Middle Earth

Before the world existed, the supreme creator, Eru Ilúvatar, brought forth immortal spirits called the Ainur. Through their divine Music, they sang the universe into existence. One of the greatest Ainur, Melkor, rebelled, introducing discord into the Music out of pride and a desire to rule. Entering the world (Arda), Melkor became its first Dark Lord. The Valar, the mightiest Ainur, shaped the world and prepared it for the Children of Ilúvatar: Elves, who awoke first, and later Men. Melkor stole the radiant Silmarils—three jewels containing the light of the Two Trees—from the Elf Fëanor, who swore a terrible oath that sparked centuries of war. Eventually, Melkor was defeated and cast into the Void. His greatest servant, Sauron, rose in the Second Age. Disguised as a benevolent teacher, he helped forge the Rings of Power, then secretly created the One Ring to dominate all others. An alliance of Elves and Men defeated him, and Isildur cut the Ring from his hand, but instead of destroying it, he claimed it. The Ring was lost for centuries. In the Third Age, the Ring came to Bilbo Baggins, then to his nephew Frodo. Guided by Gandalf and aided by the Fellowship, Frodo journeyed to Mount Doom to destroy it while the Free Peoples resisted Sauron's armies. With Gollum's unwitting help, the Ring was destroyed, ending Sauron's power forever. Aragorn reclaimed the throne of Gondor, the Elves departed Middle-earth, the age of magic faded, and the dominion of Men began. Middle-earth's history is ultimately a story of creation, free will, pride, sacrifice, corruption, hope, and the long struggle against evil.