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The Dwarves of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power frequently mention their god Aulë, who has a far more significant connection to the plot—especially Sauron—than season 1 makes it seem. The Prime Video series is based (somewhat loosely) on J.R.R. Tolkien’s history of Middle-earth and includes several familiar names from the author’s legendarium. This means The Rings of Power can explore far deeper into the lore than the Lord of the Rings movies, including into the god-like beings that created Middle-earth—both the good and the bad.
So far in The Rings of Power, Galadriel has given a brief overview of the paradise called Valinor and an even briefer look at the Valar that live there. She explained that the Vala Morgoth desired the Secret Fire that gave life and sewed discord all around the world when he couldn’t get it. What Galadriel didn’t explain was that the Valar had been demigods created by the true god of Arda, Eru Ilúvatar. This master of all things also made the Maiar (angel-like beings that included Gandalf, Saruman, and Sauron), who were meant to serve the Valar and help them create and run the world—but it didn’t work out that way.
Aulë Created The Dwarves Of Middle-Earth In Tolkien Canon
Though most of Eru Ilúvatar’s Valar behaved as they were supposed to, a couple stepped out of bounds. Of course, one of these was Melkor (AKA Morgoth), who desperately desired the power to create life. This power, known as the Secret Flame, was something only Ilúvatar could wield. So, the Vala turned to capturing Ilúvatar’s creations and turning them into evil beings that he could control (like Orcs and Balrogs)—and this became a thorn in the side of anyone living in Arda (the world containing Middle-earth).
The other Vala that didn’t follow Ilúvatar’s rules was Aulë—a name mentioned frequently by the Dwarves in The Rings of Power. After the creation of Arda, Ilúvatar made the Elves, known as the Children of Ilúvatar, and placed them around the continent, asleep until the creator deemed it was time for them to wake up and live their lives. Aulë became impatient for this, so he decided to create his own version of these new beings. Of course, he had never seen the Elves before and did not possess the Secret Flame. Therefore, his creations looked entirely different and had no real consciousness.
When Ilúvatar found out about Aulë’s creations, he chastised the Vala, who immediately repented and offered the Dwarves to the god to be destroyed. This was where Aulë and Melkor differed—the former had made his little beings out of love, while the latter wished only for power. Seeing this, Ilúvatar breathed true life into the Dwarves and placed them within the ground to wake up after the Elves. One of these was Durin, ancestor of Prince Durin IV from The Rings of Power, who went on to establish Khazad-dûm.
Sauron & Saruman Were Both Aulë’s Pupils
When the Valar were assigned tasks throughout Arda, they were given Maiar to assist them. This included some familiar Lord of the Rings characters such as Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and Sauron (though, at this point, they each went by different names). The Maiar studied under the Valar and became experts at their craft. It is often assumed that Sauron served under Melkor since he was famously the Dark Lord’s Lieutenant before the War or Wrath. However, he and Saruman both had been pupils of Aulë.
Aulë had been known as the Smith and was responsible for shaping the land and its minerals. These were skills he passed on to his Maiar students, which is why Sauron was knowledgeable enough to make the Rings of Power (something audiences saw at the end of The Rings of Power season 1). Aulë also became a teacher to the Elves, with Fëanor (the elf who created the Silmarils) being a particular favorite. Therefore, between his creation of the Dwarves and his mentorship of some of the most important artisans of The Lord of the Rings canon, Aulë had a pivotal role in the events leading up to the story of The Rings of Power.
Why Two Of Aulë’s Pupils Turned Bad
Aulë’s rebellious faze in creating the Dwarves, plus the dark path taken by two of his pupils (and even Fëanor), could easily make the Vala look bad. What’s more, he was the being most like the LOTR villain Morgoth since both Valar had jobs that pivoted on creation (and, therefore, both had the innate desire to create life). However, Aulë’s intentions were always good. Everything he made was for the glory of Ilúvatar, and when he occasionally did something wrong, he was quick to repent—unlike the Dark Lord.
Still, it’s no coincidence that Aulë’s pupils had a tendency for evil. The Lord of the Rings lore often explored the beauty and dangers of creation. To create is power, and though this was meant to be something beautiful, it was often the start of a downward spiral. Throughout Tolkien lore, there was a seductive temptation associated with creation, and though Aulë managed to stay on the side of good, he had an inadvertent nature that inspired rebellion.
Will The Valar (Including Aulë) Appear In The Rings Of Power Season 2?
By the time of The Lord of the Rings, the Valar are nearly forgotten in Middle-earth. They resided in Valinor and were likely there to greet the Elves (as well as Frodo, Bilbo, and Sam) when they came to the Undying Lands from the Grey Havens. However, they had long since stopped interfering with the beings of the mortal realm, instead sending the Istari to take care of Sauron. However, the Valar still has a part to play in The Rings of Power —which could mean the gods will make an appearance.
Queen Miriel’s dream of her great island city of Númenor being destroyed by massive waves is, unfortunately, destined to come true—and it will all be the work of the Valar. These events will start with Pharazôn, who will become king and be manipulated by Sauron into trying to conquer Valinor. Of course, he will not be successful, and the act of hubris will cost his people everything. Assuming that The Rings of Power will follow this canon plot, it could be that audiences will see Valar like Aulë in future seasons.
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