia that are in service to Ulmo. Ossë is wild and violent, but his wife Uinen can restrain him. Ossë was almost swayed for a time to Melkor's service, but he able to repent. It is to Uinen that many mariners say prayers to give them safe passage on the seas. The sailors of Númenor would place a Green Bough of Return on their ships to ask for the blessing of Uinen.

Art By @gerwell

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