A Word on the Creation of Arda
The story of Arda begins with Eru, The One (later known in Elvish as Ilúvatar) called upon the Ainur. These great spirits created a Great Music, and from this music was born Eä, later known as Arda. The music became the Doom of Arda and the fate of every race was bound to it, save that of the late-coming race of Men, whose end nobody but Ilúvatar knew.
Some of the Ainur went down to the newly created World and became known as the Powers of Arda. Some were guided by their knowledge of the Will of Iluvatar, while others strove to fulfill their own ends. The kingdoms of Almaren, Utumno and Angband were built in Middle-earth and the Undying Lands in Aman. Amon the Ainur there were terrible wars that shook Arda. The Elves later devided them into the Valar and the Maiar. When the shaping of the World was complete, the Valar and Maiar spirits chose to light all Arda with two Great Lamps. Aulë the Smith forged the golden vessels and, with the skills of other Valar, they were made more radiant with light. One was placed in the North and was called Illuin and the other, called Ormal, was set in the South. Each rested on a great pillar. After a time, however, the evil Vala Melkor made was and cast down the pillars, so the mountains were broken and the consuming flame of the Lamps spread all over the World. Almaren, the first kingdom of the Valar, was destroyed and the Ages of the Lamps were ended.
For more about the creation of Arda, Click Here.>>>