— Ch. 1 · The Music Of The Ainur —
The Silmarillion.
~5 min read · Ch. 1 of 7
Eru Ilúvatar, the One God of this fictional universe, first created a group of eternal spirits known as the Ainur. He brought them together and showed them a theme from which he bade them make a great music. Melkor, who possessed the greatest power and knowledge among all the Ainur, broke from the harmony to develop his own song. Some Ainur joined him while others continued to follow Ilúvatar, causing discord in the music. This happened three times with Eru Ilúvatar successfully overpowering his rebellious subordinate with a new theme each time. The vision of Arda appeared before the music stopped, offering the Ainur the chance to enter and govern the world. Many accepted, taking physical form to become either Valar or Maiar. The greater Ainur became the Valar while the lesser became the Maiar.
Wars Over Three Jewels
Fëanor, son of Finwë King of the Noldor, created three jewels that glowed with the captured light of the Two Trees of Valinor. These Silmarils were stolen by Melkor after he killed Finwë and fled to Middle-earth. Fëanor swore an oath of vengeance against anyone who withheld the Silmarils from him, even the Valar. His seven sons took the same oath and persuaded most of the Noldor to pursue Melkor across the sea. They seized ships from the Teleri, killing many of them during the journey. The Elves fought Melkor in Beleriand for nearly four hundred years. Fëanor was eventually killed by Balrogs but his sons continued the war. Beren, a Man, stole one Silmaril from Melkor's crown with help from Lúthien. This union between Man and Elf occurred despite Thingol's initial refusal. The final battle saw Eärendil flying his ship Vingilot defeat Ancalagon The Black. Most of Beleriand sank into the sea as the First Age ended.