Silmarillion Project: Chapter 1 - Of the Beginning of Days (Patreon)

The first proper chapter deals with the  details of the shaping of Arda (Earth). In the beginning, the Valar attempted to assemble Arda, but were constantly at odds with Melkor, who  warred against them to a standstill. This persisted until the last of the Valar, Tulkas, descended into Arda as well, and together they managed to scare Melkor off for the time being.

What  followed was an era of peace, and to light the world (in addition to  the stars), the Valar constructed two titanic lamps at opposite ends of  Arda. In the middle, they resided on the Isle of Almaren, which I’ve  illustrated above, along with one of the lamps.  In the foreground is  Tulkas himself, ever vigilant.

Melkor ultimately returned while  Tulkas slept and toppled the lamps. The destruction was so devastating  that Arda itself was deformed, and the Valar retreated to the Western  continent of Aman, leaving Middle-Earth to the dark powers.

Notes: I find the character of Tulkas pretty fascinating, as he’s initially the only member of the Valar who entered Arda because there  was a conflict, not to contribute to the building of the world. He is  also one of the only Valar never to be duped by Melkor, as he seems to  have at least a moderate understanding of evil (a rare trait among the  Valar). Here I’ve depicted him mostly in silhouette, along with some  vaguely humanoid Valar in the distance.