Aratar
The Aratar, also known as the Máhani (Val. māchanumāz) or simply just the Eight, were the High Ones of Arda, the greatest of the Valar: Manwë, Varda, Ulmo, Yavanna, Aulë, Mandos, Nienna and Oromë. Though Manwë was held to be the High King of Arda, the Eight were held in equal reverence, and were said to possess a majesty that surpassed even the other Valar.
The Aratar were originally nine, and included Morgoth. He was removed from this 'order' during and after his rebellion.
Etymology
Aratar is Quenya for "The High Ones", "The Exalted" or "The Supreme".
Aratar is the plural of arata ("high, lofty, noble"), being an extended form of the stem ara-, which in Quenya had become specialized for the Aratar, but also used in noble names. It has the same root as the Sindarin term Rodon (pl. Rodyn).
Another form is Máhan/Máhani, a loan from the Valarin term māchanāz pl. māchanumāz "Authorities". These terms are also the source of Máhanaxar/Māchananaškad.
Other versions of the legendarium
The idea of some exalted Valar is present since the earlier versions of the Valaquenta, but the number increased with the development.
Referencias
1. Esta ficha se ha importado inicialmente de TolkienGateway.net el día 21/05/2026.
