Were Aliens Ever Born in Arda in The Lord of the Rings?

In the vast and intricate universe of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the question of whether an alien entity could have been born or created within Arda is both intriguing and complex. To answer this, we need to delve into the deeper understanding of the cosmology and the nature of beings in Middle-earth.

Understanding Arda and Its Beings

Arda is the name given to the world in which most of the events in The Lord of the Rings take place. However, for a being to be considered an alien in Arda, it would have to be born or created outside of the same cosmological order. This is a fascinating concept, as Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth is based on a detailed cosmology that encompasses the entire reality.

Non-Arda Beings

There are several examples of beings who are not part of Arda but interact with it:

The Ainur

The Ainur are the angelic spirits created by Eru Ilúvatar. They are not born in Arda, nor are they created within it. Instead, they are the servants of Eru and were formed in the Music of the Ainulindal?. Their existence predates Arda, and they are therefore not considered part of an alien category within the context of Arda.

Ungoliant and Tom Bombadil

Ungoliant, a terrifying spider-like being, and Tom Bombadil, both fall into a similar category. They are pre-creation forces that existed prior to the world of Arda. They are also not considered as aliens born in Arda.

Born but Not Natively Ardam

However, there are beings that, while not originating in Arda, are born there. This raises the question of whether an alien can truly live within Arda.

Eldar, Avari, and Dwarves

Tolkien's works suggest that certain spirits such as the Elves (Eldar), Men (Avari), and Dwarves were born within Arda but are not natives of it. Their existence within Arda is a result of the Incarnation, where their spirits were directly created by Eru Ilúvatar and united with a physical form fashioned from Middle-earth. The spirits themselves are alien, originating from beyond Arda's borders.

Creating Spirits in Arda

The spirits within Arda are created by Ilúvatar in a specific process that includes direct creation from beyond the world. This creation involves a division of spirit from Ilúvatar, which comes into the world through the Incarnation process. The spirits need a physical body to manifest within Arda, but their essence is not of Arda itself.

Special Cases

There are rare cases where specific spirits or beings are created to interact with Arda, such as Lúthien, who was created by the Valar to be a bride for Beren. Similarly, Shelob, the giant demonic spider, is the offspring of Ungoliant, another pre-creation force.

Conclusion

While there are no beings specifically born in Arda that are truly aliens, the question of whether beings from outside can be created or birthed within Arda is less about their origin and more about their nature and involvement within the constructed universe. The term alien in this context is more about their spiritual and existence origins rather than their physical location.