In Finnish mythology, Ilmatar or Luonnotar was the virgin goddess of the heavens. She is portrayed as androgynous with both male and female aspects, though she is primarily female. Despite her virginity, she was the mother of Väinämöinen (god of music), Lemminkäinen (god of magic) and Ilmarinen (god of smithing). In her female aspect, she was the creator of the universe. Some sources describe Ilmatar as a culture hero in her male aspect.

J. R. R. Tolkien was well educated in Finnish and Nordic mythology, and borrowed a lot from these. His creator of Arda, Ilúvatar, shares similarites with Ilmatar.