Tolkien's Valar: An (Almost) Complete Guide

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[@TheEternalElir]

The transitions to the different Valar were so cool. When Nienna's part came up it actually scared me. This is the best video on the Valar by far

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ChosenOne-il4bm]

@@Jess_of_the_Shireyou videos are so calming I find it funny That Tolkien wanted to created a myth for British people But then he still mixed different myths has the inspirations of his world

[@adamslater1634]

You do you my lady! I'm very entertained by your pure love, and sincere desire to use your gifts to spread that love, of the literature. Honesty, Integrity and Sincerity is whatakes us H. I. S. ( God's) and when we use our gifts and share our passions with honesty, integrity and sincerity we shine that true light, that comes from Him, as He intended for all His creation. So thank you for keeping it real girl, you are shining bright.

[@abdulmyrkudov6755]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire It is Turin that shall kill Morgoth, not Tulkas.

[@princekrazie]

I have heard of a hypothesis that Nienna cries because she lost her mate. She was supposed to have been Morgoths wife! She is the only unpaired Vala among them other than Ulmo. She also interceded for Melkor.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Oh, that's fascinating! Thanks for sharing!

[@hendrikm9569]

I kind of see where that is coming from, but I really do not like it, as it devalues the idea of trying to see the potential of good in everyone, and showing mercy if possible. And as seen with Ulmo, a pairing is not needed.

[@Dundien-ix4kd]

Dd is a hard th like vvv sound a but 22:50

[@raydavison4288]

Melkor is that rarest of beings...the unlovable. 🤔

[@Nienna_Asyare]

My heart jumped when I read this

[@indigohalf]

I've always found Nienna to be a particularly compelling and unique figure. I don't think enough has been said about the fact that Tolkien, a war veteran and Marian devotee, made space for a weeping goddess in his pantheon. Gandalf's teacher, the source of his wisdom, stands for the importance of the ability to open oneself up to pain and sorrow and the act of grieving for what has been lost and what will be lost. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like Nienna.

[@esalehtismaki]

I think the main inspiration behind Aulë was Ilmarinen from Finnish mythology. He too is a blacksmith god, who forged the Sun and the Moon and even the dome of sky. But he also forged himself a wife, after the real one died, and soon realized it was a mistake.

[@davidponseigo8811]

Like Tolkien I am a devoted Catholic and I have seen combat so I have always tried to delve deeply into the meaning of the gods and angels in his writing and every time I think I have figured it out I find I'm still clueless. I appreciate your take on everything.

[@argent9297]

I loved and appreciated the costumes! So much thought and attention went into them that they subtly affected my impression of the dialogue.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm so glad you enjoyed! Thank you for watching!

[@mon_moi]

I heard about Tolkien's fascination with the Kalevala, the Finnish national mythical epic. Some of the Valar do slightly correspond to Finnish gods: Iluvatar with Ilmatar (goddess of air and one of the creators of the world in Finnish myths), Ulmo with Vellamo (god of seas), and Aulë with Ilmarinen (god of blacksmithing and possibly a former sky god). The Maia Ilmarë's name is also an obvious loan from 'ilma' which has connotations of heaven in Finnic languages

[@Serai3]

Hades was swayed by the prayer and music of Orpheus. He allowed Eurydice to lead his realm because of the power of the bard's song.

[@rodlurks66]

Bingo, the story of Luthien going to Mandos is a take on Orpheus going to Hades . Neither Namo or Hades are outgoing but neither are fully unswayable, they are a lot closer than we think (they also both love their wives).

[@disgruntledtoons]

The major distinction between the Valar and the deities of Greek myth is that with the exception of Morgoth, the Valar were much better behaved. While Manwe corresponds with Zeus in many ways, he wasn't bedding everything female that he could catch. None of the jealousy or pettiness of the rest of the pantheon is seen in them.

[@chadnine3432]

Tulkas has a special place in my heart. He's so different from the other Valar. He's a great contrasting character.

