The Maiar:
With the Valar came other spirits whose being also began before
the World, of the same order as the Valar but of a lesser
degree. These are the Maiar, the people of the Valar,
and their servants and helpers. Their number is not known to
the Elves and few have names.
The Maiar have seldom appeared in form visible to Elves or
Man except for rare and special occasions. Though their powers are truly extraordinary, their purpose is yet to be discovered. Some speculate that they have been sent by the Valar to help us or test our strength against the wicked. They say that the Valar simply wish us to be ready for the battle against the forces of Morgoth and Lolth. And, yet, others conclude that the Maiar come from Morgoth's wicked lair and that they are here to wreak havoc on all that is good and pure. As little is known of their ways, no Elf as of yet can say what purpose they shall play in Sosaria's fate. Thus many are wary of the Maiar and hesitate in engaging in events that bear their mark.
The Maiar are not worshipped and their true nature often remains
completely unknown to the peoples of which they live near or
interact with.
Those few Maiar who are known are listed as follows:
Jyrra and Masara: These two Maiar are perhaps the best known of the Maiar walking upon Sosaria. Appearing at seemingly their own whims and quick to leave in a plume of flame, Jyrra and Masara enjoy friendly rivalry with the elves and with each other. None knows when one of these Maiar may appear for special occasions, but their presence causes quite a stir.
Ilmarë:
The handmaid of Varda and Eönwë, the
banner-bearer and herald of Manwë, whose might in
arms is surpassed by none in Arda. It is she who blesses the
holy banners of the elves.
Ossë:
He is a vassal of Ulmo, and a master of the seas that wash the
shores of Sosaria. He does not go in the deeps, but loves
the coasts and the isles, and rejoices in the winds of Manwë;
for in storm he delights and laughs amid the roaring of the
waves. His spouse is Uinen, the Lady of the Seas.
Uinen:
The Lady of the Seas, spouse to Ossë, whose hair lies
spread through all water under sky. All creatures she loves
that live in the salt streams, and all weeds that grow
there; to her mariners cry, for she can lay calm upon the
waves, restraining the wildness of Ossë. Elves call upon
her to calm her spouse’s anger at sea.
Melian:
Was the name of a Maia who served both Vána and Estë.
She dwelt long in Lórien.
Olórin:
Though he loved the Elves, he walked among them unseen, or
in form as one of them, and they did not know whence came
the fair visions or the prompting of wisdom that he put into
their hearts. In later days he was the friend of all the
Children of Ilúvatar, and took pity on their sorrows; and
those who listened to him awoke from despair and put away
the imaginations of darkness. He too dwelt in Lorien, but
his ways took him often to the house of Nienna, and of her
he learned pity and patience.
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