Forum:Religion in Middle Earth

Hi, I just wanted to point out that the topic on the Wiki about religion in Middle Earth is very misleading. Nowhere in the books is a religion dedicated to Eru mentioned. However, the Valar are mentioned and are revered and treated as deities. Elbereth for example being one such entity. Eru plays no role in the daily lives of the peoples of Middle Earth.

Many of the human tribes with the exception of the Dunedain do not even acknowledge the existence of the Valar. For them, a form of ancestor worship (eg. The Rohirrim) takes precidence over the gods. They believe that they will reside in a hall with their ancestors if they die a valorous death or live a good life.

Eru's role in Middle Earth is the creator of the world. The world is then managed by the Valar who are the caretakers, Melkor (known later as Morgoth) is one such being. The Valar and the Maia make up the gods and their "angels" (Gandalf, Sauron and Balrogs are examples of Maia). These beings, not Eru are the focus of power and worship in Middle Earth for those who are enlightened to be among the Eldar or the high Edain tribes. Otherwise it is Ancestor worship is prevalent among the lesser races of men.

For the Free Peoples of Middle Earth, Polytheism, not Monotheism is how religion is dealt with in Middle Earth. The elves do not beseech Eru they pray to the Valar, a pantheon. Orcs, Goblins and other dark races worshipped Morgoth and then later, Sauron That would be considered Monotheism because there is only one "Dark God".