|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 25, 2004 14:10:05 GMT -5
Some time ago, there was a discussion on Gene Weigel’s board about a possible Middle Earth inspired AD&D campaign. I wanted to post this there, but couldn’t find the thread. When setting up a pantheon for such a game, would you consider all of the Valar as greater gods, or just the Aratar?
I’m not going to be running a Middle Earth campaign, but I’ll be stealing some of the elements for my Greyhawk campaign. The cosmology has always struck me as a little mish-mashy, and I was planning on reworking it somewhat.
Scott
|
|
dcas
Warlock
Duke of Pennsylvania, Knight Commander
Posts: 481
|
Post by dcas on Sept 26, 2004 8:35:07 GMT -5
Only Eru is properly a God in the Middle-earth cosmology. The Valar and the Maiar are angels of varying powers. Melkor, Sauron, the Balrogs, etc., are fallen angels (demons).
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 26, 2004 9:17:01 GMT -5
Valar means 'The Powers', and one of their titles is 'Gods', as well as 'Great Ones', 'Powers of Arda', and 'Powers of the World'.
There really is no direct conversion from Tolkien's Cosmology to a standard AD&D campaign cosmology, but the Valar concept could be used for the basis of a pantheon.
I wouldn't consider all of the Ainur as 'gods', but the Valar, and particularly the Aratar,
"Among [the Valar] Nine were of chief power and reverence; but one is removed from their number, and Eight remain, the Aratar, the High Ones of Arda..." from the Valaquenta
Based on that quote, if I were going to create a pantheon out of the Valar, the Aratar would certainly be greater gods, but would that remaining Valar be lesser gods, or greater gods of lesser stature.
For a standard campaign you would have to expand on this to fill the divine ranks, but it works as a basis.
Scott
|
|