[@Censeo]

A friend of mine has a really close resemblance to Tulkas which makes it easier to picture this Valar. He is strong. He has long blonde hair. He is almost always in great spirit. He is loud. He is a loyal friend. I imagine he could fight someone who attacked one of his friends in a bar and have the party mood back a few minutes after eliminating the threat. He is a builder by profession. If I express some deep thoughts, his response is always quite shallow but still a good response. Let's say I convey to him why Descartes dualism of soul and matter is an unpopular ontology today and how also there is no consensus today he would reply "I guess we don't know yet then" and if I ask "Do you think we'll ever know" He would probably say something like "who knows, all I know is I'm starving. Should we call ubereats?"

[@AW-uv3cb]

@@Censeo I kinda like your friend from your description. It's also cool that while you seemingly have more philosophical interests than him, you both still get along and neither one looks down on the other 🙂

[@StuartistStudio1964]

I love the fact that Tulkas goes into battle laughing.

[@joakker8820]

LEEROYYYYYY JEEEEENKINSSSSSS!!!!

[@allisongliot]

Drawing a comparison between Varda and Mary actually works really well because Mary is also called the Spouse of the Holy Spirit and your analogy refers to Manwë, her spouse, as a parallel to the Holy Spirit! (Geeking out a little here). Obviously Tolkien didn’t intend his mythology to be read as a one-to-one equation of Catholicism, so I’m glad you nuance this as possible sources of inspiration for him rather than direct doctrines.

[@benjohnabad2871]

Just to add with that, One of the Marian Titles is Speculum Justitiae, or the Mirror of Justice in her capacity as that mirror that reflects the justice/will of God on Earth in the form of Jesus and her model faith. Another peculiar thing is that when I first read about Varda, Mary was the first person that came to mind and up to this day, I sometimes call Mary, "Star Queen" or "Varda" as a nickname during my prayers. Neat stuff.

[@crimsonthumos3905]

To be fair, Tolkien actually wholeheartedly agreed with the comparison between Varda and the Blessed Mother, both in a radio interview and his letters

[@benjohnabad2871]

@@crimsonthumos3905 It just goes to show his genius with comparisons. He always made it a point that his stories weren't meant to replace what was once. But breathe new life and augment them. With how strong an influence his writing became to my Catholicism, he did his job well.

[@YankeeBlues21]

And the Elbereth Gilthoniel is pretty clearly Middle Earth’s version of the Hail Mary prayer

[@joshladue8076]

I think that the Holy Spirit comparison is a bit off but that Manwe is very representative of Adam which would make sense that his bride represents Mary, the new Eve.

[@carsonianthegreat4672]

I’m really glad you mentioned Tolkien’s Catholicism. It is so often overlooked by the fan-base

[@leonardpimentel5865]

I think it’s impossible to understand the Lord of the Rings without understanding how deeply faithful Tolkien was.

[@mfmfg9957]

I think it is purposely overlooked, unfortunately. 90% of the fan-base mention his “christianity” and only mention catholicism when it is utterly impossible to ignore. Jess, on the other hand, is great at bringing it up, specially when it matters

[@danrusso2953]

​@@mfmfg9957I don't know that I agree, tbh. I think many nonreligious readers don't pick up on it in the most well known of texts (the Hobbit, LOTR). And even the Silmarillion would appear to the agnostic eye to be mainly Greek in its inspiration, though this is a bit of a puerile read. Catholicism is central, just fantasy has a habit of attracting outcasts in its readership, and often I think the fact that it was historically derided by the church ("magic" seems to connote witchiness and unholy things after all!) means the Catholic readership isn't as big as Tolkien's Catholic influence was. Whether or not it's intentional, we'll never know, but I think it's mostly honest misunderstandings.

[@mfmfg9957]

@@danrusso2953 true, I hadn’t looked at it this way

[@brittousley7882]

Expert in Christian Theology here, your comparison between Manwe and the Holy Spirit is insightful. The obvious but less clear analogue that most people would reach for would be Manwe=Jesus, but I think the Holy Spirit is a better parallel now that you pointed it out. Well done.

[@kevinsullivan3448]

I based the creation of my most detailed RPG setting on the creation of Arda. JRR was one of the best examples of world building, encompassing the personalities of the Valar into the world in ways no other world builder has, although the Dragon Lance setting is pretty detailed in relationship to the Gods and World creation. Your take on the Valar is outstading and the way you tied everything ti JRR's Catholic faith is very astute and you are the only person I've come into contact with who used Angels and saints as a corollary.

