The TOLKIEN
GALLERY
page THREE
MAIAR [probably from MA3- 'hand']
[The Maiar of Aulë]
The Maiar [plural of Maia]
were the workmen of the Valar, and were also called the Lesser
Ainur.
Here this author has imposed an image of 'gods' over
a stark landscape, implying that the finishing touches are yet to
be applied. The queue is from a Hittite stone relief often called 'the
Procession of gods' found at Yazilikaya, and is noteworthy for each character
being identical.
OSSË [from a base GOS-, GOTH- Terror - due
to his fierce anger]
Ossë was a Maia of the sea, subject to the Vala Ulmo. The name is said to be adapted from a Valarin word Ososai 'foaming'. He could be friend or foe to any mariner. He first comes to our attention following the Awakening of the Elves and their invitation from the Valar to remove from Middle-earth to the Undying Lands in the West. The Quendi gathered on an island off the coast of Beleriand, which Ossë broke free and towed to the shores of Aman and Valinor where he re-fastened it.
Here he is shown in this author's interpretation extending a protective hand for a Swan Ship sailing out to the Great Sea; following are lesser Maiar controlling the currents and winds.~
~
MELIAN [from MEL- 'love'; Gift of Love]
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