Arien
Arien guides the sun by Daniel Govar
Maia who guided the sun. Arien was a Maia of Varda. Arien was so bright that even the Eldar could not look upon her. After the vessels of the sun and moon were created after the Two Trees had been destroyed, the Valar needed someone to guide them around Arda. Arien was chosen by the Valar to guide the sun. She could withstand the sun's powerful flames. Tilion who guided the moon often chased her and would often be slightly burnt by her rays.
Notice: In an earlier version of the legendarium, Morgoth sought to claim Arien as his wife, and she died because of it and left the sun unguided and traveling uncontrollably around the world. It is not clear if Tolkien intended for this idea to be abandoned, for he did not live long enough to publish them in The Silmarillion.
Notice: In an earlier version of the legendarium, Morgoth sought to claim Arien as his wife, and she died because of it and left the sun unguided and traveling uncontrollably around the world. It is not clear if Tolkien intended for this idea to be abandoned, for he did not live long enough to publish them in The Silmarillion.
Names & Meanings
Arien means "maiden of sunlight" in Quenya from as meaning "sun" and ien indicating femininity.
References
The Silmarillion: "Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor;" "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names"
The History of Middle-earth, Volume X, Morgoth's Ring: "Myths Transformed," page 405
The History of Middle-earth, Volume X, Morgoth's Ring: "Myths Transformed," page 405
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