Valaren är vördad, men inte dyrkad
Faktum är att det är mycket lite dyrkan bland älvorna alls . Detta diskuteras något i Letter 153; Tolkien liknar förhållandet till en katolik som kallar en helgon:
There are thus no temples or 'churches' or fanes in this 'world' among 'good' peoples. They had little or no 'religion' in the sense of worship. For help they may call on a Vala (as Elbereth), as a Catholic might on a Saint, though no doubt knowing in theory as well as he that the power of the Vala was limited and derivative. But this is a 'primitive age': and these folk may be said to view the Valar as children view their parents or immediate adult superiors, and though they know they are subjects of the King he does not live in their country nor have there any dwelling.
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien 153: To Peter Hastings (draft). September 1954
Tidigare i brevet säger han igen att Valaren ska vara vördnad, inte dyrkad:
The immediate 'authorities' are the Valar (the Powers or Authorities): the 'gods'. But they are only created spirits – of high angelic order we should say, with their attendant lesser angels – reverend, therefore, but not worshipful
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien 153: To Peter Hastings (draft). September 1954
Det är inte omöjligt att vissa elvisa sekter, som Avari, utövade dyrkan av Valaren; men så lite är skrivet om dem som vi inte kan säga för vissa.