Elentári

Greetings.

At times I sit back and wonder about the ultimate beauty in Tolkien's writings. His love for the æsthetics (in linguitics and the other arts) cleared the way for things of majestic grandeur. But, I will stop here, for only God knows how long the complete analysis of the beauty in Tolkien's writings will be.
There is however one entity of supreme beauty that caught my attention more than anything else in Tolkien's work. Beyond the indescribable radiance in the faces of the Elves, there is above all grace in the Kingdom of Arda, the beauty of the Queen of Queens: Varda.

Elbereth possesses a mystery that lies hidden, I believe, in the mind and heart of J. R. R. Tolkien - God bless his soul.

What exactly inspired the Father of High Fantasy Literature to mention the Queen of the Stars in his legendarium?

[Raynor]

From the celtic myths, it would mostly be Arianrhod, ("silver wheel"); both live in a star realm (Corona Borealis / Valinor after being sundered); they are supreme in their own way - Arianrhod as mother of all gods, Varda as the greatest of the valier, wife of Manwe, keeper of Eru's pure light.

In the greek legendarium, the closest to her would be Selene, goddess of the moon. If we accept the moon - star corespondance, then I am sure we can find synodeities in other legendariums.

[davem]

Tolkien gave this description of Elbereth (from 'The Road Goes Ever On')

As a "divine" or "angelic" person Varda/Elbereth could be said to be "looking afar from heaven" (as in Sam's invocation); hence the use of a present participle.'" She was often thought of, or depicted, as standing on a great height looking towards Middle-earth, with eyes that penetrated the shadows, and listening to the cries for aid of Elves (and Men) in peril or grief. Frodo (Vol. I, p. 208) and Sam both invoke her in moments of extreme peril. The Elves sing hymns to her. (These and other references to religion in The Lord of the Rings are frequently overlooked. ) .

Very close to some depictions of the Virgin Mary....