[@wvhoipolloi7035]

When Jess compared Varda to Mary, i knew, this lady truly understands Tolken. Looking forward to exploring your videos.

[@justahologram2230]

I would say that Tulkas could also be inspired by Enkidu from the Epoch of Gilgamesh and Manwe inspired by Shamash from Babylonian/Sumerian mythology

[@manyeyedcrow9391]

It is clear that these stories were meant to be spoken, the costumes were a lovely touch as well

[@brendanmooney7607]

Adding the cosplay element to your Valar video was such a cool & unique idea! I low-key wondered if you might be re-branding the channel into Part-Time Vala ("Have a very, Vala-y, day") 😉

[@erichertenstein9489]

First video I've seen that does comparative theology about the Valar, and very well done at that. The Yavanna bit was particularly good.

[@copydepastey]

Having Dune next to your Tolkien books...i love these kind of authors who really dig into both science, history, legend, and philosophy. people who appreciate myth and legend, while inventing their own versions of these. their understanding and conception of their imagined worlds, within the context of the "real' world... i dont even know what to say about this... except the observation of it :D fantastic! even though Tolkien was somewhat northern-eurocentric.. and seemed to value the concept of "the west" he was clearly influenced by any and all mythologies and cultures that he encountered and appreciated.

[@mcstotti8691]

Mandos when Luthien comes to him to get Beren back: I am not crying you are crying. Its just the hobbits over there stealthily cutting onions.

[@LukeTunkel]

Melkor was like that one dude in the drum circle who just can't help but try and take it over

[@BlackHoleForge]

I always knew the valor came after singing the song of creation, but I didn't know the mayar came with then as well. Wait!? If Gandalf was a mayar, does that mean he sang in the song of creation? 🤯

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

He did!

[@TorontoHighGuy]

Loved your insight into the gods of middle earth. I always viewed them as Norse and Greek stand-ins, but you opened my eyes into actual depth of each of these characters. Well done!

[@dudesmith9698]

I think this is the best video I've seen about the Valar. The way you compare and contrast them to other gods and spirits really helps illustrate the depth of their characters. Well done.

[@heartofahalfling3142]

Great video! Loved the costumes changes. You did a great job finding similarities with the Valar and mythology.

[@magpieMOB]

Your pronunciation of the Welsh names was actually really good for a non-Welsh speaker - the "LL" sound (like in Pwyll) is one of the harder to pull off, aside from that you were pretty much spot on - Blodeuwedd, Arawn, I guess Gronw has a more flat "O" sound like "stOp" or "bOdy", but seriously, I don't often hear non-natives do so well

[@drewstuart2051]

Fantastic video. As someone who has a MA in Catholic Theology, you're explanation of Marian devotion and of Manwe's ties to the Holy Spirit are succinct, accurate, and beautifully conveyed. You joke around about not considering yourself a "Tolkien scholar" but you clearly have an innate understanding and appreciation of his works and their inextricable connection to his Catholic faith. On a side note, Tulkas also has some parallels to St. Michael the Archangel, considering that he is the one who fought against and defeated Satan when he and the angels who followed him rebelled. Excellent work. I love your videos and have liked and subscribed to your channel. Pax et Bonum, Drew Stuart

[@joshladue8076]

Yes I immediately thought of Michael when Tulkas was discussed. While I think the comparison of Manwe to The Holy Spirit is a bit off, I believe that he is based directly on Adam. Created by the breath of God to rule over his creation, tricked by Satan. It would also explain that his wife is the representative of Mary, the new Eve. Imo The Holy Spirit is most represented by the Music of the Ainur

[@Feverdream7777]

I actually came to tears realizing Olorin's origins are of Nienna and suffering yet bearing the weight of doom with love.

[@luisostasuc8135]

Your description of Aule wanting to create more creators reminded me of a quote from "Thus Spake Zarathustra" by Nietzsche: "Companions the Creator seeks, not corpses, not herds and believers. Fellow creators the Creator seeks -- those who write new values on new tablets. Companions the Creator seeks, and fellow harvesters; for everything about him is ripe for the harvest."

