Tulkas

Tulkas was strong and swift, and needed no weapon or rides; he was also dominant in wrestling. He did not care about the past or future, and was slow to wrath, but could not forgive easily, so he was a Valar who opposed the freedom of Melkor. Talking about the appearance of Tulkas, he had ruddy flesh and golden beard and hair. He was a hardy friend and was mindless. He could not learn from past mistakes and acted quickly. Tulkas was famous for laughing in battle and sports. [1] He was the only creature to have the strength to laugh before Melkor, who was the most powerful at the time. His wrath could dispel clouds and darkness. Though he was not an Aratar, Morgoth feared Tulkas more than any other Valar. [2] Tulkas was also the strongest on Arda and was stronger than Morgoth because he had chained him.​

Tulkas was the last Valar to arrive in Arda after hearing about the struggle of other Ainur against Melkor. Melkor had escaped before him as he listened to his laughter, and this was when the 'Spring of Arda' started. Tulkas had married Nessa when the Valar had begun living in Almaren. Tulkas had a short-tempered nature and had convinced other Valar to declare war against Melkor before the Awakening of the Elves.

When the Children of Iluvatar awoke, Manwe formed a council about Melkor, and it was decided that he should be driven. Tulkas was happy with this decision. He had wrestled with Melkor in the Battle of Powers and defeated him. He had bound him with Angainor, the enchanted chain, and the world was free from Melkor's influence for some time. Later, Melkor repented of his deeds and was forgiven by Manwe.

Tulka did not like this. But he could not rebel and accepted the decision. When Melkor's lies became known, Tulkas looked for him in Aman, but he had fled to the south. When he caused the Darkening with Ungoliant, Tulkas searched for him in vain and could not get through the darkness. It was believed that Tulkas fought Melkor once again and defeated him. It was also said that Melkor was slain forever.​

The name 'Tulkas' means 'Steadfast' and 'Strong' in Quenya. It is derived from the root word 'tuluk'. He was called Tulukhastaz in Valarin, meaning 'the one with golden hair.' Tulcus was his Noldorin name, and he was also called 'Turenbo'.​

Some texts suggest that Melkor worked in Tulka's place after his imprisonment. In some versions of the text, it is also said that Tulkas was a spirit that did not come to Ea, while other tales suggest he was one of those spirits that entered Ea before coming to Arda for Manwe's help.​