Mandos

Mandos - also known by the name Námo - was called the Doomsman of the Valar and keeper of the slain in his Halls in the West of Valinor. The Sindarin equivalent of Námo is Badhron. Námo was more commonly known as Mandos - Meaning prison-fortress - which is more correctly the name of his dwelling. The Sindarin name for Mandos is Bannoth.

Námo was the brother of the Vala Lórien. Together, Námo and Lórien are called the Fëanturi, meaning Masters of Spirits. Their sister is Nienna.

Námo is said to be the grimmest of the Valar. However, this in no way implies that Námo is dark or evil. His grimness is wholly part of his nature, coming - one must assume - from that part of the mind of Ilúvatar from which he was created. Neither is Námo willful or malevolent in declaring the fates of Arda. Only at the bidding of Manwë will Námo ever pronounce his dooms. Námo and Manwë have always been allied since their entering into Eä, and together they understand most clearly the Vision of Ilúvatar more than any of the other Valar. Together they know nearly all of what is to come within the realm of Arda, though not all. Only Ilúvatar knows with full certainty what the full doom of Arda will be, and he will not reveal it all, even to Námo or Manwë.