Aulë
| House / Order | |
|---|---|
| Race / Culture | Vala (Ainu) |
| Status | Eternal |
| Origin | Valinor |
| Born | |
| Died | |
| Weapon | |
| Fate | One of the Aratar, the chief Valar |
| Portrayed by |
Aulë was one of the Valar, the great powers of Arda, and the master of all crafts and substances. A smith and maker beyond compare, he shaped much of the physical form of the world and was the patron of all who worked in stone, metal, and craft. He was numbered among the Aratar, the chief of the Valar.
Domain
Aulë's lordship was over the fabric of the earth: the rocks, gems, and metals, and the skills of smithcraft and making. He delighted in works of skill and in the act of creation itself, though without pride of possession. He was a friend and teacher to the Noldor Elves, who learned much of their craft from him. His spouse was Yavanna, the giver of fruits, whose domain over growing things sometimes set her in gentle tension with his works.
Creation of the Dwarves
Aulë is most famous as the maker of the Dwarves. Impatient for the coming of the Children of Eru Ilúvatar and desiring pupils to whom he could teach his crafts, he fashioned the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves in secret beneath the mountains. When Eru rebuked him for presuming to make life, which was Eru's alone to give, Aulë humbly offered to destroy his creations. Seeing his maker's true humility, and the Dwarves flinching from the blow, Eru took pity, accepted them as his own adopted children, and granted them real life, decreeing only that they should sleep until after the Elves awoke.
Servants
Several of the Maiar served Aulë. Among them was Sauron in his beginning, before he was corrupted by Morgoth. The Wizard Saruman was also of Aulë's people, which accorded with his interest in devices and the works of hand.