What name did J.R.R. Tolkien give to the father of the Elves in his mythology?

J.R.R. Tolkien gave the name Eru Ilúvatar to the father and creator of the Elves in his mythology.

Eru Ilúvatar is the supreme creator in Tolkien’s legendarium. The name Eru means “The One,” while Ilúvatar is commonly translated as “All-father.” In the creation story later associated with The Silmarillion, Eru brings the Ainur into being and gives them the Great Music as the foundation of the world.

The Elves are called the Firstborn of Ilúvatar, while Men are the Secondborn. This distinction is important because Tolkien’s mythology treats the two peoples as related creations with different roles and destinies.

Eru should not be confused with the Valar, powerful spirits who shape and govern parts of the world. Manwë is the chief of the Valar, Aulë is associated with craftsmanship, and Melkor is the rebellious Vala later known as Morgoth. None of them is the creator of the Elves.