Ariën

Arien was a Maia-maiden, who first served Vána the "Ever-young" before she was charged to sail the vessel of the Sun. Arien was originally a spirit of fire whom Melkor was unable to deceive, or draw to his service. Her eyes were said to be too bright for even the Eldar to look upon. In the Years of the Trees, Arien tended to the golden flower gardens of Vána, watering the flowers with bright dews collected from the great, golden tree Laurelin. Later, the Valar chose Arien to carry the new vessel of the Sun because she was the only one who could courageously bear the heats of Laurelin, and was unhurt by it.[1] While in Valinor, Arien took a physical form similar to that of the Valar; but when she left Valinor, she forsook her raiment and became a "naked flame of fire, terrible in the fullness of her splendour".[2]

Later on, when the great Two Trees of Valinor were destroyed by Morgoth and Ungoliant, the golden tree Laurelin managed to produce one last golden fruit before it died away. Subsequently Aulë, the "Greatest Craftsman of Arda", then created a vessel to hold the last golden fruit of Laurelin. However, the Maia Tilion, chosen to steer the vessel of the Moon, had traversed seven times before the vessel of the Sun was ready. So after the vessel for the Sun, named Anar the Fire-golden was ready at last, Arien carried it up into the Heavens, giving light to the World. Hence, Anar rose in glory and the first dawn of the Sun was like a great fire glowing upon the towers of the Pelóri mountains in Aman. And the clouds of Middle-earth were kindled, and many waterfalls were heard. At this, Morgoth was dismayed, and he descended to the lowest pits of Angband, withdrawing his servants as well. Thence, Morgoth sent forth great reeks and darkness of clouds to hide his own land from the new light of the Sun. Morgoth feared Arien greatly, and dared not come close to her.[2] It was said that Arien easily burned away the dark powers, but Tilion was waylaid and hard-pressed to hold his own, but still managed to pull through.[2]

It has been told that Arien was more powerful than Tilion, who was drawn to Arien and occasionally followed her through the night sky but when catching up to her, the Island of the Moon became burned and blackened by Arien's heat when in close proximity to her. Moreover, the Valar stored the great radiance of the Sun in many vessels, vats, and pools to use for their comfort in times of darkness.[1] As Arien was the "Guardian of the Sun", she was one of the most loved of the Maiar by mortal Men, as her first journey across the sky was the signal of the Awakening of Men.[2]