[@hello_robot]

I loved this video, so informative and well-made, and I really appreciate all the work you put into the costumes and makeup

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@benjohnabad2871]

Hades has actually shown three cases of clemency: the first, more rooted in religion, is about Orpheus of whom Luthien's singing is based off of; the second, is more literary and involves Psyche. The third case more folk cultural and is when Heracles asks for Cerberus and he says, "sure bruh, just wrestle my dog."

[@neodigremo]

I am reminded, whenever I hear the tale of Beren and Luthien, just how much I love Tolkien's mythological writing. I love tales of Gods, Monsters and the like presented as a heroic tale and not as a story. IT reminds me of Beowulf in style, or even sometimes like the Bible. Tolkien's Valar work I think because he wrote them not like he was writing story, but like he was writing a mythology. It feels like he is writing down what the Elves or Men would have written as the stories of the Valar.

[@synxdewilde7098]

Would love to hear the conversation had between Vaida and Mandos after Mandos allows Beren to come back to the living forcing Vaida to edit her tapestry.

[@snookergamepredictions]

Like everyone else love the amount of effort put into the costume changes. Looking forward to seeing your representations of Gandalf, Sauron and Balrogs when you address the Maiar 🧙‍♀️👿🔥

[@taylorbonnah261]

So impressed with these transitions, must of took so much time to film it all, especially with all the makeup changes and stuff. Me at the Mandos transition: 😅 Me at the Tulkas transition: 😍

[@taylorbonnah261]

I spoke before I saw the Nessa transition omg

[@dashsocur]

Darn it Jess! I started tearing up myself at the end of Nienna's part. I suppose that's the mark of a well-crafted presentation. :)

[@richardknowles6287]

Regarding Tulkas, he seems very much like archangel Michael (God's warrior angel) to me, right down to the story of Michael fighting against Satan in the form of a dragon and finally defeating him though not slaying him completely, but rather binding him to the lowest level of Hell. That feels an awful lot like the story of Tulkas defeating Melkor and not killing him but rathe binding him so he could do no more significant harm. Probably this comes from Tolkien's Catholic roots.

[@caleschley]

You know what is also cool? It is postulated in astrophysics that when the universe was young, the galaxy densities, and overall layout of the stars was first established due to primordial sound waves. All the energy and mass (at that time those were indistinguishable) was evenly spread out; everything was the same. But the sound waves from the big bang rippled outward, and created areas of variable density, which essentially resulted in star formation. This may have been put forward by Einstein or other physicists by the time Tolkien had written his books (I am uncertain on this). But in any case, I like to think that Tolkien got part of his idea for his world's creation from real-life physics. Even if it wasn't an inspiration, I enjoy the parallel.

[@ethanarnold4441]

I really like the ending when she said "a rich, fully developed mythology that you could spend a lifetime delving into."

[@Oakleaf012]

Gonna second everyone else’s appreciation of the costume changes for each Vala! Loved that, A+ commitment and great looks I thought it was interesting you called Aulë and Sauron foils, because I always thought of Aulë as actually a foil for Melkor. Both desired to create life, which is the realm of Iluvatar alone. Aulë actually succeeded, where Melkor failed, and could only twist existing life to evil. But ultimately they both wanted the same, and rather blasphemous, thing. The all-important difference being that Aulë wanted to teach, and had humility, whereas Melkor wanted to dominate, and had only arrogance. There’s also a really interesting direct parallel between Nienna’s mercy for Melkor and Gandalf’s teaching of mercy for Gollum. To have pity for even the most vile and apparently unworthy of beings, and ultimately in Tolkien’s philosophy, how that mercy can change the world for good. The Ring wouldn’t have been destroyed if either Bilbo or Frodo had killed Gollum: Nienna’s teaching through Gandalf saved the world from Sauron. Who knows, then, what good might come from Nienna’s mercy for Melkor?

