Manwë: Tolkien's Powerful King of the Valar - Lord of the Rings Lore

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is filled with epic characters, powerful beings and unforgettable lore! While many fans may be well-versed with the main players, the background details are what really build a powerful sense of depth for Tolkien's series, and one of the most powerful beings is actually rarely mentioned! We're going to talk about one of these incredible beings: Manwë!

Manwë: The King Of Valar

If you haven't read The Silmarillion, you may be a little lost! That's okay, because this is going to be a fun ride for you! This detailed look at Tolkien's vast and powerful universe, introduces the incredibly powerful Manwë, one of the Valar, and it also reveals that many actions in the main stories are based on the actions of this legendary figure! While Manwë rarely appeared in the Peter Jackson movies of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this god-like figure shaped major events!

For the newer Warner Bros. movie and even Amazon's TV show The Rings of Power that namedrops Manwë in season 2, his powerful role makes it especially interesting for those to take note and know about his incredible and complex history! There was never a better time to explore this universe!

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The Leader Of The Valar

Valinor, The Home Of The Valar in Aman Image

This isn't your average Lord! Manwë is known in Middle-earth as one of the top Valar! He's seen as the ultimate king! In fact, the entire hierarchy sees him as number 2 of all beings.

It does seem that some folks debate about that claim to power. Tom Bombadil's power level is seen by some as potentially greater, as Bombadil has incredible ancient abilities and doesn't even flinch around the One Ring in Lord of the Rings! This mysterious figure might have something even more to offer for future releases and it does add an additional level of excitement.

However, the story of Middle-earth, its origins really begins from Manwë's participation and shows how he formed the very foundations of Arda!

These beings are called Ainur, and along with Aulë and Ulmo were instrumental in building the very world that is in the stories that made Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit unforgettable.
It seems they literally sang the planet into existence as part of the legendary Ainulindalë song. It all begins as they plan out every region of the universe, specifically Middle-earth as well.
Manwë is the king! And not only that, he is also married to Varda, who is considered to be Valier and brother to Melkor. That name Melkor, might ring a bell for fans and is also known as Morgoth! The arch-nemesis of Middle-earth!

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Manwë's History And Influence Throughout Middle-earth

Galadriel And Celebrimbor, Two of the Eldar We Meet in Rings of Power Image

Middle-earth's tale is immense, and the timelines are just as amazing! Tolkien had an immense history. From "The Silmarillion", we learn about this universe's imMense timeline of ages!

These Ages, represent immense periods of time in Middle-earth. The lengths are described but not all are completely known to everyone as Tolkien described the very long periods.
The First Age begins as the elves arrive at Cuiviénen!

What is remarkable? This huge universe was not simply given the form you'd know! Before all the exciting events, there was a series of wars with Morgoth and these are the powerful Battles of Beleriand that shook Middle-earth! Manwë and many of the Valar came down to Middle-earth in this truly awe-inspiring event! This happened during what some call the War of Wrath and it was epic and incredibly huge! What may have also shaped things further is Manwë and the others made their safe havens in the far west region, and called it Valinor. This area helped shape Middle-earth and would prove very important! What's very fascinating to see? Manwë has many allies, many very unique allies in this series!

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Manwë And The Wizards

Morgoth's shadow behind Valinor's tree in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Image

Those that remember the great and powerful Gandalf, probably saw this important character in his association with these remarkable eagles, and especially that great Gwaihir! Well, guess what? It's all because of Manwë's direct connection to the eagles of Middle-earth!

What's even more fascinating for those well-versed with Tolkien's lore, will discover that in a non-published work by Christopher Tolkien ( "Unfinished Tales" ), that Manwë is the being responsible for picking Gandalf as he chooses one of these important Wizards of Middle-earth, the incredibly powerful beings who shaped many events! These wizards ultimately guided heroes such as Frodo to protect and help Middle-earth. Gandalf was incredibly talented and powerful!

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Manwë's Subtle Role

Eagles flying through the air in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Image

If you think this incredible being is inactive! It isn't true.

These events are shaped by this incredible being! While he doesn't directly appear in most of these fights. He helps the Eagles out by aiding heroes!

Even going as far as sending them to Mount Doom, showing Frodo and Sam are his special project that's carefully managed! These very Eagles have long and mighty history helping the powerful, epic Elves of Middle-earth!

Why Manwë Doesn't Fight Sauron

While Manwë and many of the other Valar could certainly step in and fight Sauron and put a total end to all this conflict. The Valar had already made major mistakes from getting involved in battles earlier, in the various Ages. These Valar saw what terrible impacts it could bring!

That led them to creating a new plan that involved allowing the heroes of Middle-earth to grow more powerful.

The Wizards were a really good solution! Their guidance was able to have some major influence to help the humans battle evil forces without needing the Valar to interfere.

What makes it even more impressive for fans is that Manwë and Varda always seem to watch over Middle-earth. They may not step into major conflicts! That also meant Manwë continued his care in subtle ways! The awesome scene where the storm cleared from Pelennor is symbolic of Manwë.

There is certainly much more in this story and these characters for fans of Tolkien to keep exploring! For newcomers, get ready. What is truly interesting is how many new characters come from these universes as well, adding further details for these remarkable beings! For seasoned fans and those just getting into The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit lore. Manwë might be just that hidden, additional player to really know that helps complete and build that universe you love.