Symbol: Dolphin

Color (s): Dark blue and turquoise 

Theme: Water (in the form of sea, rain, springs and oceans), sea travel, secrets and wisdom

Holy Time of Reverence: August

Title: Lord of the Oceans, Spirit of Veins of Sosaria

Association: None

It is said that Ulmo is second in importance among the Valar because he rules over Water, without which there would be no life. As such, Ulmo is as known among the Elves as Manwë is, for without his favors, Sosaria would dry up and wither.  And yet, Ulmo is especially revered by Sea Elves. These Elves depend greatly on Ulmo, as it is his blessings and magic that are keeping their underwater cities safe. Being the Lord of the Oceans, Ulmo is called upon when water is scarce, and his blessings come with sound of a running spring or appearance of a small pool of the precious liquid. Many lives have been saved through such blessings as Ulmo's blessed water has slight healing properties and recovers strength and spirit of those who drink of it. 

Ulmo is equally revered for his Wisdom, as He is also the lord of depths of knowledge. Thus, many lorekeepers have Ulmo as their patron Vala and wear His colors with pride. It is whispered, among lorekeepers and many other Elves, that Ulmo blesses those wearing his colors with knowledge in form of lucky discoveries. Thus those blessed by Ulmo stumble upon answers to their enquiries by luck or by series of strange events. The subtlety through which Ulmo works makes his followers seem almost mystical and psychic in demeanor as they find answers quicker than most others. And yet, they will agree that save perhaps for intuition, there is not much difference between them and other Elves.

Sea-traveling Elves and those who partake in fishing activities often seek blessings of Ulmo. As all water creatures are holy creatures, should one dishonor His name or virtue, they find themselves subject to terrible punishment. Though Ulmo is quiet and subtle, if wronged he is known to bestow terrible wrath upon those who dishonor him. He is said to cause the wicked to drown, trapping their spirits in the depths of water, or turning the tides so they are lost at sea, dying of thirst and starvation. Knowing this, many fear Ulmo and are careful to obtain his favors. 

Curiously, Ulmo is the only Vala who is completely alone. He dwells in depths of water in Valinor and does not attend Valar councils save for matters of great importance. Like Ulmo, Sea Elves (and those whose patron Vala He is) are extremely private and often labeled hermits. It has been suggested by some that Sea Elves jealously and possessively guard their secrets, and thus out of fear do not partake in matters of the Elves. But the truth is that privacy and loneliness gives the Sea Elves strength and ability to understand the Depth and Darkness of Water that both surrounds them and is found within them. Their silence comes from Wisdom that Ulmo bestows upon them rather than malicious intentions of keeping things from others.

Of all Valar, Ulmo is the only not to have priests. As His followers are a mirror of Himself, they enjoy solitude and only gather in worship when matters of great urgency and importance are at hand. The knowledge is seldom shared, for knowledge of secrets is often given at terrible prices. According to many, truth is said to be a sharp blade. It cuts away what holds the mind down, but also pierces the skin and causes great anguish. The followers of Ulmo are also seen as dual: both gentle and ruthless, for such is the property of Water.

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