[@neodigremo]

Absolutely yes I agree with this. Aule wanted to have beings because he just wanted someone to love and teach, the same motivation as Eru in part. Melkor wanted to create because he wanted little beings to worship him and show him how awesome he was. I think if one of Aule's dwarfs created something greater than even he could do he would simply rejoice in their brilliance. Melkor would rage at their impertinance.

[@Ilvnbeles]

Tolkien's cosmogony is a beautiful example of a sincretism process (creates links between beliefs of both religions). I was thinking in Mari when you said Amalur, a.k.a. "Izen anitzeko Dama", "Lady of many names". In terms of food, we are the closest thing to a Hobbit that you can get. Guide Michelin dixit (and the amount of singles too). And this full time Hobbit is subbing like a rocket of course. Keep it up, you're good 🤘

[@celtofcanaanesurix2245]

11:50 are you forgetting Orpheus playing his flute in grief for his love and being allowed to take her back as long as he did not look at her till they exited Hades? Also Heracles was not a himbo, he was actually very clever, outwitting Atlas and Augeas in his labors, he was both strong and witty, which is what made him a force to be reckoned with. Also I can't help but think Orome is kind of the wild hunt Odin/Lugh (the Irish counterpart of Lleu) kind of figure. Also the Irish smith god isn't Lugh but Goibhniu. Varda reminds me of a little known (in both ways) goddess of Gaulish (french celtic) religion called Sirona or Stirona literally "of the stars" who was associated with healing, springs, and snakes (likely because the snake was seen as self healing by shedding its old skin in a form of symbolic rebirth).

[@marieroberts5664]

Whelp, you beat me to it. A small oversight on a very good video. And Tolkien, like Shakespeare before him, was expert in pulling bits and pieces of myth from all over into a new coherent whole. From the Greeks, the Celts, the Welsh, the Norse, the little we know of the Britons and the Saxons that came after before all were swept away by the Normans, he woven a new tapestry that will stand the test of time. Tolkien forgot more than most of us will ever know in his chosen fields.

[@mercianthane2503]

Lugh is not the leader of the Warrior Band, thar is Fionn with the Fianna, like Gwyn Ap Nudd and his Wild Hunt.

[@Sehestedtify]

This is the best Summary/Introduction of the Valar I have seen. Really spectacular. The costume and make-up changes were a nice touch. Lots of fun. It made me want to go re-read THE SILMARILLION! One thing: A better comparison to Nienna, given Tolkien's background and faith, is Our Lady of Sorrows. See: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Sorrows You also might have a look at Finnish mythology and the Kalevala in particular for some striking similarities to elements in the Silmarillion.

[@Neutral_Tired]

Hades is rarely swayed by begging but not never. He is swayed once by Orpheus and gives him a chance to save his love and then again is swayed by Heracles, who comes to the underworld on behalf of a friend to try and resurrect that friend's wife Also, while he rules the underworld, Hades doesn't have power over the moment of death, that power belongs to Thanatos, the brother of Hypnos

[@kathleenhensley5951]

I've somehow missed importance of weaving in Tolkien's world. How did I do that? I'm still learning about his creation. Nina.. I had heard of her , of course, but as a widow... oh, my ... sorrow is forever woven into my life. I am thinking of Flora, goddess of flowers. (Primavera, spring in Latin and Italian. There is a beautiful painting of Flora) for several of Tolkien's Valar. In the Litany of Mary there is the line "Morning star, pray for us."

[@TheMarineIguanaStudios]

Part Time Hobbit, God bless you! What a fantastic and in-depth look into the Valar and their inspirations! 😁😁😁

