Exploring the Historical Eras of Arda in LOTR
Delve into the captivating lore of Middle-earth as we unravel the epic history of Arda From the primeval era to the age of flourishing trees and the radiant era of the sun, explore the enchanting epochs that shaped Tolkien's legendary world
J. R. R. Tolkien's work provides fans with a vast amount of detailed information. From the origins of the world to the intricate details of battles, Tolkien's storytelling is comprehensive. The planet that serves as the backdrop for Middle-earth is called Arda, and although it is canonically a prehistoric Earth, its creation myth is extensively documented. The time preceding the events of the narrative is divided into three significant eras.
Fans of Lord of the Rings are aware that a wealth of additional information exists in the appendices and style guides. While many are content with the knowledge presented in the movies, there are enthusiasts of the intricate lore who seek out the most obscure sources to uncover it. Unlike franchises such as Game of Thrones, where ancient stories are concealed behind layers of metafiction, diligent Middle-earth scholars can delve into every aspect of its creation.
The Days Before Days
In the beginning, Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme omnipotent being, created the Ainur from the sparks of the Flame Imperishable. Each Ainur possessed a part of the deity's mind. Eru Ilúvatar then instructed them through song, eventually urging them to synchronize with him in the Music of the Ainur. Their harmonious music gave rise to the universe, which later came to be known as Eä. Within the vast void of Ilúvatar's creation, a planet called Arda was forged. Fifteen mighty Ainur journeyed to Arda and took on the name Valar, while numerous lesser Ainur became the Maiar. Melkor, the fifteenth and most powerful Valar, disrupted the harmony of the Music of the Ainur and sought to conquer Arda. As the Valar arrived, a period known as The Days Before Days commenced.
Upon his arrival, Melkor claimed dominion over all of Arda. His brother Manwë opposed him, leading to thousands of years of conflict. The First War ravaged Arda for millennia, with Melkor obliterating the mountains and seas created by the other Valar. However, Tulkas, the Champion of the Valar, turned the tides of the battle, compelling Melkor to retreat into the void. Manwë and his comrades erected the Two Lamps, casting light upon the world, thus initiating the Spring of Arda. Secretly, Melkor resurfaced and constructed the Iron Mountains as he awaited his moment. He destroyed the Two Lamps, disrupting the perfect symmetry of Arda. This catastrophic assault caused the land to fracture into continents: Aman in the west, Middle-earth in the south, and the Land of the Sun in the east. Although shrouded in darkness once more, Arda persisted.
The Years of the Trees
To replace the Two Lamps, the Valar constructed the Two Trees. Telperion and Laurelin illuminated Aman while leaving Middle-earth in darkness. The Years of the Trees witnessed the awakening of the Elves, the initial race of the Children of Ilúvatar. Many Elves chose to follow the Valar to Aman, while a portion remained behind. This event became known as the Sundering of the Elves. While the Valar dealt with the Elves, Melkor languished in chains. Melkor expressed remorse for his crimes, evoking sympathy from his brethren. They released him, and he sowed discord among the Elves. His intricate plan revolved around the figure of Finwë, a king, and his two sons, Feänor and Fingolfin. Melkor enlisted the help of a colossal primordial spider named Ungoliant to steal the Silmarils, which contained the radiance of the Two Trees. He murdered Finwë and employed the Silmarils to annihilate the Trees. Feänor grew enraged by the Valar's inaction and led an army to confront Melkor, whom he cursed with the name Morgoth. In need of ships, Feänor's plea for assistance was rejected by the vessel owners. This led to the first Kinslaying in the planet's history. Consequently, Feänor's people were cursed and banished, forcing them to journey across the sea to Middle-earth.
The Years of the Sun
With the destruction of the Two Trees, the Valar acquired the last fruit from Laurelin and the final flower from Telperion. These precious items were placed in the heavens, giving birth to the sun and the moon. As a result, the Children of Ilúvatar began to measure time in solar years, just as it occurs in reality. The conclusion of the First Age and all subsequent ages, including the Second, Third, and Fourth Ages, took place within The Years of the Sun. Although Feänor met a heroic death while battling Morgoth's Balrogs, his sons established kingdoms in his honor. Over time, the Valar responded to the pleas for assistance from the Elves, ultimately banishing Morgoth into the void and leaving Sauron to assume his malevolent legacy.
The initial two eras in the history of Arda encompassed countless millennia of divine struggles between forces of good and evil. Although the exceptional conflicts in Morgoth's battle against the Valar possess immense potential, their depiction is limited to concise mythological language. The Days Before Days and Time of Trees can be regarded as ancient faiths, despite their stories being recognized as canonical. These narratives may never receive the comprehensive explanation they truly deserve, yet they provide a captivating crash course on the origins of Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings holds a significant place in the world of entertainment. Initially a series of novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, it later gained fame through the acclaimed film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. Additionally, there have been several video games based on The Lord of the Rings, differing in terms of their quality.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, I am fascinated by the rich history of Arda and the captivating events that shaped this extraordinary world. From the Ainulindalë, the Music of the Ainur that brought forth the universe, to the cataclysmic battles between the Valar and Melkor, the lore of Arda is a tapestry of epic tales and profound mythology.
The creation of Arda and the subsequent conflicts that erupted between the Ainur and Melkor set the stage for the events that unfold in The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings. The shaping of the world, the awakening of the Elves, and the treachery of Morgoth are pivotal moments that left an indelible mark on the history of Middle-earth. I find it remarkable how Tolkien delves into the intricate details of these ancient eras, providing readers with a glimpse into the primordial forces that shaped the world they know and love.
