Aulë is the Vala who serves as the smith and craftsman of the Valar in J.R.R. Tolkien's mythology.
Aulë is associated with making, craftsmanship, substance, and the physical shaping of Arda. His desire to create living beings led him to fashion the Dwarves before the awakening of Elves and Men. Ilúvatar accepted the Dwarves as adopted children, but required Aulë to place them into sleep until their proper time.
Aulë also taught the Noldor important crafts and is connected with metals, stone, and works of great skill. His relationship with Yavanna, the Vala associated with growing things, links making and nature in Tolkien's mythic structure.
He is not the Vala of the sea, who is Ulmo, nor the Vala of hunting, who is Oromë. Tulkas is chiefly known for strength and combat.