ARDA

Before there was anything, there was Eru, the One. He created divine beings called the Ainur from his thought. Eru taught them to make music, and together they performed a Great Music. From this cosmic symphony, a vision of a world appeared. This vision was given life by Eru's secret fire, creating the physical universe, known as Eä. However, one of the most powerful Ainur, Melkor, introduced discord into the harmony. His selfish and jarring notes created evil in the world. This clash between the beautiful themes of Eru and the harsh sounds of Melkor set the stage for all the conflicts to come in the history of Arda, the Earth. Some of the Ainur chose to enter this new world to shape it and guide it, becoming the Valar and Maiar, the guardians and powers of Middle-earth.