The main part of this article relates to the version of Middle-earth's history that is considered canon by most Tolkien fans who accept such labels (see: Middle-earth canon). This subject's portrayal in earlier or alternative versions is discussed in the other versions of the legendarium section.

In the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, the Vanyar are the highest of the High Elves. According to legend, the clan was founded by Imin, the first Elf to awake in Cuiviénen, his wife Iminyë, and their twelve companions; but eventually it was Ingwë, the first Vanya to travel with Oromë to Valinor, who became their king.

Ingwë is called High King of the Elves. He lives on Taniquetil beneath the halls of Manwë. All of the Vanyar journeyed to Valinor before the beginning of the First Age, and remained there.

Another notable Vanya was Indis, the second wife of Finwë and grandmother of Galadriel. It is to her Vanyarin blood that Galadriel owes her famous silver-gold hair.

The Vanyar were the first and smallest clan of the Elves. They typically had blonde hair. Few of them were ever seen in Middle-earth, as they only returned for the War of Wrath.

The name Vanyar means "the Fair" in Quenya, referring to their golden hair.

Other versions of the legendarium

In the earliest versions of Tolkien's mythology (see: The History of Middle-earth), they were called Teleri, while the elves known as Teleri in the published version of The Silmarillion were called Solosimpi.