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

OMG love and adore the changes of costume! I have a minor fan fic idea that one of the Blue Wizards is a Maia of Mandos, who always knew he would go to Middle Earth in the form of one of the Children of Illuvatar, having the best memory of any of the Maia of the Song of the Ainur--although as one of the Istari all this is vague, not unlike deja vu. Ah but Hades did fall in love, and shared his power with his wife. He was moved by the songs of Orpheus. Orome also reminds me of Diana/Artemis. Somewhat. Nienna is my favorite Vala. I think she is Tolkien's version of Aphrodite or any other love goddess, but not in terms of lust but rather pure compassion. She loves everyone and everything, weeping for their pain. Thus she is also Jesus Christ, and the Boddisatva. Hers is the greatest heart in all Creation, and (as another youtuber posits) it feels like she will take point in the Second Music of the Ainur, when Arda is remade and un-marred, but make greater than it had ever been because her compassion will be as an antidote to the poison Melkor wove into the very stuff of the world. Ulmo always seems to me almost the wisest of the Valar, and the least influenced by Melkor, which is why the Dark Lord's servants find water so daunting. I have long supposed the Valar should not have brought the Eldar to Valinor. That was not Eru's plan. In the Orthodox Church, all of Creation (including every single one of us) consists of manifestations of God, so that prayer consists of meditation and much of worship consists of "deification" i.e. the personal discovery of one's nature as an aspect of the Divine. In other words, we are all Ainur. So your interpretation of Manwe makes perfect sense to me on a visceral level.

[@gustavoolivieri6568]

First of all, your voice is so beautiful! I loved to hear you speaking about the Valar. I cannot not believe that you are probably of their kind. 😊 The only correction I have to make, that possibly someone else has made already, is to the singular form of the word Valar. The -r is for the plural, so the singular is simply Vala. And there's the adjective form Valarin, although this is mixed with Sindarin. Vala is a word in Quenya, the Sindarin form is Balan (pl. Belain). I'm happy to have found you. You're a delight to watch! ❤

[@robertharley1272]

Best video I have ever seen on the Valar! The costumes were expertly utilized to maintain audience attention 😊

[@paulrudd1063]

What a wonderful journey through the heavens!! A great video, really interesting and well presented. Thanks for singing it into being. Oh, the costumes were great too. 😊

[@cocobunitacobuni8738]

I can't get over how much effort you put into this.

[@estevesfilmandgaming3115]

Better costumes than Rings of Power. In all seriousness, well done the video is really good and the costumes look great.

[@user-de4tc8gq5w]

Spectacular, your analysis of Nienna and her relation to Olorin was touching

[@tomboughan2718]

I came from being a fan of Norse and German myths, so I was fascinated how Tolkien incorporated them into his story.

[@qitiandaw2890]

Regarding Tulkas and the Dagor Dagorath, footnote 17 of The Problem of Ros in HoM-e vol. XII cites a clarification and development of Morgoth’s end. Basically, Tulkas, Eonwë, and Turin will fight Morgoth in the end. Tulkas grapples Morgoth with Eonwë and Turin on his left and right but Turin will deal the deathblow to Morgoth with Gurthang.

[@andrewanderson7674]

Thank you so much for posting this! Ever since discovering The Silmarillion, the Valar have by far been the most fascinating element of Tolkien's legendarium for me. This video was actually how I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. =) The first time I watched this, I kept waiting breathlessly to see what costume change you would undergo for the next Vala. Such a brilliant choice! I hope you do something like it again (though I know it was a pain). Random thought I had when rereading The Lord of the Rings a while back: If you'll notice in the "death" scenes for both Sauron and Saruman (I put "death" in quotes since I'm not sure Maiar can ever fully die), upon defeat their spirit forms respectively reached out a menacing hand toward the united armies (Sauron) or looked wistfully toward the West (Saruman) before both were blown harmlessly away by the wind. I like to think that this is Manwe exercising just a touch of divine providence, a very subtle reminder that even by the end of the Third Age, he (and the Valar as a whole) have not completely abandoned Middle-earth.

[@davidgodfrey880]

Know others have said this - but this is a great video. Well thought out, interesting points and obviously in-depth research. Love the costume transitions - thought it really added to the overall production, well worth the effort.

[@alansimonis8283]

Whenever Lorien tries flattery to make up with his wife, he becomes an Este Lauder.

[@Valdagast]

If there is an adaptation of the Silmarillion I want the Rock to play Tulkas. And ham it up to the max. "CAN YOU SMELL WHAT TULKAS IS COOKING?"

[@pamelatarajcak5634]

I know this is more than a year old but I just had to add. Your comparison of Manwe to the Holy Spirit is totally head exploding good. And it so works. Especially in the Gospel according to St. Luke and the Annunciation as the Holy Spirit was the One to actually do the impregnation of Mary. And since Manwe is married to Varda, your Mary parallel, it really works.

