What name did J.R.R. Tolkien give the world’s creator in The Silmarillion?

J.R.R. Tolkien named the creator of the world in The Silmarillion Eru Ilúvatar.

Eru Ilúvatar is the supreme being in Tolkien’s fictional mythology. In the opening account, “Ainulindalë,” he brings the Ainur into being and presents them with themes from which the Great Music develops. Through that music, the world is conceived before its history unfolds.

The Ainur are powerful spiritual beings, but they are not equal to Eru. Among them is Melkor, later called Morgoth, whose discord introduces conflict into the Music. Tolkien’s mythology therefore gives creation a musical and theological structure rather than beginning with a conventional human-like ruler of a pantheon.

The name is sometimes shortened to Eru, while Ilúvatar is a title meaning “Father of All.” It should not be confused with Manwë, the chief of the Valar in Arda, or with Melkor, the rebellious former Vala. Those figures are important within creation, but Eru occupies a uniquely supreme position.