ith Manwë dwells Varda, Lady of the Stars. She is more beautiful than words can describe, for the light of Ilúvatar is still in her face. She takes joy in the light.

"Of all the Great Ones who dwell in this world the Elves hold Varda most in reverence and love. Elbereth they name her, and they call upon her name out of the shadows of Middle-earth, and uplift it in song at the rising of the stars." 2

She is seldom parted from Manwë, and when they are together, Manwë can see farther that all other eyes, and Varda can hear more clearly than all other ears.

Varda created the stars, and placed them innumerable in the heavens, and before the coming of the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar, she created new stars, brighter than the rest. This was the greatest labor of Varda, and she created many stars against the coming of the Elves. She made Carnil and Luinil, Nénar and Lumbar, Alcarinquë and Elemmírë. She also created Wilwarin, Telumendil, Soronúmë, and Anarríma as signs in the heavens. Also there was Menelmacar, whose shining belt signifies the Last Battle. As a challenge to Melkor, she created Valacirca, the Sickle of the Valar and a sign of doom, a crown of seven mighty stars set to swing in the heavens. It was said the the Firstborn would be born in the darkness and first look upon the stars, and when they at last awoke and saw the beauty of the night, they forever revered Varda above all the Valar.

 

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