Of the Beginning of Days

"We have a long way to go, and there is time ahead for thought." — Treebeard This article or section is in the early stages of construction and should not be viewed as complete, or even close to being finished.

The Silmarillion chapters

Ainulindalë Valaquenta Quenta Silmarillion Of the Beginning of Days Of Aulë and Yavanna Of the Coming of the Elves Of Thingol and Melian Of Eldamar Of Fëanor Of the Silmarils Of the Darkening of Valinor Of the Flight of the Noldor Of the Sindar Of the Sun and Moon Of Men Of the Return of the Noldor Of Beleriand and its Realms Of the Noldor in Beleriand Of Maeglin Of the Coming of Men Of the Ruin of Beleriand Of Beren and Lúthien Of the Fifth Battle Of Túrin Turambar Of the Ruin of Doriath Of the Fall of Gondolin Of the Voyage of Eärendil Akallabêth Of the Rings of Power

Of the Beginning of Days is the first chapter of the Quenta Silmarillion section within The Silmarillion.

Synopsis

Illuin, Lamp of the Valar by Ted Nasmith

Following the entrance of the Ainur as the Valar, Arda was still lifeless and had no distinct geographical features. The initial shape of Arda, chosen by the Valar, was of a symmetrical continent lit by two lamps wrought by Aulë the Smith, filled with light by Varda, and hallowed by Manwë: Illuin in the north, and Ormal in the south. The lamps illuminated all the Earth and both lights mixed in the centre, in the Valar's dwelling: the isle Almaren in the middle of the Great Lake.

But as the Valar rested from their toils, Melkor delved the fortress of Utumno in secret beneath the mountains in the north, and came forth suddenly, taking the Valar at unawares, and destroyed the lamps. Thus the symmetry of Arda was marred, but Melkor fled to Utumno before the wrath of Manwë and Tulkas, and the Earth groaned in their wake. The might of the Valar was then put towards saving their labour, and they feared to put forth their power like so again, for they knew not where or when the Children of Ilúvatar would awake.

The Spring of Arda ended and the world was again darkened. Two main continents were created that concern the story: Aman on the far West, and Middle-earth to the East, both separated by the Great Sea. It was in Aman where the Valar made their new abode, and they raised up the Pelóri mountains as a fortification against Melkor, across the Sea of Belegaer, in Middle-earth. Manwë, chief of the Valar, set his throne upon the highest peak of the Pelóri: Taniquetil. Thus the Valar made for themselves a home in the utmost West, in Aman, which is called Valinor, and established the city of Valmar.

Melkor hid himself from the Valar in Utumno, which, after the marring, was in the north of Middle-earth. He surrounded himself with horrible beasts, many of them Maiar in the form of fell creatures, known as Balrogs. These were to remain some his most faithful, and dreadful, servants and soldiers ever after.

At this time, all was dark. So, upon the mound of Ezellohar in Valinor, Yavanna, with the aid of Nienna, brought forth the Two Trees: the elder Telperion, with fluttering leaves of shining silver, and the younger Laurelin, from which came forth a radiant, golden light. Thus began the Days of Bliss of Valinor, and also the Count of Time.

External links

• Chapter discussion at BarrowDowns.com