Ainu

The Ainur (singular Ainu, meaning Holy One) were created by Eru and were with him before the creation of Ea. The greater Ainur were known as Valar, or The Powers, and the lesser Ainur were known as Maiar.

Each of the Ainur knew only the part of Eru's mind from which they came, except for Melkor, the mightiest of the Ainur, who knew also some of the parts from which the others had come. He did not, however, know the full mind of Eru.

The Ainur were bid by Eru to create a Great Music. In the beginning, the Ainur were all in harmony with Eru and one another, but Melkor turned instead to his own pride, seeking power for himself and bringing discord to the Great Music. He later led many of the Maiar astray as well.

After the creation of Ea, many Ainur, both Valar and Maiar, went to live in it.