In Tolkien's mythology, there is one god, Eru Iluvatar (the One). From his thought sprang the Ainur, immortal spirits that the One instilled with music and asked to sing. As ages past, the music was refined and the voices joined in glorious harmony. This Great Music gave birth to Eä (the Universe). Each Valar (the Greater Ainur) had a part in this song and forged Menel (the Heavens) and Arda (the Earth). At the heart of this wonderful marvel called Existence was the Flame Imperishable, that which gave life.

There were 15 Valar (singular, Vala), who worked through their lesser Ainur brethren, the Maiar (singular, Maia). The Valar's role was the creation and guardianship of Arda and the Heavens. Each exemplifies one or more of Eru's thoughts, overseeing his or her themes creating detail on behalf of the One. However, the greatest Valar, Melkor, sought a larger part in the scheme and sang of his own desire. His desire to manipulate the Flame of Life and create his own vision was the beginning of Evil. He became Morgoth - the Black Enemy. When the Ainur passed into Eä, he worked contrary to the schemes of the other Valar, subverting or destroying their work. He brought with him many of the Maiar whom he corrupted, including Sauron and the Balrogs.

Varda was the counterpart of Manwë, leader of the Valar and closest in thought to Eru. Truly the Queen of the Heavens, she created the stars and other vessels of Light, and was the epitome of noble strength and beauty. A firm opponent of Morgoth (who desired her), she strongly supported the Free Peoples in their actions against evil once Morgoth ran rampant in Arda.

Varda, also called Elbereth Gilthoniel, was beloved by the elves and invoked to ward off the Shadow. Frodo called to her in the battle with the Nazgûl on Weathertop. As the Hand of Varda, we are an active force in Middle Earth working in the name of the Light that banishes the Darkness.