[@markusrobinson3858]

Yo girl, re "I don't have any muscles." Seriously wrong, there's that amazing one you share with us all behind your eyes. Thanks!

[@jek__]

This is beautiful, the core of the story and your presentation. I teared up in some places. I feel a strongest connection to auele, yavanna, and nienna

[@JessWLStuart]

Very well presented! Kudos for bringing Tolkien's Catholic viewpoints into this description.

[@masonswayer6522]

Great video. I just wanted to point out that you at one point regarding hades say that he, “is never, ever swayed by any degree of begging or petitioning.” I would like to firmly disagree with this statement. You can find examples of contradictions in stories such as Orpheus going down into the underworld to recover his lover, or Heracles going into the underworld to bring Cerberus to Greece as one of his labors. Though I understand that you are a Tolkien scholar and not a Greek mythology scholar. Loved the video overall.

[@HS-su3cf]

Excellent video. Good overview of the Valar.

[@leonwilkinson8124]

Marvelous costume changes! Brava! Brava! Maestra! Maestra Jess!

[@waltonsmith7210]

Youre more insightful than the average Tolkien KZbinr.

[@firenze6478]

I’ve always viewed the valar as archangels

[@TarninTheGreat]

Well, that was lovely. I was not expecting the costume changes, the first one took me totally by surprise. But every one was great. Wonderful video on really cool topic.

[@mhmt1453]

I liked the flower garland. Very complimentary.

[@QuixoticCowboy]

WRT what you said about Hades in greek mythology at 11:54 and him never being swayed, the legend of Orpheus begs to differ. Orpheus laments the loss of his love Eurydice in song in front of Hades who is so moved that he allows Orpheus to take Eurydice's spirt back to the land of the living. (sadly this does not come to pass to no fault of Hades though and so is a bit irrelevant here)

[@BecauseOfDragons]

Great stuff. I always get confused remembering the Valar so this is very handy. Loved the costume changes to match the characters and the detailed look at where inspiration might have come from!

[@rlk54]

Well, I believe that a good night's sleep is the best healer.

[@MrFunktone]

Hi Jess just found your channel, wow I'm quite blown away by your knowledge and the quality of your productions. So good 👍 thank you

[@pohjanvanamo]

Liked the video. The idea of different wizards having learned from different senders and then doing their thing, and that one that learned from compassion and sorrow was the most help saving the world, is interesting. Also, as of my knowledge, wind and spirit are the same word in hebrew, just the context defines which one we are talking about. (I don't know hebrew, but my dad did, and I think heard it from him.) Liked your costumes too and vivid descriptions :)

[@robertneal4244]

I, for one, enjoyed the costumes and makeup, especially Varda.

[@jlrinc1420]

Plutos is actually swayed one time by the harp of Orpheus. He goes into the underworld to get his wife back and to convince pluto to let her return he plays a beatiful song that causes Pluto to weep. Pluto tells him he can take his wife back with him but she will follow him and he is not to look back at her till he gets to the top. Of course Orpheus looks back and loses his wife forever.

[@f0restangel]

I just found your KZbin Channel and I'm SO in love with all of your videos! I've been binge watching everything.. sending you love

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm so glad you're enjoying the channel! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave this comment, it made my day!

[@tylerbarrett6652]

My favorite poem came to mind as you were talking about the historian of Arda who weaves everyone's story into an ever-growing tapestry. I haven't thought of this poem in years... and I don't remember much of it now (I'm getting old), but it was written by William Butler Yeats (if I remember correctly) and is about wrapping the most comfortable blanket around the one you love and spreading it out upon the ground to cushion his/her feet. The poet says that he has made this blanket from the threads of his dreams, and it closes "... tread carefully, because you tread upon my dreams". Thanks for prompting that memory. Now... I'm going to have to go find it and read it again. I can't believe that I've forgotten most of it after all these years... can't even remember how he titled the poem. (Grrrr... getting old is no joke... lol.) You know... you ask for comments in all your videos I think... and I've been binge watching. Occasionally I'll leave a comment; but, you must be on a hiatus or something because I have yet to get a response... or even a "like". Oh well. I love that you love the works of JRRT and feel compelled to share your thoughts about them here. Thanks for doing that.

