The next part of the Silmarillion is called the Valaquenta. It's basically a role call of the Valar(the most powerful Ainu in Arda, as the World is called) and of a few Maiar(their subordinates, if you will). There's a lot of names tossed out here(Tolkien loved him some names), but don't be scared. I've put them in a nicely formatted list to make it a little less intimidating.
Manwë is the leader of the Valar, and the most powerful Ainu after Melkor, his brother(don't ask how kinship works among the Valar. Even I'm not entirely sure). He is the one who most understands Eru's will. He also loves the air and wind and birds, particularly eagles. Airbender, perhaps?
Varda is Manwë's spouse and the creator of the stars. You might know her better by the name Elbereth, as she is referenced in several poems in The Lord of the Rings. The Elves are kind of obsessed with her. She also hated Melkor even before his death metal phase.
Next on the list is Ulmo. He is in charge of all the water in Arda. He doesn't leave the seas unless shit just got real. He has no spouse, and doesn't often take forms like his peers. He prefers to get info that Manwë doesn't have through rivers and streams and what not. Waterbendering espionage?
Aulë is the builder of the Valar. He's the one who fashioned the mountains and what not, and takes just as much delight in that as he does fashioning jewelry. Earth bender, maybe? Melkor was most like him in area of expertise, but while Melkor is greedy, Aulë's like "Here, have this cool thing I made!"
Aulë's spouse is Yavanna. She is the one in charge of trees and animals. Probably kind of a hippie.
Námo is the seer of the Valar. He's also in charge of keeping the spirits of Elves in line in his halls, Mandos. Heck, he's called after his dwelling place more than his actual name. Must bug him to no end.
His wife is Vairë, who weaves the history of the world to decorate the halls of her husband. And that's it.
Irmo is Námo's brother. He is in charge of dreams and visions. His wife, Estë gives rest to all and is in charge of healing. Again, not much info.
Nienna is the sister of the previous two dudes. She is kind of emo. Actually, no kind of about it. She mourns for the hurts in the world and teaches pity and endurance to those in the halls of Mandos. I bet she's great at parties.
Tulkas is the bruiser of the group. Always ready for a fight, though not terribly bright it seems. His spouse is Nessa, sister of the next guy, and a swift runner and dancer. She often dances to entertain the other Valar. Make of that what you will.
Said sibling of Nessa is Oromë, the Huntsman of the Valar and rider of the coolest horse ever. His spouse is Vána, Yavanna's less well known sister. She loves springtime and might actually be the one in charge of Disney princesses.
There are a lot of Maiar, more than are given names here. We have Eönwë, Manwë's right hand man, Ilmarë, Varda's chief handmaiden, Ossë who likes storms and needs to be kept in line by his spouse, Uinen, Melian, who will have a fairly significant role to play in Arda's history and loves nightingales, and Olórin, the guy who doesn't do much here, but eventually becomes Gandalf, so, eh, why not list him?
Melkor is the chief bad guy in all this, with Sauron as his Number One. Also there are Balrogs, big firey beings that may or may not have wings, it's really unclear. And all sorts of nasty critters that will not be mentioned. Trust me, you'll know when they are around.
Next time: the two factions make their strongholds.
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