Maia (Middle-earth)

The Maiar are the lesser gods and goddesses of Tolkien's Middle-earth. They were far more numerous than the Valar and tended to work under them.

The Balrogs were Maiar who rebelled along with Melkor and his servant Sauron, as were the Wizards (Istari), who were sent by the Valar in the Third Age to help the Free Peoples fight against Sauron.

There is only one recorded marriage of a Maiar: Melian, the wife of Elwë (Thingol) and mother of Lúthien.

Notable Maia from the Lord of the Rings include:


 * Gandalf (Olórin)
 * Sauron
 * Saruman (Curunír)

Notable Maia from the SIlmarillion include:


 * Melian (Melyanna)
 * Eönwë
 * Ossë
 * Arien
 * Tilion