Before Sun and Moon: The Years of the Lamps

After the great Music of the Ainur and its Vision were shown by Ilúvatar, many of the Ainur chose to descend into the newly created realm of Arda. These powerful spirits, who would become known as the Valar and Maiar, entered the world when it was still dark and formless, driven by their desire to bring the Vision into being and fulfill the great themes of the Music.

The Valar, led by Manwë, began their tremendous labor of shaping Arda from its primordial state. They worked to give form to the shapeless masses, establishing the foundations of land and sea, raising mountains, and hollowing valleys according to the themes they had sung in the Ainulindalë. Their work was a reflection of the divine Music, though now given physical form in the substance of Arda.

From the very beginning, Melkor interfered with the work of his fellow Valar, seeking to dominate and corrupt their creations. Where the other Valar brought order and harmony, Melkor introduced chaos and discord, breaking down their works and twisting their designs. His actions caused great tumult in the developing world, leading to extreme heat and cold, and the marring of many of the Valar's initial works.

Aulë, the great craftsman among the Valar, forged two mighty pillars to serve as foundations for the first sources of light in Arda. The northern pillar was called Helcar, and in the south stood Ring-nil, both crafted with immense skill and power to withstand the weight of the great lamps they would bear. These pillars were made from special materials of Aulë's devising, meant to endure for ages of the world.

Upon these mighty pillars, Varda, the Lady of the Stars, kindled the Great Lamps with sacred light. The northern lamp was named Illuin, while its southern counterpart was called Ormal. Varda filled them with holy light of her own making, different from but no less magnificent than the starlight she would later create.

The Lamps were positioned with careful precision at the far ends of Middle-earth. Illuin stood upon Helcar in the north, while Ormal rested upon Ring-nil in the south. Their placement was calculated to provide optimal illumination across the vast expanses of Middle-earth, creating a perfect balance of light.

The positioning of Illuin and Ormal created an age of perpetual day in Middle-earth, as their light mingled in perfect harmony at the center of the world. There was no darkness during this time, and the world was bathed in a continuous, warm radiance that fostered growth and life. The light was neither harsh nor dim, but perfectly suited to nurture the first works of the Valar.

Under the nurturing light of the Two Lamps, the first vegetation began to appear in Middle-earth. Great forests sprouted from the soil, and countless species of plants emerged, each responding to the perpetual light in their own unique ways. The constant illumination led to unprecedented growth, creating vast green landscapes that had never been seen before or since in Arda.

Yavanna, the Giver of Fruits, established magnificent gardens across Middle-earth during this time. Her work brought forth countless forms of plants, from the smallest flowers to the mightiest trees, each contributing to the richness and diversity of the world's first ecosystem. These gardens were unsurpassed in their beauty and vitality, flourishing under the unwavering light of the Lamps.

The landscape of Middle-earth during this period displayed a remarkable symmetry, with similar features mirrored between north and south. Mountains, valleys, forests, and plains were arranged in patterns that reflected the balanced light of the Two Lamps, creating a world of perfect order and harmony that would never be seen again after its ending.

The Valar established their first dwelling place on the isle of Almaren, which lay in the midst of Middle-earth. This great island was created specifically to serve as their home, rising from the vast inland sea that occupied the central regions of the world. The Valar raised mighty halls and created works of splendor that reflected their divine nature and powers.

Almaren's location was chosen with great care, positioned exactly between Illuin and Ormal where their lights mingled most perfectly. The island basked in the combined radiance of both Lamps, making it the most beautiful and blessed place in all of Arda during this age. The perfect illumination made it an ideal setting for the Valar's works.

Upon Almaren, the Valar gathered to dwell together, making it the center of their power and creativity in Middle-earth. Here they held council, crafted their works, and labored to make the world ready for the coming of the Children of Ilúvatar. The island became a place of great beauty and purpose, where the Valar's collective wisdom and power were focused on preparing Arda.

During the Years of the Lamps, Middle-earth exhibited a perfect symmetry that would never again be achieved in later ages. The balanced light from Illuin and Ormal created matching patterns of growth and development across the northern and southern regions, while the central regions enjoyed the perfect mixing of light from both sources. This symmetry extended to the very geography of the land itself.

Each of the Valar contributed to maintaining the ordered world in their own way. Manwë governed the airs and winds, Ulmo regulated the waters, Aulë strengthened the substance of the earth, and Yavanna nurtured all growing things. Together with their fellow Valar, they worked in harmony to maintain the perfect balance of the world under the Lamps' light.

The first patterns of weather and seasons in Middle-earth were gentle and regular, governed by the steady light of the Lamps. Without the later influence of Sun and Moon, these patterns were more subtle than what would come after, creating conditions that were consistently favorable for growth and life. The climate was temperate and predictable, maintained by the careful work of the Valar.

Melkor, consumed by jealousy and desire for dominion, launched a devastating assault on the Pillars of the Lamps. He gathered evil spirits to his cause and struck when the Valar were not present to defend their works, targeting the foundations of light that illuminated Middle-earth. His attack was sudden and carefully planned to cause maximum destruction.

The destruction of Helcar and Ring-nil was catastrophic, as the mighty pillars collapsed under Melkor's onslaught. The fall of these massive structures sent shockwaves throughout Arda, and the Lamps they held shattered upon impact with the earth. The sacred light of Illuin and Ormal spilled across the land, causing great fires and destruction.

The breaking of the Lamps resulted in massive changes to the shape of Middle-earth. Lands were broken and seas were created where none had been before. The inland sea where Almaren stood was drained, and new waters flooded other regions. Mountains rose and valleys deepened as the very foundation of the world was altered by this calamity.

This devastating event marked the end of the Spring of Arda and the Years of the Lamps. The perpetual light was extinguished, and darkness fell upon Middle-earth for the first time since the Valar began their labors. The perfect symmetry of the world was forever marred, and the Valar were forced to abandon Middle-earth, retreating to establish a new home in the West.