[@tylerbarrett6652]

btw - LOVE the costume changes! Nice touch.

[@woodstock5nathan]

This is a great video with such depth of reading. The amount of effort you must have gone to is impressive, from changing costumes for each valar to the many mythologies that inspired Tolkien. Thank you.

[@jbaidley]

Your costume game in this video is exquisite.

[@jamestaylor3805]

Tolkien had the advantage of a modern interpretation on the volatile and dangerous nature of the ocean than those who created the earlier myths. To him it was no longer unpredictable, as we now understood many phenomena much better. Despite its literal world shaping power, the waters of the earth are patient, ever moving and ever working, but patient. See his description of the errosion of stone steps and fountains in Rohan whan Aragorn and companty come into the capital.

[@akostarkanyi825]

It was Ulmo's subject, Osse, lord of the sea storms who was wild and unpredictable.

[@nickthompson6642]

The different outfits were lovely beyond reckoning! Very unique and interesting and kept me watching. Content was excellent as well.

[@EllePhoenixMC]

I want to bring up one point about Hades that I think makes Mandos sound like him. In the myth of Orpheus, Orpheus lements his greif to Hades and Persophone, and Hades (with a little convincing from Persephone) allows Eurydice to go with Orpheus under the conditions that he trusts him and doesn't look back until they reach the surface. Though there's definitely differences in their characters there's a lot of similarities between their characters in Beren And Lúthien and the story of Orpheus and Eurydice.

[@FlyntzJackson]

This was incredible! Videos about the Valar can get tedious sometimes, but you made this one really fun!

[@dionysiosbbbb]

Gotta say no joke you are very beautiful and both the costumes and the end video image are BEAUTIFUL! The ending tune makes me SOOOO happy.

[@johnweigel9761]

I like Jess's change of costume with each new Vala, but she should really have worn the black outfit for Nienna and dazzling white for Varda.

[@SCORPCANCER]

Interesting to note: there are some literary connections between J.R.R Tolkien's mythology and William Blake's one. I will give two references: the first one is Noad, Charles E. (1996) "Frodo and his Spectre: Blakean Resonances in Tolkien," Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 21: No. 2, Article 12. The second one: there is a footage from KZbin from Zoavision, Blake and Tolkien's Mythmaking. Blake's epic poem Vala, or the Four Zoas and the character of Orc, for example.

[@chromes5567]

Excited to give this a watch/listen during my commute.

[@danielsaan1976]

HI Jess, Mate, you said "Ainur" like I imagine Icelanders would say it....(I need to find an icelander to test this hypothesis, but still...), and I think Tolkien would have been pretty happy about that. Did you read T's autobiography? There is a lot of lovely stuff in it about his fascination with Languages and conlangs. It's by Hymphrey Carpenter (AFAIR), and it's magic (hehehe). C S Lewis gets a mention and several other British story tellers that who we (fantasy geeks) revere, to this day. I like your channel. Keep it up

[@Nienna_Asyare]

Oooo I’m quite glad to see this!

[@patrickmckenney9663]

... archetypes ... see this concept fully developed, in fact originated, in the work of Carl Jung, the great Swiss psychologist ... these archetypal characterizations have existed throughout the known history of mankind's storytelling in multiple forms, and come into sharp modern conceptual clarity in Jung's conception of the archetypes of the collective unconscious ... which ideas, the collective unconscious, and the archetypal expression of our own being, almost certainly informs the worldwide love of the mythic universe of J.R.R. Tolkien ... ... thank you ... another very informative and entertaining video ...

[@reclusa1379]

Loving the "costume" changes and the explainers in general. Thanks.

[@astasia79]

Thanks so much for this video! You do great job

[@LyricBent]

yo the makeup changes were so cool

[@JM-do6wc]

Great job!! Fascinating!!

[@andreviana1369]

Amazing video!!! I love the transitions. ❤

[@larsgottlieb]

You have a ton of fun with this, and it shows! Great video, thank you (o: