Quenta Silmarillion: The History of the Silmarils, Chapter 1: Of the Beginning of Days and Chapter 2: Of Aule and Yavanna Summary

The first war begins before Arda is fully shaped. Melkor has the upperhand until Tulkas comes to the aid of the Valar. The Valar brings order to Ea. Yavanna plants seeds, and Manwe places lamps at Illuin and Ormal. The Valar rest and have a great feast. Aule and Tulkas are weary. Melkor covets Arda and builds a fortress, Utumno. While Tulkas sleeps, Melkor attacks the Valar and mars the perfection of Arda, then flees. Since Melkor destroys the Valar's dwelling, they go to the Land of Aman and establish Valinor and build a city, Valmar. Yavanna sings to two saplings which grow into flowering trees, the...