View source for Middle Earth Campaign Setting (4e Campaign Setting)/Mythology

====The Shaping of Eä====

=====The Beginning of Days=====

Ilúvatar gave the Ainur a choice; they could either remain beyond the confines of the world in the Timeless Halls with Ilúvatar, or they could enter the world and become bound within it until the end of days.

Fourteen of the greatest of the Ainur entered the world to be instruments in its forging. These fourteen therefore became the Valar, the “Powers of Arda”, and fourteen of their number began the long process of shaping the world, but as there was strife in the Music of the Ainur, so there was strife in the creation. While the earth was yet young, Melkor coveted it, and he said; “This shall be my kingdom, and I name it unto myself!”

But Manwë, who was the brother of Melkor in the mind of Ilúvatar, and he called many spirits to him—these Ainur entered the world and became the Maiar.

=====The First War=====

The Valar took shape and form for themselves in the image of the Children of Ilúvatar, some male and others female, a difference that they had from the beginning. Melkor saw what the Valar had done, and in envy he too visible form himself, but because of his malice his form was dark and terrible.

Melkor descended upon the world in greater power and majesty than the other Valar, his bright with wrathful fire, and thus the first war began between Melkor and the Valar. Every labour the Valar completed, Melkor undid or destroyed it. As the Valar raised mountains, Melkor toppled them. As they hollowed seas, Melkor spilled them.

However, the labours of the Valar were not entirely in vain, though their purpose was not wholly fulfilled. Slowly the world was fashioned and made firm, for Tulkas the Strong entered the world, and Melkor fled from his wrath and laughter. Melkor was cast out of the Order of the Valar and Tulkas took his place and remained in Eä.