Dates Immortal; existed before the making of Arda Race Ainur Division Maiar Pronunciation a'rien Meaning Sun-maiden1 Indexes: Ainur Alphabetical: A About this entry: Updated 5 November 2013 This entry is complete The Maia of the Sun Called the Sun-maiden, Arien was a spirit of fire who originally belonged to the Maiar of Vána. During the Years of the Trees, it was her role to bring the glowing dews of the Golden Tree Laurelin to Vána's gardens. At that time she took a form similar to one of the Children of Ilúvatar, but even so her fiery spirit could be seen in the brilliant glow of her eyes. When the Valar created the Sun from Laurelin's last fruit, Arien was given the task of directing it through the sky. At that time she cast off her old shape, and took on the appearance of a brilliantly burning flame. In that form she took charge of the vessel that Aulë had made for the new Sun, and guided it along its course above the world. Notes 1 Arien's name derives from the Elvish root ar-, literally 'day, daylight', though the name is usually interpreted 'Sun-maiden' rather than 'day-maiden'. The name Arien only makes sense after she was chosen as the guide of the Sun, so presumably she had an earlier, different name during her time in the gardens of Vána. If so, no specific record of this earlier name exists. In The Book of Lost Tales, the equivalent character is known as Urwen; this is interpretable as 'fire-maiden', and would make more general sense for a spirit of fire, though the name was superseded by Arien. See also... Anar, Flower of Silver, Golden Tree, Maiar, Narsilion, Song of the Sun and Moon, The Ever-young, The Sun, Vána, Years of the Sun Indexes: Alphabetical: A Ainur About this entry: Updated 5 November 2013 This entry is complete For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page. Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1999, 2001, 2008, 2013. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ. Website services kindly sponsored by Axiom Discovery aptitude and skill testing.Personality is one part of understanding a candidate's suitability, but aptitudes and skills are also key. |