Guide to The Silmarillion: Of the Sun and the Moon and the Hiding of Valinor (Ch. 11)

Chapter Eleven: Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor

After the flight of the Noldor, the Valar sat long in the Ring of Doom. But they were not idle. When they learned that Fëanor had come to Middle-earth, they tried but were unable to heal the trees. However, Telperion bore one last silver flower, and Laurelin bore one last golden fruit. Manwë hallowed them, and Aulë made vessels in which to preserve them. They were given to Varda that they might become “lamps of heaven”. 

The sun was a sign for the awakening of Men and the waning of the Elves; but the “moon cherished their memory.” The sun and moon were each guided by one of the Maiar.

The moon arose first, just as Fingolfin blew his silver trumpets upon the shores of Middle-earth. Varda set the sun and moon on their journeys, each lighting the earth in their own time. Morgoth hated the new lights and was confounded by them.

The Sun and Moon

The Sun

• Made from the last golden fruit of Laurelin

• Guided by Arien, a Maia of Vána

• Called “Anar” (The Fire-Golden) by the Vanyar

• Called “Vása” (The Heart of Fire) by the Noldor

• Arien was chosen because she was a spirit of fire who was not deceived by Melkor in the beginning, and she did not fear the heats of Laurelin

• The Sun signified the dominion of men
  and the waning of the Elves

• The Sun is given feminine attributes

The Moon

• Made from the last silver flower of Telperion

• Guided by Tilion, a Maia of Oromë

• Called “Isil” (the Sheen) by the Vanyar

• Called “Rána” (The Wayward) by the Noldor

• Arose first, before the Sun

• Tilion is said to be in love with Arien
  and is always pursuing her

• Cherished the memory of the Elves

• The Moon is given masculine attributes

The Hiding of Valinor

“And of the many messengers that in after days sailed into the west, none came ever to Valinor — save one only: the mightiest mariner of song.”

The Valar raised the Pelóri and smoothed its outer sides. They fortified the outer area and placed a sleepless watch upon the Calacirya. They set the Enchanted Isles and filled the seas with shadow and bewilderment. Thus Valinor was hidden; the Blessed Realm was shut against Middle-earth.