Tulkas

Tulkas (Quenya; IPA: [ˈtulkas] - "Strong" or "Steadfast") is an Ainu, a Vala who was responsible for participating in war and the last of them to descend into Arda, coming to the aid of the others when he heard of their war with Melkor. He was also called Tulukastāz or '''Astaldo. '''Tulkas is the least powerful of all the Valar. He is also not counted among the Aratar(The Holy Ones).

Having heard of his fellow Valar's struggle against Melkor, Tulkas was the last of the Valar to descend upon Arda, thus tipping the scales of battle against Melkor. Melkor fled before him, and the Spring of Arda was begun.[2]

After the Two Lamps were erected and the Valar had made their first dwelling at Almaren, Tulkas wedded Nessa in a great feast. Being weary and content he slept, and Melkor decided his hour to retaliate had come.[3]

When the Children of Ilúvatar awoke, there was a council among the Valar regarding Melkor. Much to Tulkas's delight, it was decided that Melkor should be removed. During the War for Sake of the Elves, he wrestled with Melkor and bound him with Angainor, which was forged by Aulë.[4]

Upon Melkor's release from captivity, Tulkas remained vigilant and distrustful of him.

Character

Tulkas is described as delighting in wrestling and contests of strength. He wields no weapon, and rides no steed. As he cares little about either past or future, he was not a good counselor, but nonetheless a very hardy friend. He is described as being slow to wrath, but also slow to forgive; for that reason, he was one of the Valar that opposed the release of Melkor.

In appearance, Tulkas was described to have ruddy flesh and golden hair and beard.[1]

He also tended to be impatient; before the Awakening of the Elves he urged the other Valar to wage war against Melkor. After the Darkening of Valinor he also hurried Fëanor to take a decision about surrendering the Silmarils.[1]

Tulkas was known for laughing in sport and in battle. He was possibly the only being on Arda with the courage to laugh in the face of Melkor, the most powerful being in Valinor (at the time) - and did so once while engaged in battle with him. Despite not being one of the Aratar, Morgoth feared Tulkas more than any of the other Valar.

He was also the strongest (physically) of all the Valar. Most likely, he was physically stronger than Morgoth, as it was he who first chained him with Angainor.

Etymology

In Quenya, the name Tulkas means "Strong" and "Steadfast", from the root tuluk.[6] His Valarin name is Tulukhastāz, which means "the golden-haired", from the words tulukha(n) ("yellow") and (a)sata- ("hair of head").[7] His Ñoldorin name was Tulcus ("strong").[8]

Astaldo means "the Valiant".